AUTO ACCIDENTS
Unfortunately, they happen all the time. Most often due to the carelessness of another driver. These situations can be very frustrating, especially when your vehicle is no longer drivable. What does “no fault” mean? What if I am injured? Who will repair my car? Why am I receiving bills? All these are typical questions in an accident situation. The answer in your case will depend on the specific facts in your case. Until you speak to your attorney, we recommend you avoid giving statements to anyone.
BOATING / PWV ACCIDENTS
Fun in the sun is a way of life for many Floridians. Unfortunately, the occasional boater gets out of control turning a fun day into tragedy. Often times boating accidents are alcohol related, but sometimes a boater just becomes careless. Boats are regulated in Florida and an accident should be reported to the state agency as well as the insurance company immediately. You should contact an attorney immediately as many boating accidents fall under a one year statute of limitations.
DOG BITE / INJURY
In these cases the dog owner is strictly liable for the injuries caused by their dog. The statutes protect people from dog bites as well as other dog related injuries. There is no “first bite” exception to liability in the State of Floirda. Additionally, if you have been injured or bitten by a dog it is extremely important you gather information about the dog itself. A bite from a rabid or unknown dog can result in the victim having to undergo extensive and painful treatment.
LONGSHORE HARBOR WORKERS’ COMPENSATION ACT
Unlike most employees working in the state of Florida, those employees who are injured working in the harbors and marinas of Florida are covered under a Federal Law called the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. The rules for these cases are completely different than those under the state law. Our attorneys have the expertise to guide you through these claims and ensure your benefits are protected.
MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS
A nice day on the road ends badly for thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts every year. While enjoying a ride on a bike has become immensely popular, motorcycle insurance law in Florida has most motorcycle owners confused. Most motorcycle owners believe they will be covered by their automobile insurance or by the adverse driver’s insurance if they are involved in a motorcycle accident. Unfortunately, nothing could be farther from the truth. In Florida, insurance is not required for the owner and rider of a motorcycle. And the PIP coverage a motorcycle owner may have on his car, will not cover the owner if injured in a motorcycle accident.
NEGLIGENT SECURITY
The area of the law where a victim is harmed by the perpetrator of the crime, but as a result of the failure to use such care as a reasonable prudent person would use under similar circumstances. This encompasses three elements: 1. Foreseeability of the event 2. Adequacy of the security measures and 3. Preventability of the criminal event.
For example, such elements are used to determine the liability of a hotel when a hotel guest is robbed in the parking lot.
This area of the law has been instrumental in developing increases in security, remember the day when you used to use an actual key to enter a hotel room…
NURSING HOME NEGLECT/ABUSE
Some of the most heinous crimes in our nation occur in nursing homes where those paid to provide essential care to our loved ones are reckless, neglectful, and sometimes outright abusive. Florida has a Bill of Residents Rights, and violation of the residents rights can be pursued in court in addition to negligence claims
VICTIM OF A CRIME / DUI
Oftentimes the victim of a criminal act is able to pursue, along with the criminal action being prosecuted by the state/government, a civil action with the aid of an attorney. Benefits of such civil action are: 1. Control of the Case; 2. Compensation; 3. Justice and Accountability; and 4. Crime Prevention.
Such offenses include Assault and Battery, DUI Accident, Wrongful Death, False Imprisonment, Stalking, Infliction of Emotional Distress, Fraud, and Negligent torts including negligent hiring/retention/supervision/training and negligent security.
WRONGFUL DEATH
Few things in life more tragic than losing a loved one. It can be especially frustrating if you know it didn’t have to happen, and that it’s due to the negligence of someone else. In Florida, family members can file a Wrongful Death claim. Spouses, children, parents, and other loved ones of the deceased are entitled to financial recovery for the economic value of the deceased person’s life, as well as compensation other damages, such as emotional suffering. Our attorneys have represented many families forced to cope with the untimely death of a loved one. We can only attempt to understand the emotional toll such a tragedy causes and we treat the family with compassion while aggressively working to get them the compensation they deserve.
Josh Firm P.A. in St. Petersburg, Florida, represents clients throughout Florida and most frequently the Tampa-St. Pete metro area, including Tarpon Springs, Palm Harbor, Largo, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Lakeland, Pinellas Park, and St. Pete Beach; from counties including Pinellas County, Hillsborough County, Citrus County, Manatee County, Sarasota County, Hernando County, and Pasco County.