The Florida Supreme Court has ruled that “Stand Your Ground” immunity granted in criminal cases cannot be automatically transferred to civil cases filed in response to the same incident. The standard of proof in a criminal case – beyond a reasonable doubt – differs from that in a civil case…
A bicyclist who suffered a severe injury after his bicycle struck a pothole will receive a $6.5 million settlement from the City of Los Angeles, following lawmaker approval of a claims bill. The claims bill process involving public entities in L.A. is somewhat similar to how such matters are handled…
Jurors awarded $148 million in damages to a former dance student who was permanently paralyzed as a result of a poorly-maintained pedestrian shelter at a bus stop of Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. That amount fell shy of the $175 million plaintiff’s attorneys sought for her injuries, but it was far…
For the last four years, Florida has used the Daubert standard in civil trials as a means of testing the scientific validity of testimony by expert witnesses. Previously, the state courts adhered to the less strenuous Frye standard. Both standards are named for specific cases that set the criteria for…
State fairs are iconic Americana. The whir of cotton candy machines, the game jingles and, of course, the rides. But the experience isn’t always as safe as patrons have come to expect. Recently in Ohio, a U.S. Marine recruit, just 18-years-old, was killed and seven others injured when the Fire…
We trust that the products we buy are going to be safe when used as advertised. This is true when it comes to everything from kitchen appliances to children’s toys to motor vehicles. Those who purchase certain items for medically-required uses may rely even more heavily on these devices, and…
There was no shortage of fun family activities this past Fourth of July holiday, and that includes many spectacular fireworks displays in our area. However, in addition to these safe and processional fireworks displays, there were many who chose to launch amateur fireworks at their back yard barbecues, or more…
A traumatic brain injury, or “TBI” as they are often called, can be deadly. Even in cases where they are not fatal, they can substantially alter the quality of life of victim. It can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars over the course of a victim’s life to treat and…
One of the great things about the summer in Florida is all of the amazing fireworks demonstrations. However, while there are beautiful professional pyrotechnics displays, many choose to buy fireworks and have their own backyard (or middle on the street) displays on the Fourth of July and many other days…
In Florida, if you get injured on someone else’s property, whether it is a private home or a business frequented by the general public, the law that controls whether the property owner is liable is known as premises liability law. The basic rule is that a land owner will be…