personal injury

How Long Do I Have to Sue for Crime Victim Compensation in Miami?

Published on: September 6, 2024 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

Violent crime can happen anywhere, but, as you might expect, it is more prevalent in urban areas like Miami and South Florida. According to the Florida Department of Health (FL DOH), there are around 33,650 violent crimes committed in the state every year. More than 9,400 of these occur in the South Florida Counties of Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach. That amounts to almost one-third of all such crimes in the state, in just these three counties. For purposes of these statistics, violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault.

The aftermath of a crime can be incredibly stressful, leaving you with physical, emotional, and financial burdens. While the criminal justice system focuses on punishing the offender, crime victim compensation can help alleviate some of the financial hardship. You should contact a Miami attorney for crime victims to discuss your legal options right away because Florida’s statute of limitations creates a time limit to pursue your remedies.

Criminal vs Civil Statute of Limitations in Florida

Who is Liable for Accidents at Resort Beaches in Florida?

Published on: August 30, 2024 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

The reasons for the nickname “Sunshine State” are obvious, since the beautiful resort beaches of Florida attract visitors from around the world seeking relaxation and enjoyment. A publication on Florida’s Hotel Industry, By the Numbers, includes a snapshot regarding hotels, resorts, and vacation clubs. The statistics reveal that there are almost 4,500 properties in the state and counting, with new developments monthly. These resorts offer around 483,000 guestrooms to visitors.

However, accidents at resort beaches can happen, turning a dream vacation into a nightmare. If you or a loved one was injured at a hotel beach in Florida, you may wonder about liability. Determining which parties are responsible for accidents is crucial for your legal claim. A Miami resort accident lawyer will explain how liability works, but you may benefit from reviewing some key factors.

1. Resort Legal Duties

Injured at Sea? Workers’ Compensation in Florida’s Maritime Industry

Published on: August 23, 2024 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

Florida’s many miles of coastline comprise a thriving maritime industry of workers serving cruise lines, cargo operations, and many other water-based activities. However, working on the water comes with inherent risks. If you were injured in a maritime accident on the job, you wonder about your rights. There are workers’ compensation laws in Florida, but they do not apply to maritime workers in the same way as employees in other market sectors.

Being injured in any workplace accident can be physically, emotionally, and financially draining, so it is crucial to pursue all legal options. Fortunately, you may be protected by two federal workers’ compensation laws specifically intended for maritime employees. A Miami maritime accident attorney can provide details on what workers are covered by these laws, but the answer depends on the specific nature of your work.

1. Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act

How Do Dislocation Injuries Happen?

Published on: July 26, 2024 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

Of all types of injuries a victim can suffer in an accident, dislocations of the body’s joints certainly tend to make people cringe. The definition from medical experts at Johns Hopkins Medicine states that this joint injury occurs when the ends of two connected bones separate. Though there are some medical conditions that cause dislocation, the vast majority of these injuries are caused by accidents. If you suffer a joint dislocation, you will certainly know right away because of the intense pain. However, additional symptoms include visible evidence of the bone being out of place, numbness and tingling at the joint, swelling, bruising, and inability to move.

There are many accidents that can cause dislocation injuries because they involve violent, harsh impacts on the body. While the immediate pain is excruciating, you could also suffer long-term or permanent disability. A Miami personal injury attorney can assist with your claim and provide some details to explain how dislocations happen.

Long-Term Trauma from Dislocation Injuries

How Do You Start a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Florida?

Published on: June 14, 2024 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

As you go about your day in Miami and South Florida, you probably do not realize that the risk of serious, injury-causing accidents surrounds you. Statistics reported by the National Safety Council (NSC) are surprising, revealing that there are more than 227,000 preventable deaths and 63 million injuries to victims annually. It is fortunate the Florida personal injury laws protect you since you could suffer significant losses from injuries or the death of a loved one. Through the legal process, you may recover compensation for these losses.

With many accidents, the first unofficial step in the legal process is to file an insurance claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. However, this action does not bring your case before the court. You must go through the steps to start a personal injury lawsuit, and a Miami personal injury lawyer will assist you. Read on for some basics about filing the case and litigation proceedings.

Filing the Personal Injury Lawsuit

Factors to Consider When Settling a Florida Child Accident Claim

Published on: April 26, 2024 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

It is horrific to think about your child being injured in an accident, but the statistics indicate that these incidents are common among infants, toddlers, and older kids. The National Safety Council (NSC) lists multiple risks, including traffic crashes that are the leading cause of death for children 17 years old and under. Plus, every three minutes, a child suffers a sports-related concussion or other traumatic brain injury (TBI). Kids are not even completely safe at school and while playing, as 80% of playground injuries are caused by falls.

For parents, the first priority is getting their child the necessary medical treatment and working on recovery from accident injuries. However, you may soon realize that it is also important to pursue your legal remedies against the at-fault party. A Miami child injuries lawyer will assist with the legal process, but there are some factors you need to consider.

Liability for Accidents

Answers to FAQs About Mediation in Florida Personal Injury Cases

Published on: April 12, 2024 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

Many Florida accident claims will be settled by agreement of the parties without going to court, while some must go through the litigation and trial process. Still other cases are in between these stages. The parties are close to settlement and have resolved some issues, but they remain apart in other disputes. In such a case, mediation may enter the picture. In fact, under Florida’s statute on mediation, you may be required to participate.

The good news is that there are many benefits to mediation, because you have certainty knowing the outcome of the case. You also save time, since it is often possible to complete mediation within a day. Still, there are some factors to consider when conducting mediation, and a Miami personal injury lawyer can provide useful advice. Plus, you can review some answers to common questions about mediation in Florida accident claims.

Who will attend a mediation proceeding? The parties and their attorneys will be present, so your lawyer will be at the mediation along with counsel for the defendant. For an accident claim, the defendant will usually be an insurance company on behalf of the at-fault party. The insurer will have their own attorney as well.

Potential Parties a Florida Crime Victim Can Pursue for Damages

Published on: March 1, 2024 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

Florida is the third largest state in the US by population, so it stands to reason that crime rates are rather high in both urban and rural areas. According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), more than 124,600 people are arrested for violent crimes every year. This data covers such offenses as simple and aggravated assault, murder, and rape, as well as violent theft offenses like burglary and robbery. For victims injured in these crimes, the losses can be considerable.

Fortunately, Florida law allows you to seek compensation from the parties at fault for your injuries. There are multiple individuals and entities that may be liable, so you cover all your bases by pursuing as many as possible. It is important to rely on a Miami crime victims lawyer for assistance when you attempt to recover monetary damages from:

Criminal Offender

The Florida Tort Reform Act of 2023

Published on: February 2, 2024 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

Blaming all of your problems on lawyers has been a popular recreational activity in Florida, and lawmakers finally found a way to capitalize on this sentiment in order to get votes. The Tort Reform Act of 2023 places new restrictions on the situations in which injured people may sue the parties legally responsible for their injuries, the amounts of money plaintiffs can recover in personal injury lawsuits, and the deadlines for initiating such lawsuits.

The ostensible purpose of the law is to reduce liability insurance costs for business owners, who are defendants in the majority of personal injury lawsuits with large damages awards. Injured people still have the right to receive compensation from the parties that caused their injuries or which failed to prevent the injuries when they had a responsibility to do so; it only means that plaintiffs and their lawyers must work more quickly and more thoroughly to build an airtight case. All of this means that if you have suffered a preventable injury, it is not too soon to contact a Miami personal injury lawyer.

The Deadline to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit Is Two Years After the Date of the Injury

Civil Lawsuits Filed After Sexual Assault on Miami Cruise Ship

Published on: January 5, 2024 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

Cruise vacations deliver memories for a lifetime, but once in a while, stories hit the headlines regarding onboard incidents that are truly shocking. In a recent news report, two women have filed lawsuits alleging sexual assault by a Margaritaville at Sea cruise ship bartender who had been serving them. The crew member stole one victim’s room key that she had used to charge drinks. Later, he entered the cabin after the two victims were asleep, raping both of them. One of the women became pregnant because of the encounter.

The crew member pled guilty to criminal charges following the incident, while the recently filed civil lawsuits seek damages against the Margaritaville cruise line. A Miami cruise ship accident lawyer can provide details on passengers’ rights, as this horrific incident raises questions about liability for the cruise line in light of criminal activity.

Criminal Charges for Sexual Assault