Understanding What’s Considered a Hostile Work Environment in Florida

Everyone has the right to a safe work environment. In Florida, employees are legally protected from hostile work environments, but many don’t understand the extent of their rights under state and federal law.

In this article, we’ll go over what’s considered a hostile work environment to help Florida employees better understand their legal protections. 

What Defines a Hostile Work Environment in Florida?

A work environment may be considered hostile if one or multiple employees are subject to discrimination, harassment, bullying, or offensive comments. These actions compromise the reasonable expectation of a safe, comfortable work environment.  Continue reading “Understanding What’s Considered a Hostile Work Environment in Florida”

5 Most Common Seat Belt Injuries

Wearing a seat belt while you’re on the road may save your life in case of an accident. They’re legally required for all drivers and passengers in motorized vehicles in Florida, with only a few exceptions. 

While seat belts can keep you from being thrown out of your vehicle, they can trigger some injuries in an auto accident. The most common seat belt injuries include: Continue reading “5 Most Common Seat Belt Injuries”

What is the Homeowner Claim Bill of Rights?

The Homeowner Claims Bill of Rights defines the rights and responsibilities of homeowners insurance policyholders in Florida. Florida’s law requires insurance companies to provide residential policyholders with this document within 14 days after the policyholder reaches out about a claim. The Bill of Rights helps protect homeowners during the insurance claims process, helping to secure their rightful compensation in the case of a claim.  Continue reading “What is the Homeowner Claim Bill of Rights?”

Medical Errors in Personal Injury Claims

Medical errors can occur following a personal injury incident, whether it be a motor vehicle crash, fall, or any other negligence action resulting in bodily injuries. Understanding what constitutes a medical error, as well as some of the most common medical errors in personal injury claims, can help you better understand your legal rights. 

What is a Medical Error?

A medical error is defined as a “preventable adverse effect of medical care”. It may be a failure to perform a planned action as intended or the use of a wrong action, leading to an unintended result. Medical errors may result in unintended injury, a prolonged hospital stay, or physical disability. Continue reading “Medical Errors in Personal Injury Claims”

Employer Liability for Car Accidents Involving Working Drivers

If a car accident involves an employee on the job, determining liability can be complicated. Is the employer held liable for the damages? What if the employee was driving negligently?

In this article, we’ll answer these key questions about determining liability in a crash with a working driver. 

Is The Employer Liable in a Crash with a Working Driver?

Florida law deems a company, corporation, or other entity (i.e. an LLC) a “person” under law. Additionally, with what’s legally known as vicarious liability, an employer may be held liable for the damages of a victim if their employee can be proven at fault for the crash. This can even apply if the employee was driving their own vehicle, so long as they were “on the job” at the time of the accident (this typically doesn’t apply if the employee was traveling to or from work).  Continue reading “Employer Liability for Car Accidents Involving Working Drivers”

Florida Car Accidents with Out-of-State Drivers

As one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations, Florida attracts millions of visitors every year. While there are many positives of Florida’s thriving tourism department, out-of-state drivers can complicate the aftermath of a car accident. Thankfully, with an experienced car accident attorney by your side, you can resolve insurance complications after a crash with an out-of-state driver.

Read on for more information about what to do after being in an auto accident with a non-Florida driver.  Continue reading “Florida Car Accidents with Out-of-State Drivers”

Can You Sue if You Signed a Liability Waiver in Florida?

If you sign a liability waiver in Florida and sustain an injury, you may doubt your ability to pursue compensation for the related damages. Gyms, amusement parks, sporting events, daycares, and a variety of other businesses and facilities require liability waivers in Florida to limit their legal obligation in case of an accident.

However, a liability waiver may not eliminate your ability to file a claim against the business in every circumstance. This article will outline when you may and may not be able to sue after signing a liability waiver in Florida.  Continue reading “Can You Sue if You Signed a Liability Waiver in Florida?”

What You Need to Know About Dog Bite & Injury Laws in Florida

Dog bites are more common than you might think. An estimated 4.5 million people in the U.S. are bitten by dogs each year, and an estimated 19% of those bites require medical attention. 

Given the prevalence of dog bites, it’s important for Floridians to understand the state’s dog bite and injury laws. Read on for a complete overview. 

Florida’s Dog Bite Laws

Florida is considered a strict liability state for dog bites, meaning that dog owners can be held legally liable for dog bites even if the victim can’t prove that the bite was a result of the owner’s negligence. Additionally, dog owners in Florida can be held liable for the damages related to a bite even if their dog doesn’t have a history of biting or hasn’t exhibited aggressive behaviors before. Continue reading “What You Need to Know About Dog Bite & Injury Laws in Florida”

Car Accidents Caused By a Medical Emergency

Car accidents can have many possible causes, from distracted driving to road rage to inclement weather. In some cases, unfortunately, car accidents are caused by medical emergencies. These cases can raise several questions, namely who is at fault in the crash. 

In this article, we’ll discuss how car accidents caused by medical emergencies are legally handled in the state of Florida. 

Who’s at Fault For an Auto Accident Caused By a Medical Emergency?

Unexpected medical emergencies aren’t preventable, so drivers who experience a sudden medical emergency on the road may not be held liable for damages. Florida has a Sudden Emergency Doctrine, which is used to legally protect these drivers in court. Continue reading “Car Accidents Caused By a Medical Emergency”

Can an Uninsured Driver Sue After a Car Accident?

Florida’s law requires all motorists to obtain at least $10,000 in personal injury protection insurance and $10,000 in property damage liability insurance. However, given that 20.4% of Florida motorists are uninsured, it’s clear that not all drivers abide by this law. So, if you find yourself not at fault and uninsured after a car accident, is suing for damages an option?

Let’s explore this topic and outline your options as an uninsured driver in Florida. 

Defining Fault for Florida Motorists

First off, let’s define what it means to be at fault in a car accident in Florida. It’s important to understand that Florida is a no-fault state, meaning that drivers are required to carry personal injury protection coverage, which will cover the driver’s damages regardless of who is at fault.  Continue reading “Can an Uninsured Driver Sue After a Car Accident?”