Author: Stephen K. Brooks

2015 Update on Takata Airbag Recall Lawsuits

A lot has happened in the Takata Airbag Recall since our last update. In early February, lawsuits from around the country were consolidated and brought before a federal judge in Miami. Thus far, 1 in 4 airbag-related injuries and deaths have occurred in Florida, making our state the most affected in the Takata case. The…

How to Choose the Best Injury Attorney

There are a few critical steps to finding the BEST Personal Injury attorney to represent you. First, research is important. You must find out as much information about the attorney as well as the law group. What kind of trial and court experience do they have? Have they won awards? Does your lawyer have a…

Tragic Lakeland Accident Reminds Us to Take Precautions in Heavy Fog

Last Monday, a 23-year-old mother lost her life in a three-car accident involving a semi-truck in Lakeland. The deceased driver, Kaylie Cadwell of Lakeland, was heading southbound on Combee Road North. She collided with another vehicle, a Chevy Malibu, at the intersection of Combee Road and Old Combee Road when the Malibu unknowingly turned into…

Why You Should Request an In-Person Social Security Disability Appeal Hearing

Has your Social Security Disability claim reached the appeal phase? If so, you’ve probably found yourself having to decide whether you’d like to conduct your appeal via video teleconference (VTC) or in person. As of September 2014, claimants must make this decision within 30 days of receiving notice that their appeal has been scheduled. (Previously,…

Unbelievable Semi-Truck Accidents in Florida

These stories will have you buckled up and driving safely in no time. From the fall of 2014 to the first few weeks of the New Year we have encountered chilling stories about accidents involving semi-trucks. Some made it out with luck on their side, but others paid the price with their life. Starting with…

How the Law Treats a Death on the Job Differently

A recent Florida Supreme Court ruling confirmed what we already knew. Florida’s exclusive remedy provision, which states that workers’ compensation is the sole remedy for injuries (even fatal ones) sustained in the workplace, is here to stay. The case in question was Morales v. Zenith Ins. Co. It involved the 1997 death of Lawns Nursery & Irrigation…

Death Toll Climbs in GM Ignition Switch Recall

Tomorrow is the last day for victims of the GM ignition switch recall to file claims and seek monetary compensation. Originally, that deadline was December 31st, 2014. However, GM has decided to extend the filing period by one month to ensure that all 2.6 million recall-eligible current GM owners (and 1 million former owners) have…

Pay Attention to How You Drive Around Semi-Trucks

The Tampa Bay and Central Florida regions are home to dangerous highways filled with a bustling transportation industry. The growing number of semi-trucks on our fast paced roads is good reason for knowledge about critical risk factors. Tractor trailers are an average of 53 feet in length, with 3 major blind spots, and carry loads…

Why You Need Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Florida

Florida consistently ranks among the worst states for uninsured motorists. Recent statistics from the Insurance Information Institute found that 20.4 percent of Florida drivers have no auto insurance. That’s the sixth-highest percentage in the country. The nationwide picture isn’t pretty either. Current data from the Insurance Research Council (IRC) show that one in eight drivers…

How Does Jury Selection Work?

The first day and step in any trial, civil or criminal, is to select a jury. The qualifications for jurors in the State of Florida are relatively simple. To qualify as a juror, the person must be a U.S. citizen who is a legal resident of Florida as well as the county where the trial…

Consulate Health Care Centers in Polk County Charged with Neglect

The companies that own and manage Consulate Health Care nursing centers in Lakeland and Winter Haven are finding themselves in hot water. Three wrongful death lawsuits have recently been filed in Circuit Court in Polk County against the companies by a Tampa law firm seeking damages in excess of $15,000. Those lawsuits accuse them of…

Watch Out for This Year’s Top 10 Dangerous Toys

Now that Christmas is over, children all over the world that were fortunate enough to receive gifts are enjoying playing with their new loot. While the week after Christmas is a fun one for sure, parents should vigilantly monitor children while playing to prevent any injuries from toys. CBS News ranked the Top 10 Most…

New Year’s Eve Safety

The countdown has begun! The final day of 2014 is here. Are you planning on partying tonight? How about going out on a boat to stay away from crowds? By now we all know that driving on certain days of the year are more risky than others, New Year’s Eve night is no exception. If…

What is the Offer of Judgment statute and How Can It Affect My Case?

The costs of filing or defending a lawsuit can seem daunting. In fact, our laws are set up so that unless there is some specific basis in statute or contract, litigants must generally pay their own attorney’s fees and costs. These costs can make a major impact on how a case is litigated and, in…

7 Important Steps to Take If You’ve Been in a Car Accident

Being in a car accident can be a very traumatic experience. It is difficult to remember to keep a cool head when you may be in pain, disoriented, or concerned about your passengers. Assuming you are conscious, consider taking these following steps if you find yourself in the unfortunate position of being in a car…