Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Dangers of Drowsy Driving
This time of year is an important time to reflect on the danger tired drivers pose toward the public. At Smith, Ball, Báez & Prather, our legal team has helped many people injured in car accidents with drowsy drivers. These motorists are a major menace to public safety, and we appreciate all attempts to… Read More »
What is Biker’s Arm?
Motorcyclists suffer many painful injuries in accidents, but “biker’s arm” might be one of the most serious. What is it, and how do motorcyclists suffer this injury in a collision? Our motorcycle accident lawyer takes a look. Nerves in the Arm The brachial plexus nerves branch off from the spinal cord at the neck… Read More »
Florida Tort “Reform”: Key Changes That Impact Injured Plaintiffs
Florida’s sweeping tort reform legislation (HB 837) has made a number of important changes that will impact those who are injured in terms of how long they have to bring a claim against a defendant (known as the statute of limitations). HB837 further changes the comparative negligence standard and the ability for injured plaintiffs… Read More »
OSHA Penalizes Florida Company Responsible for Wrongful Deaths of Workers
It was a day many in Florida will never forget: A $153-million bridge expansion project on I-95 in Fort Lauderdale that went terribly wrong last December, and set off a chain reaction. Suddenly the project’s crane sank forward, sending carpenters tumbling onto the pavement below. Sadly, as a result of negligence exhibited by this… Read More »
Wrongful Death in Florida Amusement Parks
The link between Florida amusement park rides and wrongful death – especially for the young people who ride them – has come to light this summer, as summer season is the time when so many individuals and families choose to visit these parks. One six-year-old boy is currently home recovering from serious injuries –… Read More »
A New Type of Bicycle Accident That’s Injuring & Killing Teens
There is no question that there has been a scourge of e-bike accidents around the country, including here in Florida. In fact, in Miami-Dade County alone, more than 750 e-bike crashes were recorded in 2020. As a result, some cities are now declaring a state of emergency when it comes to this technology, as… Read More »
The Dangers of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving Cars & Auto Accidents on the Road
There is no question that some feel apprehensive with the overall safety risk posed by “self-driving” cars. . Unfortunately for others, fully self-driving vehicles are nothing short of a deadly experiment with our lives, including here in Florida. According to recent estimates, Tesla’s autopilot has been involved with more than 700 crashes since 2019,… Read More »
What Is Microsleep & the Link to Truck Accidents?
The alarming surge in traffic accidents involving large trucks here in Florida – and everywhere else – has raised red flags, and microsleep behaviors have stood out as the primary catalyst. (Please define Mircosleep. I have never heard of the term and I think it would benefit the reader if it is defined earlier… Read More »
Florida Supreme Court Makes Decision with Implications for Medical Malpractice Cases
In July, the Florida Supreme Court made a decision that will inevitably make medical malpractice cases more difficult for plaintiffs by allowing defendant hospitals and practitioners to more easily challenge expert witness qualifications. Previously, defendants had to wait until the end of trial to challenge the plaintiff’s expert qualifications, however, they can now do… Read More »