Author: Stephen K. Brooks

Does Your Child Know About School Bus Safety?

Monday begins a new school year for Polk County children. This time of year is filled with excitement and full shopping carts as parents furiously attempt to fulfill all of the supply list requirements and last-minute back-to-school tasks. It’s also the time that school buses start preparing to transport children to and from school. And…

I’ve Been in Accident With a Semi Truck, What Do I Do?

After you or a loved one have been in an accident with a semi truck or other large vehicle you will experience many emotions: fear, sadness, anger, and many more. But what should you do to best help your personal injury or wrongful death case? The following is a checklist to help you begin this…

Five Million Dollar Settlement for Traumatic Brain Injury

Nobody likes to hear the word “Brain Injury.” Brain Injuries are one of the scariest types of injuries known to man. One of the latest personal injury settlements in Polk County, Florida was for a gentleman who suffered from a brain injury. He received a 5 million dollar settlement. 5 million dollars is a lot…

Determining How Much A Case Is Worth?

One of the most common questions we are asked is “How much is my case worth?” Even though, Attorneys’ may use similar methods of analysis to help determine the value of your case, they also do extensive research. The two primary factors in determining case value: Injuries – Your injuries are going to be the…

Primary Seat Belt Laws Could Reduce Drunk Driving

Everyone knows drinking and driving is a bad idea. The statistics indicating just how bad an idea it is are startling: according to the Centers for Disease Control, almost 30 people die in this country from car crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver every day. Put another way, one person dies from car crashes involving alcohol…

Birth Defects Associated with Popular Antidepressants

Depression and anxiety plague many. While these afflictions can be debilitating, many find comfort—and sometimes simply the ability to function—in antidepressant medication. Paxil and Prozac are two antidepressant medications in a commonly-prescribed class known as SSRIs, or Selective Seratonin Reuptake Inhibitors. It is not known conclusively how depression begins; however, some experts believe that depression…

What is Mediation and How Does it work in a Personal Injury Case?

Mediation is an informal, confidential, non-adversarial negotiation process that is used to resolve disputes. Mediation is conducted by a neutral third party called a mediator. The mediator’s objective is to help the parties come to a mutually acceptable agreement, referred to as a settlement, to resolve their case. Often, mediation carries an informal atmosphere, which…

8-year-old Bicyclist Seriously Injured in Tampa

Learning how to ride a bike is the ultimate childhood rite of passage. Most remember the careful instruction of Mom or Dad during the learning process. After weeks of teeter-tottering down the street with Mom or Dad’s reassuring hand on the seat, one day, that hand disappears, and off the bike goes. Most childhoods are…

Which Family Member Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

Wrongful deaths are a tragic and devastating time for families who have lost a love one due to personal injury. In the year 2014, there were over 32,000 fatalities as a result of auto accidents, and nearly 14,000 people lost their life while on the job. During this tragic and devastating time, families are often…

The Difference Between a Car Accident and an Accident with a Semi Truck

Out of the two million people that die each year in the United States, over 32,000 people die as a result of an auto accident, and nearly 5,000 of those people who die as a result of an auto accident, were in an accident involving a semi-truck. Two million semis operate in the U.S., all…

Deadly Sorrento Accident Reminds Motorcyclists to Be Extra Careful

Driving a motorcycle provides a sensory experience that can allow one to feel footloose and fancy free. Feeling the wind blowing on one’s skin, the open road beneath one’s feet, taking in the sights and smells—there’s just nothing like it. As fun as riding a motorcycle can be, however, it is also risky. Motorcycles have…

How to Pick the Right Auto Accident Attorney

In the United States, nearly 5 million people are involved in an auto accident each year. More than 200,000 of those auto accidents happen in Florida. That’s around 555 accidents just in the state of Florida, a day! If you live in the state of Florida and have a valid Florida license plate, you are…

Follow Pool Safety Rules for a Happy and Safe 4th of July

For many Florida families, the arrival of summer means one thing: pool time. Indeed, there’s no better way to beat the heat than to jump in a pool of cool water, and owning a pool is a fun privilege. However, with privilege comes great responsibility. Pool owners may face liability when accidents occur, so due…

New Federal Standards Minimize Risk of Defective Baby Products

The arrival of a new baby brings so much joy, and the necessity for buying so many baby-related products. New parents naturally only want what is the best for baby, so choosing the safest products is a top concern. Strollers and carriages top the list of essential baby items that must be safe to ensure…

Summer of Motorcycles

Last month Attorney Stephen K. Brooks and motorcycle riding trainer, Joe Strohmier came together to release their book, “Florida Motorcycle Accidents.” The book contains useful tips on riding in tumultuous weather, fix-it yourself advice, and information regarding motorcycle insurance. The pre-ordering of the book hit the market on Amazon right on time for Motorcycle Awareness…