It is fairly certain that until an effective vaccine is created to control Covid-19 (a.k.a. “Coronavirus”), the virus will continue to spread from human-to-human contact. With the reopening of businesses, the threat of being infected in the workplace is real. If an employee can prove that his coronavirus infection came…
Florida Injury Attorney Blawg
Jeffrey P. Gale, P.A. // Claim for Punitive Damages Allowed for Cell Phone Usage While Driving
Punitive damages under Florida law can increase the amount of money awarded against a defendant by a factor far in excess of the amount awarded by the jury for compensatory damages. See, Florida Statute 768.73. Punitive damages are awarded “as punishment to the wrongdoer, for the purpose of deterring him…
Jeffrey P. Gale, P.A. // Tolling Florida’s Workers’ Compensation Statute of Limitations (SOL)
Our firm recently received a phone call from a highly distraught gentleman claiming that his Florida workers’ compensation case was closed as a result of running afoul of the system’s statute of limitations. After a lengthy question and answer session, I concluded that his only possible avenue of recourse was…
Jeffrey P. Gale, P.A. // Using Google Images as Evidence in Florida Premises Liability Cases
One of the most important elements in a premises liability case is proving notice of the dangerous condition. This is done by demonstrating that the owner and/or possessor of the premises had actual or constructive knowledge of the dangerous condition before the accident occurred. Google Maps was launched in 2005,…
Jeffrey P. Gale, P.A. // Resolving Health and Disability Insurance Liens in Personal Injury Cases Under Florida Statute 768.76
It is common for medical bills incurred in Florida personal injury cases to be paid by health insurance. Some people injured in accidents also receive private disability insurance benefits. Most health and disability insurance policies afford insurance carriers subrogation or reimbursement rights against the insured who has recovered all or…
Jeffrey P. Gale, P.A. // Example of State Farm’s Callous Indifference to Human Suffering
While recently researching a Florida legal matter, I came upon this Utah Supreme Court case — Hill v. State Farm Mutual Insurance Company. It demonstrates a shocking indifference by a billion dollar insurance company towards the feelings of grieving family members whose loved ones were killed in a crash caused…
Jeffrey P. Gale, P.A. // UM/UIM Not Subject to Florida Workers’ Compensation Lien. However, Beware!
Workers injured in motor vehicle crashes while in the course and scope of employment may be eligible for compensation through uninsured/under-insured (UM/UIM) motor vehicle insurance. UM covers losses sustained by the insured, passengers, and family members through the fault of a party who fails to maintain Bodily Injury (BI) insurance. Hit-and-run and…
Jeffrey P. Gale, P.A. // Permanent Injury Not Required if Tortfeasor Does Not Have Insurance Policy Complying With Florida PIP Law
Florida is one of only a handful of states that operates under a No-Fault system for paying medical expenses incurred in connection with motor vehicle accidents. Florida’s No-Fault Law, commonly referred to as “PIP” (personally injury protection, is contained in sections 627-730-627.7405 of the Florida Statutes. There is a dollar…
Jeffrey P. Gale, P.A. // Benefiting From Vicariously Liable Defendants in Florida Personal Injury Cases
Personal injury cases can have both active and passive tortfeasors, with both being legally responsible for compensating the injured party. The passive tortfeasor’s liability arises from the legal principle known as vicarious liability. Consider these examples: In Florida Under the principle of respondeat superior, an employer is responsible for the…
Jeffrey P. Gale, P.A. // Past Medical Expenses as Measure of Future Medical Expenses and Personal Injuries
A key objective of every civil law defense attorney is to limit the amount of money his or her client, the defendant, must pay to the suing party, the plaintiff. In Florida cases involving personal injuries, the damages for which the defendant may be held responsible for compensating the plaintiff…