Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Overview of Florida’s Court System
It’s important for personal injury and wrongful death litigants to understand how the Florida court system works. The more knowledge you have, the easier it will be to navigate the litigation process. For example, you need to know the difference between Florida’s courts. There are three distinct judicial layers: trial courts, appellate courts, and… Read More »
Using Cell Phone Data to Prove Distracted Driving
Tennis star Venus Williams was involved in a car accident last year that fatally injured the other driver’s husband. That woman’s family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Williams, claiming that her negligence caused the accident. Specifically, they claim she was distracted by her cell phone when the crash happened. A judge recently ruled… Read More »
The Florida Telemarketing Act
When you think of a personal injury lawsuit, you probably imagine a physical injury, like head trauma suffered in a car accident or a broken arm caused by slipping and falling in a grocery store. But Florida law recognizes that there are other types of injuries. For example, under the Florida Telemarketing Act, consumers… Read More »
Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit as an Undocumented Immigrant
An undocumented immigrant from Guatemala filed a lawsuit in Miami federal court after her son was injured at an immigration detention center. The 11-year-old boy was injured when another child caused him to hit his head on a metal bed. The lawsuit claims that detention center officials didn’t protect the boy and also didn’t… Read More »
Suing for Dog Bite Injuries in Florida
A six-year-old Jacksonville girl died after being mauled by a dog in her home. The dog, a pit bull terrier, doesn’t belong to her family, but they were pet-sitting it. Under Florida law, the dog will be euthanized after a 10-day quarantine unless the owner files an appeal. In that case the dog will… Read More »
Recognizing Delayed Accident Injuries
Car collisions typically generate a lot of force, whether they involve minor fender-benders or a high-speed accident. “Minor” collisions are particularly problematic when it comes to recognizing personal injuries. People who think the accident is no big deal might not recognize injury symptoms right away. Sometimes it’s obvious when you’ve been injured — fractures… Read More »
Jury Trials in Civil Cases
In August 2017, two men rented a boat in Dunedin from Pirate’s Cove Boat Club. About two hours into their fishing trip, the boat began taking on water in allegedly shark-infested waters. They say the boat wasn’t equipped with a radio or working flares. They called 911, and a Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office marine… Read More »
Suing Lyft for Negligent Hiring and Retention
A female Lyft customer recently filed a lawsuit against the ride-sharing company and one of its drivers, claiming that 61-year-old David Glen McNeill sexually assaulted her and that the company was negligent in dealing with him. In March 2017, McNeill picked the woman up in Orlando. She was partially naked and unconscious in the… Read More »
Frequently Asked Questions About Products Liability Claims
In July 2014, a West Palm Beach teen accidentally shot himself in the head with an air rifle. His mom recently filed a lawsuit against the rifle manufacturer, alleging that the rifle was in “safety mode” when it fired pellets into her son’s head. He suffered physical injuries, as well as depression and post-traumatic… Read More »
Understanding Service of Process
There’s a lot to think about when you’re injured in an accident. First, you need medical attention. If possible, you should also gather information about the accident, including the parties involved and the details of what happened. Even these initial steps can be overwhelming, which is why you should contact an experienced personal injury… Read More »