A landowner owes invitees two independent duties: “(1) to maintain the premises in a reasonably safe condition, and (2) to give warning of concealed perils.” Cruz-Haymer v. Festival Food Market, Inc. So.3d , 38 FLW D1581 (Fla. 4th DCA 7-24-2010 and Burton v. MDC PGA Plaza Corp., 78 So. 3d…
Florida Injury Attorney Blawg
How to Avoid the Insurance Application Misrepresentation Trap
Sadly, the first thought that crosses the mind of many insurance adjusters when a claim is made is how it can be denied. At the top of the list of the ways to deny claims is rescinding the insurance contract. Black’s Law Dictionary defines rescission as an act “where a…
Vicarious Liability and Negligent Entrustment Create Liability for Florida Motor Vehicle Owners
Because motor vehicles, like guns, in the wrong hands and used improperly are likely to cause great damage, Florida has developed two legal doctrines aimed at holding vehicle owners liable for the harm resulting from the negligent operation of their vehicles by others. The doctrines are vicarious liability and negligent…
Florida Personal Injury Law: At-Fault Parties Try to Limit Damages by Blaming Doctors
Accident victims often require medical attention. Medical malpractice sometimes makes their medical conditions worse, compounding the initial injuries with additional medical expenses and pain and suffering. When the initial injuries are caused by the negligence of a third party, the victim is entitled to be compensated by the third party…
Recovering Past Medical Expenses in Florida Personal Injury Cases
One of the primary responsibilities of personal injury attorneys who represent Plaintiffs, those injured by the negligence of others, is to recover past and future medical expenses. Recovering the past medical expenses requires proof that the charges are reasonable, related to the accident, and necessary. See Garrett v. Morris Kirschman…
Florida Workers’ Compensation Liens — The “Manfredo” Formula Made Simple
Florida employees injured at work may be able to bring a valid claim for damages against a third party. For purposes of this blog, a third party means an entity, including an individual, other than the employer or other entity entitled to workers’ compensation immunity. A third party case may…
Florida Wrongful Death Survivors Chart — Back by Popular Demand
Understanding who may be eligible for compensation under the “Florida Wrongful Death Act,” sections 768.16 through 768.26, can be difficult, like piecing together a puzzle. Reproduced here is an easy to understand chart showing that information as well as the type of compensation that may be available. Of particular importance…
Premises Liability Law in Florida Post-Owens
In Owens v. Publix Supermarkets, Inc., 802 So. 2d 315 (Fla. 2001), the Florida Supreme Court described Florida’s slip and fall law as it then existed: All premises owners owe a duty to their invitees to exercise reasonable care to maintain their premises in a safe condition. See, e.g., Everett…
Florida’s Second DCA Allows Consideration of Governmental/Charitable Medical Expenses in Personal Injury Cases
Individuals seriously injured through the negligence of others often require medical care and treatment long after the case is resolved. Settlements and jury verdicts must take these future medical expenses into account. Some individuals harmed through the negligence of others are eligible for medical care through governmental or charitable services…
Personal Injury Law: When an Insured is Not Insured Under Florida Law for Underinsured Motorist Credit
One of the primary objectives of every Plaintiff’s personal injury lawyer is to fairly and honestly maximize his or her client’s recovery. For Defendants and their insurance companies, the opposite outcome is their primary goal. For a Plaintiff’s lawyer to be successful, he must know the personal injury insurance laws.…