Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Your Rights if You or a Loved One is Injured in an Airplane Accident
For most people these days, flying has a tendency to be a relatively straightforward and safe process. Statistics consistently show that the chances of incurring a serious injury are much more likely in the car on the way to the airport than on the airplane itself. However, every so often there are disruptions among… Read More »
Did You Slip and Fall at a Florida Business?
The classic example of a personal injury claim is a slip-and-fall accident. Imagine that a retail employee mopped the floor but didn’t put out signs cautioning customers that the area is slippery. (You know the ones. They’re yellow and say “Caution.”) If a customer slips and falls and bangs her head on the wet… Read More »
Defenses to Premises Liability
When you shop at a grocery store or attend a house party, you don’t expect to be injured while on the premises. But accidents happen. That’s why Florida law holds property owners liable when visitors are injured at their house, business or other property (under premises liability law). Property owners have a duty to… Read More »
Frequently Asked Questions About Negligent Security Claims
Three people died and 11 were wounded when a shooter opened fire at a Madden video game tournament in August. One of the victims recently filed a negligent security lawsuit against the facility that hosted the event as well as EA, the makers of Madden. Negligent security lawsuits are common when a facility fails… Read More »
Filing a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit in Florida
Under Florida law, you’re allowed to sue doctors, hospitals and other medical professionals who injure you. But you have to prove that you’re entitled to compensation, and you only have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit. Here are a few things you need to know about filing a medical malpractice claim… Read More »
Personal Injuries Caused by Hazing
A 20-year-old Florida State University student ended up in the hospital because of a fraternity hazing ritual called “Scumbag of the Week.” The tradition began years ago at Alpha Epsilon Pi’s Phi Tau Florida State chapter. A personal injury lawsuit filed against the fraternity alleges that the frat brother who received the most votes… Read More »
Understanding the Slavin Doctrine
Construction defects are a major problem. People can be seriously hurt if a contractor makes a mistake while building a house or performing maintenance work. Contractors, like other professionals, have a duty not to act negligently. Contractors who fail to use a reasonable amount of care might be liable if their negligence causes injuries…. Read More »
Bicycle Accidents and Florida Negligence Law
Florida ranks first among bicyclist fatalities in the United States, according to statistics published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Common causes of bicycle accidents include: Distracted drivers who aren’t paying attention and don’t notice the cyclist until it’s too late, Drivers who run stop signs or otherwise don’t obey posted traffic signs,… Read More »
Understanding Intentional Torts
In June 2017, a black South Florida man tried to withdraw money from a Wells Fargo branch in West Palm Beach. He handed his driver’s license and Visa card to the teller but was told to wait. One of the bank tellers called the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, and then the police showed… Read More »
Understanding the Sudden Emergency Doctrine
Not every accident or personal injury is caused by negligence. But it might be negligence if the person who caused the accident acted carelessly. For example, the victim can probably prove negligence when a driver rolls through a stop sign and rear-ends another vehicle. However, there are certain defenses that negligent actors can use… Read More »