Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 837, titled “Civil Remedies”, on March 24, 2023. This new law greatly impacts negligence cases going forward. In understanding the changes outlined in HB 837, the general public can respond more effectively when moving forward with a negligence case. Below is not an exhaustive list of changes outlined in HB 837, but does highlight several of the most notable provisions of the new law. Continue reading “What You Need To Know About Florida’s New Negligence Law”
Author: Weldon Rothman
Understanding How Insurance Companies Determine Settlement Amounts
If you recently submitted a claim to an insurance company, you’ll soon encounter a claims adjuster. The adjuster determines the settlement amount after a thorough investigation of the accident and damages.
Understanding how insurance adjusters determine settlement amounts can help you decide whether to counter, reject, or accept the offer. Here, we’ll discuss each of the factors that typically go into the decision, including the accident report, the claimant’s history, and the value of the damages.
The Accident Report
First off, the adjuster will likely gather information about the accident, including the policyholder’s firsthand account, any existing accident or police report, information from witnesses, etc. Continue reading “Understanding How Insurance Companies Determine Settlement Amounts”
Are Settlements Public Record?
If you’re considering filing a lawsuit in Florida, you may be wondering about the information that could become a public record. In particular, many Florida clients inquire about whether settlements are public records. The answer to this question comes down to a few different factors, including the type of case, Florida state law, and whether the plaintiff agrees to an out-of-court settlement.
This article will cover the types of settlements that become public records in Florida.
Settlements vs. Verdicts
First off, let’s clarify how settlements differ from legal verdicts. A settlement is a voluntary resolution that both parties agree to. Verdicts, on the other hand, are determined by a judge or jury during a court case. Continue reading “Are Settlements Public Record?”
What Should I Do If My Employer is Not Paying Me Overtime?
As a qualifying employee in Florida, you have a right to overtime compensation. In this article, we’ll discuss the steps that you can take to recover the money you deserve for working overtime.
Florida’s Overtime Laws
Florida’s law doesn’t include any overtime laws of its own. So, the Florida legislature previously determined that federal overtime laws would apply throughout the state. Continue reading “What Should I Do If My Employer is Not Paying Me Overtime?”
What Are The Common Causes of Personal Injury Accidents?
Even for the most careful among us, injuries and accidents are par for the course. Since people get injured all the time, it can be difficult to differentiate between a normal injury and one that warrants a personal injury lawsuit. So, let’s go over some of the most common causes of personal injury accidents and when to consult an attorney for damages. Continue reading “What Are The Common Causes of Personal Injury Accidents?”
Is Florida a No-Fault Accident State? What Does That Mean?
If you’ve ever been involved in an auto accident, you’ve probably pondered over who was at fault. Though car accidents are emotionally, physically, and financially taxing, it’s important to establish responsibility for major car accidents, especially when there is auto and medical damage to be covered. Florida is one of the top three most dangerous driving states in the U.S. So if you’re a driver in the Sunshine State, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with its state driving laws whether or not you’ve been involved in a car accident. Continue reading “Is Florida a No-Fault Accident State? What Does That Mean?”
How to File a Florida Uninsured Motorist Claim
20.4% of motorists in Florida are uninsured, making it the 6th highest state for uninsured drivers. With this statistic in mind, many Floridians are at risk for steep out-of-pocket costs if they’re in an accident with an uninsured driver.
Thankfully, there is a way to protect yourself against this possibility: uninsured motorist coverage. It provides compensation for costs not covered under PIP and property damage insurance, such as accident-related medical treatment, lost income, work limitations, and “pain and suffering”.
Let’s go over how to file an uninsured motorist claim in Florida for the best possible chance of claim approval. Continue reading “How to File a Florida Uninsured Motorist Claim”
When to Hire an Attorney to Help With Your Hurricane Ian Claim
Hurricane Ian struck Southwest Florida on September 28, eventually becoming the third most expensive weather disaster ever recorded. The flood and wind losses for this disaster have been estimated at between $41 billion and $70 billion. What’s more, Ian damaged an estimated 30,000 homes and destroyed around 5,000 homes in Florida, leaving thousands of Floridians in need of insurance compensation to repair the damage.
If you filed an insurance claim for damage sustained during Hurricane Ian, we hope that the process went smoothly. But, if you’re dealing with claim denials, lowballs, or delays, it’s time to contact an attorney. An experienced hurricane claim attorney can deal with the insurance company on your behalf and fight for your rightful compensation. Continue reading “When to Hire an Attorney to Help With Your Hurricane Ian Claim”
Do I Really Need a Lawyer for a Car Accident in Florida?
After being involved in a car accident in Florida, you may (understandingly) feel overwhelmed. Between dealing with injuries, car damage, insurance claims, and your regular responsibilities, managing the aftermath of a car crash can feel like a full-time job. But, do you really need a lawyer to help with the process? Continue reading “Do I Really Need a Lawyer for a Car Accident in Florida?”
Defining Sexual Harassment in Florida
In Florida, employees are protected against sexual harassment under both Florida law and federal law. These protections apply to public and private employers with at least 15 employees and cover two different types of sexual harassment: hostile work environment and quid pro quo.
This article will discuss the scenarios that constitute sexual harassment under Florida and federal law. Continue reading “Defining Sexual Harassment in Florida”