Fatal Car Accident in Fort Lauderdale Kills Pregnant Woman
Fort Lauderdale, FL – A Sunday afternoon by the pool turned into a horrific tragedy when a car veered off of the road and into a pool cabana killing a pregnant woman, authorities say.
Fort Lauderdale Wrongful Death Claim
A statement released by Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue stated that a car driven by a woman crashed into the cabana by the pool at the Riverside Hotel on East Las Olas Boulevard.
Inside the cabana, the woman, who was 7-months pregant according to fire rescue officials, was killed.
Ft. Lauderdale Hotel Guest Heard Fatal Accident
“We just heard the big explosion and then about five seconds, everybody’s in shock and then everybody just reacted,” Darryn Gordon said.
“It was just the last day of our vacation and it came to a horrible end,” Joanne Gordon said. “Such a terrible accident.”
The accident is under investigation.
Wrongful Death Claim in Fort Lauderdale, FL
This tragedy killed a pregnant woman and her unborn child. Under Florida law, the surviving spouse has a claim for money damages against the woman who caused the accident, and the owner of the car if different.
Damages recoverable in a Florida Wrongful Death case
Florida’s wrongful death statutes provide that damages may be awarded as follows:
Florida Slip and Fall Law May Allow You To Collect Money For Injuries
Fort Lauderdale, FL Slip and Fall Law – Florida’s slip and fall law may allow you to get paid money if you are injured on someone else’s property. If they were negligent or contributed to the fall, they could have to pay you for your medical bills, out of pocket expenses, lost wages, and even pain and suffering.
Slip and fall in a store in Florida
Florida Statute section 768.0755 defines premises liability for transitory foreign substances in a business establishment.—
Florida Will Drafting and Estate Planning Packages Made Easy
Death and dying – two scary words. When we think of death and dying, we often think about the fear of being without loved ones, pain, emotional suffering, what will happen to our loved ones, what will happen with our possessions, where we want to be buried, and what will happen if we get sick.
Florida has several estate planning tools which may help put your mind at ease so you can focus on enjoying your life and family in the years ahead. These include wills, trusts, designation of health care surrogate, medical authorization forms and power of attorney.
Our office now offers simple estate packages so you can get the basic documents. For a low, affordable price, you can get a basic will, living will, designation of health care surrogate, medical authorization form and power of attorney. We also have reciprocal will packages for couples to reduce your costs.
For more information, call us at 954-515-5000. For South Florida will drafting, we can even make house calls. We offer will packages in Margate, Weston, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Palm Beach.
Florida Liquor Liability Law And Serving Alcohol To Minors Or Alcoholics
Florida law may impose liability on those who serve alcohol to minors and alcoholics. 
Florida Statute section 768.125 states: Liability for injury or damage resulting from intoxication.—A person who sells or furnishes alcoholic beverages to a person of lawful drinking age shall not thereby become liable for injury or damage caused by or resulting from the intoxication of such person, except that a person who willfully and unlawfully sells or furnishes alcoholic beverages to a person who is not of lawful drinking age or who knowingly serves a person habitually addicted to the use of any or all alcoholic beverages may become liable for injury or damage caused by or resulting from the intoxication of such minor or person.
Over the years, I’ve represented many victims of alcohol related accidents, including drunk driving crashes, DUI manslaughter, and assault and battery. If a bar, hotel, restaurant or homeowner serves alcohol to a minor or alcoholic, they may have to pay significant money damages if the minor or alcoholic injures or kills someone.
For more information on Florida’s liquor liability law or to see if you have a claim for pain and suffering, medical bills, lost wages, or even punitive damages, call me at 800-337-7755, or submit your case information online.
Florida Commercial Litigation Disputes and Resolution
If you are having a commercial litigation dispute with a business or company in Florida, be mindful that most cases never get to trial. A recent study found that only 5-10% of all commercial litigation cases ever go to trial. This is significant. Why do cases not go to trial?
- Cases are settled before a lawsuit is even filed
- Cases are settled after a lawsuit is filed
- The Court dismisses a case based on no valid legal claim or some legal argument
- The case gets abandoned
As a commercial litigation attorney in Florida, part of my job is to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of a client’s business dispute to see how to best effectively represent the business’s interests. There are also several reasons for vigorously prosecuting or defending a commercial litigation case. This includes:
- Collection of a debt owed to the company
- Suing another company to protect the intellectual property rights of the Plaintiff
- Defending a claim that has no merit
- Defending a claim with some merit, but trying to settle the case for better terms because of some valid dispute
- Setting precedent for future cases
- Suing a company for breach of contract for money damages or specific performance
A commercial litigation case may have specific time limits too in which to file a lawsuit or respond to a lawsuit. For example, if your company has been sued over a breach of contract in Florida, you may only have up to 20 days to file a response or the Court can default you regardless of whether you have valid defenses.
For more information on Florida commercial litigation, call me t 800-337-7755 or submit your inquiry online. It’s always a free consultation. Our office handles Florida commercial litigation cases throughout the entire state, including all State and Federal Courts, and in every county in Florida. This includes Miami commercial litigation, Fort Lauderdale business litigation, Orlando Commercial Debt Collection, Naples business lawsuits, commercial litigation defense in West Palm Beach and more.
Costa Cruise Accident Kills Several Passengers, Injures More
A Costa Cruise accident reportedly killed at least 9 passengers and injured dozens more when the ship began to list, or tilt on its side. According to the BBC, a witness reported hearing a loud bang as the first indication that something was wrong. Following the bang, hours of panic began among the 4,000 people on board the cruise ship.
According to Italy’s Ansa news agency, passenger Luciano Castro told them, “We were having supper when the lights suddenly went out. We heard a boom and a groaning noise. All the cutlery fell on the floor.” Some passengers were allegedly told there were electrical problems on the ship.
Costa Cruise Injury ClaimsAfter the passengers return to safe ground, or the families of those killed begin coping with the loss of their loved ones from the cruise accident, the next step will be holding Costa Cruises responsible for the accident.
As a cruise injury lawyer, I’ve handled many cruise injury claims. One of the biggest mistakes cruise passengers make is finding a lawyer in their own state to file a claim on their behalf. Most, if not all, of the popular cruise lines have a provision in their contract stating exactly which court can hear a lawsuit against the cruise company.
Carnival Cruise Lines, for example, generally requires a lawsuit to be filed against them in the US District Court for the Southern District of Florida, Miami Division. This is so specific that a lawyer who files the lawsuit in the Ft. Lauderdale division, just 30 minutes or so away, can risk having the entire lawsuit thrown out and the claim barred forever.
Costa Cruise Lawsuits in Italy or Miami
Costa Cruise’s contract generally requires lawsuits to be brought in either Miami or Italy. The language of the contracts change frequently, so you must review your contract to see which place a lawsuit must be brought. Costa Cruise’s Passenger Contract breaks down the proper venue into two places, depending on where the cruise touched: Voyages that Depart from, Return to, or Visit a U.S. Port, and ones that did not.
Voyages that Depart from, Return to, or Visit a U.S. Port
Here, Costa’s contract states that all such claims involving physical or emotional injury, illness or death in which the amount in controversy exceeds seventy five thousand U.S. dollars (US$75,000) shall be filed only in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida located in Broward County, Florida, to the exclusion of the courts of any other county, state or nation. All claims brought in small claims court shall be instituted only in the small claims courts of Broward County, Florida.
Voyages That Do Not Depart from, Return to, or Visit a U.S. Port
All claims, controversies, disputes, suits and matters of any kind whatsoever arising out of, concerned with or incident to any voyage that does not depart from, return to, or visit a U.S. port, or to this Contract if issued in connection with such a voyage, shall be instituted only in the courts of Genoa, Italy, to the exclusion of the courts of any other county, state or nation. Italian law shall apply to any such proceedings. 
Since the Costa Cruise that recently sunk did not depart, return to, or visit a US port, the proper venue will likely be in Genoa, Italy.
Every case is unique. The facts and circumstances of your case may differ. You should not rely in any way on any of this as legal advice. It is for general information only and is subject to change at any time. The contract discussed herein may not be a current contract or the specific one used in your cruise.
To discuss the facts of your cruise injury case, please call me at 800-337-7755 for a free consultation.
Hollywood Florida Fatal Hit-and-Run Driver Identified
HOLLYWOOD, FLORIDA – NBCMiami reported that Hollywood Police recently identified a 23-year-old man who they said was the driver of a white 2006 Dodge Magnum station wagon which they believe was involved in a fatal hit-and-run on Dec. 24, 2011.
According to the police, surveillance video showed Robert Consavage being mowed down as he crossed N. Ocean Drive at Indiana Street in Hollywood at 2:45 a.m. on Christmas Eve, with the car never stopping.
The driver of the fatal hit and run vehicle was Jonathan Patterson, Hollywood Police said Tuesday.
Police said a Crime Stoppers tip Dec. 29 led investigators to a Fort Lauderdale body shop where the car was being repaired. The next day, Patterson and the station wagon’s owner, Dwight Reeves Jr., 24, came forward and “voluntarily gave sworn statements indicating their involvement in the crash,” police said.
Police said no arrests have been made, but criminal charges are pending “based on the conclusion of the investigation.”
Florida law requires you to stop if you injury or kill another
Florida Statute 316.027 deals with a crash involving death or personal injuries. It says in pertinent part that:
Carnival Cruise Lawsuit Filed in Miami for Passenger Who Slipped on Dance Floor
MIAMI, FLORIDA – A lawsuit was recently filed against Carnival Corporation a/k/a Carnival Cruise Lines after a passenger was injured after a slip and fall on a cruise.
The case highlights the rights of cruise passengers who put their trust in the cruise lines to provide a safe and enjoyable vacation experience. Cruises are often motivated by profit, stressing the overindulgence of alcoholic beverage consumption, late night partying, dance parties, sail away parties, drinks with the Captain, excursions and the casino.
Cruise ship injuries are often governed by your Passenger Contract and Maritime Law
When you purchase your cruise, you are generally agreeing to the Cruise Passenger Contract. The contract consists of several pages of fine print which may affect your rights and duties.
In general, most cruise lines require you to notify them of your intent to make a claim within 6 months with a brief description of your allegations and injuries. This is sometimes referred to as a Statement of Particulars. You may also be required to file a lawsuit within 1 year of the incident.
Where must a cruise lawsuit be filed?
Most cruise lines state the Court in which a cruise lawsuit must be filed in the Passenger Contract. Carnival Corporation, for example, generally requires a lawsuit to be brought against in in the United States District Court for the Southern District Court in the Miami District. This means that your case could be dismissed if you file the lawsuit against Carnival Cruise in Fort Lauderdale, just 30 minutes away. Royal Caribbean generally requires a lawsuit against them to be filed in either State or Federal Court in Miami-Dade County. Since Federal Maritime Law applies, or diversity jurisdiction applies, most lawsuits may be filed in Federal Court. If filed in the wrong court, the cruise can move to dismiss your lawsuit and it may be barred forever.
For more information on your Miami cruise injury case, call me at 800-337-7755 or submit your case online for a free consultation.
Miami Pedestrian Struck and Killed in Hit and Run
MIAMI, FL – Two cars left the scene after a fatal hit and run accident in Miami killed a pedestrian crossing the street.
A man was killed after he was struck by three cars while crossing a Miami-Dade street Monday, police said.
According to the Miami-Dade Police, Ismael Cruz-Pratts, 48, was crossing the street at the 11400 block of Northwest 17th Avenue when he was struck by a Nissan Altima.
As the driver stopped to assist him, he was hit by two other vehicles, a Cadillac and a Honda, which both fled the scene.
Rescue units responded and Cruz-Pratts was pronounced dead at the scene.
Complex fatal hit-and-run accident investigations in Miami
Investigation into a civil claim in this case can be complex and may involve several insurance companies. The initial driver who put this man in harm’s way could be held 100% responsible for causing the death, even though the other drivers struck him. If the other drivers are found and it cannot be determined who actually killed him, all drivers could be held jointly responsible for the death.
Prior experience with multi-vehicle hit and run fatal accidents in Florida
Over the past several years, I’ve handled many multi-vehicle run-over accidents. In one case, a young mother was crossing the street when she was run over by 6 vehicles. Most of the vehicles were caught. She left behind two young children. I was able to recover policy limits from all vehicles who had insurance. Some insurance carriers tried to argue that we couldn’t prove which vehicle actually killed our client. We successfully argued that it was impossible to tell which vehicle killed our client and each vehicle was responsible as a contributing factor.
Investigations in multi-vehicle accidents may involve probate administration, probate litigation, wrongful death law, Personal Injury Protection benefits, medical expenses if the person did not die immediately, funeral expenses, life insurance, product liability, dram shop exposure, and many other facets. It is important to speak with an attorney who has experience in this field to advise you on your rights as a family member who lost a loved one in a hit and run accident.
For more information, call me at 800-337-7755 or submit your case question online.
Cooper City Pedestrians Struck By Car and Hospitalized
COOPER CITY, FL – According to the police, an elderly couple was hospitalized after they were struck by a car in Cooper City Thursday morning.
The couple were hit by a green Honda Civic around 9:20 a.m. in the area of Hiatus Road and Sheridan Street, according to the Broward Sheriff’s Office.
Broward Sheriff’s Fire Rescue transported the man by ground to Memorial Regional Hospital. The woman was taken by BSO Air Rescue.
The incident caused the intersection to be closed Thursday morning as officers diverted traffic.
BSO Traffic Homicide investigators are looking into the incident.
Pedestrian Accidents Can Be Fatal
Fatal Florida pedestrian accidents are common because of the sheer size and weight of a vehicle which comes in contact with an unprotected person. Cars are designed to withstand impacts, even high speed catastrophic impacts. It’s amazing in my practice to see people walk away from mangled cars with blown out windows with mere whiplash injuries. Pedestrians are often not so lucky, with fractures, road rash, lacerations, head trauma, brain injuries, and even accidental death.
Pedestrian Accidents in Florida – Who Pays?
Florida’s No-Fault Law generally applies to pedestrian car accidents. This means that if the pedestrian owns a vehicle or lives with a relative who owns a motor vehicle, that vehicle’s Personal Injury Protection benefits may apply to the pedestrian’s medical bills, even if another car was at fault. The at-fault driver and/or owner’s insurance should cover the balance that PIP didn’t pay and possibly pain and suffering.
If you were the victim of a pedestrian accident in Cooper City, or were struck by a car in Florida and need a FL car accident lawyer, call me today for a free consultation at 800-337-7755.
