What began as a product liability investigation, ended in a $2,000,000 personal injury settlement against the owner of an altered riding lawnmower (pictured). Our client lost his right leg when run over by the lawnmower he was operating for his employer. Initially thinking that the mower was owned by the employer,…
Articles Posted in Insurance Law
Jeffrey P. Gale, P.A. // Where the Insurance Policy is Delivered Can Matter
We recently resolved a case involving a reimbursement dispute under an Occupational Health & Disability Insurance Policy. Our client, an independent trucker, had sustained catastrophic injuries from being struck by a motor vehicle as he was changing a tire while parked in a gore on I-95 in Florida. He was…
Jeffrey P. Gale, P.A. // Florida Uber and Lyft Riders and Drivers Beware!
Riders and operators of Uber and Lyft rides will be surprised to learn that they are barely covered by insurance or not covered at all for economic losses and personal injuries resulting from crashes caused by uninsured and underinsured motorists. Florida Statute 627.748 outlines the insurance requirements for Transportation Network…
Jeffrey P. Gale, P.A. // Avoid Getting Burned by “Non-Owned Vehicle” Language in Motor Vehicle Insurance Policy
Motor vehicle insurance companies are expert at finding ways of denying coverage under policies. The successful denial of coverage can leave the insured with significant burdens. The successful denial of coverage in Geico Indemnity Co. v. Walker, Case No. 4D20-764 (Fla. 4th DCA May 12, 2021), is a cautionary tale for…
Jeffrey P. Gale, P.A. // Health and Disability Insurance Reimbursement Rights in Florida Personal Injury Cases
It is common for health and disability (lost wages) insurance companies to pay benefits to their insureds who have been injured through the negligence of others. Most of the insurance policies contain language granting the insurance company a right of reimbursement for the money it has paid out from the…
Jeffrey P. Gale, P.A. // Severely Injured Uber Eats Operator Fighting for Compensation in Florida
We represent a young man who was severely injured in a roadway accident while making a delivery for Uber Eats. He was struck by a phantom motor vehicle (i.e., unidentified vehicle) while riding his bicycle and left to die by the side of the road. He was discovered and transported…
Jeffrey P. Gale, P.A. // Dealing With Defendant’s Formal Bankruptcy Proceedings During Pending Personal Injury Case
Every citizen of this state should know that the only thing compelling personal injury liability insurance companies to voluntarily pay claims is the threat of being sued for bad faith. Liability insurance companies have a legal obligation to act in the best interests of their insureds. Boston Old Colony Ins.…
Jeffrey P. Gale, P.A. // Licensed Massage Therapists Not Entitled to PIP Payments
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is mandatory insurance coverage for Florida motor vehicle owners. It covers a limited amount of medical expenses and lost wages, typically $10,000 total. The PIP statute, s. 627.736, is particular as to which types of medical providers may seek reimbursement. In Geico General Insurance Co. v.…
Jeffrey P. Gale, P.A. // Threat to Florida Motor Vehicle Insurance Coverage Rights
I have written many times before that maintaining Uninsured Motorist (UM)/Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage is an important way of providing a level of protection to self and others from the negative consequences of a serious motor vehicle accident. The coverage is outlined in Section 627.727, Florida Statutes. To the extent…
Jeffrey P. Gale, P.A. // Resolving Health and Disability Insurance Liens in Personal Injury Cases Under Florida Statute 768.76
It is common for medical bills incurred in Florida personal injury cases to be paid by health insurance. Some people injured in accidents also receive private disability insurance benefits. Most health and disability insurance policies afford insurance carriers subrogation or reimbursement rights against the insured who has recovered all or…