The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released a 33-page report regarding a special investigation conducted by the board concerning the safety of the parasailing industry. The NTSB conducted eight investigations across the U.S. involving parasailers who were seriously injured or killed. Four of the incidents occurred in Florida, including the accident where our client, Alexis…
Debi Chalik, founding partner of Chalik & Chalik Law Offices, was featured in the media last month when she publicly urged Gov. Rick Scott to sign new legislation that requires parasailing operators to take safety precautions and carry insurance. She was also quoted in local news coverage about the legislation, which is designed to reduce…
Defective tires have been the cause of numerous injurious and fatal accidents throughout the country. And in order to prevent these accidents, tire manufacturers often initiate recalls for tires that have known defects. According to information provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were over 46 million tires recalled since 1966. Unfortunately…
Earlier this year, General Motors (GM) announced it was recalling 2.6 million vehicles due to the presence of a faulty ignition switch. This specific defect could cut off the engine while driving, thereby preventing the deployment of the airbags in the event of a crash. This defect has been associated with 31 crashes and 13…
People bicycle for many different reasons. Some do it for exercise, to save money on gas, or for sport and recreational purposes. But bicycling can be a dangerous source of transportation on Florida roads. Even streets with designated bike paths might not always provide the greatest protection from cars and put cyclists at risk for…
One potential risk of childbirth is prolonged labor, which occurs when the mother remains in labor beyond the standard period of time. This condition can carry a higher risk for birth injuries, and it’s vital that doctors monitor cases of prolonged labor and respond appropriately to minimize or avoid risk of injury. Prolonged Labor Overview…
Florida is a hotbed for private and public pool use, thanks in large part to the state’s year-round warm weather. But pools and other bodies of water also present certain dangers, and the state has the highest age-adjusted drowning rate in the nation at 0.7 per 100,000 people. Examining the statistics highlights certain hazards of…
Just last summer, 17-year-old Alexis Fairchild and her friend Sidney Good were critically injured in Panama City, Fla. when strong winds snapped their parasail free from the tow boat. Despite the fact that between 1982 and 2012, 73 people have died and another 1,600 have been injured in parasailing accidents, the industry operates virtually unregulated. …
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) are becoming increasingly concerned with reports of injuries and illness related to respirable crystalline silica. This type of fine particle is often a byproduct of hydraulic fracturing operations, also known as “fracking.” What You Need to Know About…
The integrity of your tires is extremely important for your safety while operating a motor vehicle. Great tires are key for ensuring: vehicular stability; great tread and traction; and the control of your car while driving. If you’re driving with tires that are defective, you may be compromising the safety of yourself and others. Many…
A Cesarean birth is a major medical procedure performed on a pregnant woman who cannot give birth vaginally. It means the baby will be delivered by surgery, via an incision across the belly and uterus, rather than vaginally. When a C-section May Be Necessary C-sections are done because of pregnancy complications or because of complications…
Earlier this year, GM issued recalls for ignition switch and airbag defects. The car manufacturer has been under scrutiny ever since. There have been at least 13 fatalities and 32 crashes caused by the faulty ignition switches. At the same time, evidence has emerged that the company knew about the defects in 2012, long before…
The majority of Florida’s pool-related accidents and deaths are due to drowning, but other factors may cause the death of a loved one in or near a pool as well. Faulty pool equipment can also be serious problem, for example. North Miami was the scene of a recent incident. Faulty Wiring May Have Led to…
Florida enjoys year-round warm weather, allowing us to enjoy swimming pools and pool parties when much of the country is dealing with snow and ice. While pools are exciting and a great way to beat the heat, they have some inherent dangers that parents need to consider before hosting a child pool party. By taking…
As dedicated as Jason and Debi Chalik are to their legal practice, they are just as enthusiastic about supporting philanthropy in their community. An organization near and dear to their hearts, Debbie’s Dream Foundation (DDF), is a national advocate for stomach cancer awareness, research and support, and it’s located right in the Chalik’s own backyard!…
If defective tires cause an accident, Hollywood drivers have a right to pursue legal claims against the tire manufacturer for the harm they suffer in the accident. Drivers must establish that a product was defective and that the defect caused their accident and resultant injuries. Defective Tire Accidents and Investigations Generally, when a tire fails…
Defective tire accidents often give rise to personal injury lawsuits that use the legal theory of strict product liability. The theory holds that manufacturers are liable for their products even if they showed reasonable care in making the product. Plaintiffs don’t have to show the manufacturer was negligent. To collect compensation for their damages, plaintiffs…
A recent incident at a Deerfield Beach apartment complex found that twin toddlers, just two years old, drowned when they wandered from their apartment and through an unlocked gate to the pool area. Attorney Jason Chalik knows that accidents such as these are preventable. “As parents of three children, Debi and I are always concerned…
Consumer safety should be at the top of tire manufacturers’ list of concerns, but often, it’s simply not. Unfortunately, when manufacturers and distributors don’t ensure their tires are up to snuff, they can release defective and faulty tires that have the potential to cause serious injuries and fatalities. In one out of every 11 crashes,…
Legal Options if Your Child Suffered Birth Injuries in Homestead Related to Negligence The U.S. Census Department estimates that there are 1,344 women in Homestead, Fla., between the ages of 15 and 50 who gave birth in 2012. These are, of course, happy times for the families, though if a child suffered birth injuries the…
