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Articles Posted in Personal Injury

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Jeffrey P. Gale, P.A. // Proceed Cautiously With Settlement Releases

Think of an injury case like navigating a ship from one port to another. Signing up the case is the equivalent of throwing off the ropes and pulling safely away from the dock. Being at sea is analogous to litigation. Some days you will eat the bear and some days…

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Jeffrey P. Gale, P.A. // Personal Injury/Wrongful Death Damages Can Include Those Caused by an Aggravating Intervening Cause

We are representing the surviving spouse of an elderly gentleman who fell and broke his hip due to the negligence of a condominium association. While hospitalized for the serious injury, he contracted Covid 19 and died. Our claim against the condo association is for his wrongful death rather just for…

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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…

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Jeffrey P. Gale, P.A. // Ordinary Negligence vs. Medical Negligence (Malpractice)

The difficulties and limitations associated with medical negligence claims are many. The list includes: Medical malpractice claims have a shorter statute of limitations than ordinary negligence claims — two years versus four years. See § 95.11(4)(b) and § 95.11(3)(a). Prospective medical malpractice plaintiffs must comply with complex and costly presuit…

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Jeffrey P. Gale, P.A. // Personal Injuries Sustained in Subsequent Accident May Be Compensable

We currently represent an elderly woman who was knocked down in the hallway of her condominium building by a large, unleashed dog. She fell and struck her head on the ground. In the days following the event, she had headaches and was lightheaded. While taking a shower, she fainted. As…

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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.…

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Jeffrey P. Gale, P.A. // Election of Remedy Key to Pursuing Civil Action for Personal Injuries Against Employers and Subcontractors

Florida statute 440.11 precludes workers injured on the job from recovering damages from the employer at law or in admiralty on account of such injury or death. Damages at law or in admiralty include non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. It is a common law remedy. Damages for pain…

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Jeffrey P. Gale, P.A. // Overcoming Workers’ Compensation Immunity in Florida Construction Accidents — Hooking Subcontractors

Florida lawyers handling accident cases are obligated to make every effort to search out all potential revenue sources to justly compensate their clients. Typically, people harmed in the workplace are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, which are furnished by employers and their workers’ compensation insurance carriers (“E/C”). Because of the…

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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…

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Jeffrey P. Gale, P.A. // Benefiting From Vicariously Liable Defendants in Florida Personal Injury Cases

Personal injury cases can have both active and passive tortfeasors, with both being legally responsible for compensating the injured party. The passive tortfeasor’s liability arises from the legal principle known as vicarious liability. Consider these examples: In Florida Under the principle of respondeat superior, an employer is responsible for the…

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