In 2009, the US Department of Transportation (DOT) launched an initiative to bring sophisticated computer technologies into vehicles. The program, called IntelliDrive, is now in its pilot phase, and we may soon begin to see more IntelliDrive-equipped vehicles on the road. What is IntelliDrive? IntelliDrive is a suite of computer technologies and software applications that…
A recent Texas DUI manslaughter verdict has victim advocates concerned that wealth may increasingly be used as a legal defense for negligence. The verdict arose from the trial of Ethan Couch, a 16-year-old boy who killed four people and injured two in a drunk driving crash on June 15, 2013. Couch’s defense attorney successfully argued…
The use of social media content as evidence in legal cases has increased over the years. With millions of Americans making status updates, uploading media and checking in at locations via smartphones, tablets and computers, it’s easy to track a social media user’s life just by visiting his or her profile. When our clients have…
We expect schools to keep our kids safe and return them home unharmed. When children are hurt at school as the result of negligence, parents may be able to hold the school liable for the children’s injuries. The School’s Duty of Care for Your Child Schools have a legal duty of care to provide a…
Child sexual abuse is a tragic and unthinkable crime. The issues surrounding child sexual abuse are not discussed much in society perhaps because the crime is so horrific. While it may be emotionally difficult, pursuing a civil lawsuit in addition to filing criminal charges is one way these victims can address their abusers to seek…
Approximately two to five out of every 1,000 births result in brachial plexus injuries, such as Erb’s Palsy, according to the United Brachial Plexus Network. Erb’s palsy symptoms vary in degree from baby to baby and can rob children of many milestones. As your child gets older, he or she will need answers about the…
No one ever said parenting would be easy; in fact, it can get quite overwhelming at times. What daycare should I choose? What do I do if my child is being bullied? How do I make my teen understand the dangers of texting and driving? Where do I go for support when my child is…
Long daily commutes are par for the course in many regions of Florida, particularly in South Florida. According to data from the Census Bureau, the average commute time in 2011 in Broward County was 27.5 minutes each way. The average in Palm Beach County was 23.9 minutes each way. According to CNN, long daily commutes…
A Florida legislator is attempting to close a legal loophole that acts as an incentive for some drivers to flee the scene of an accident. The move is in response to an alarming increase in fatal hit and run accidents in South Florida, according to the Sun-Sentinel. In August 2013, state Sen. Miguel Diaz de…
Statistics show an alarming surge in bike accidents and injuries in South Florida. The Sun-Sentinel (Dec. 7, 2013) – using data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and other safety experts – has reported on the increase of cycling crashes in Broward and Palm Beach Counties from 2009 to 2012. The…
The Chalik & Chalik law firm is proud to announce the sponsorship of the South Plantation High School’s DECA Club. This local branch of the national marketing club has been in existence at the school since Jason was a student. Mr. Jerry Holt, a teacher at South Plantation when Jason was a student, has sponsored…
Parents of injured children often struggle with questions such as – Should I hire an attorney to pursue compensation in a medical malpractice claim? The answer depends on the extent and cause of the injury. An attorney can provide legal representation if a parent believes a doctor or hospital’s mistake caused a medical malpractice, such…
If you have a new child who’s been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, it’ll take a concerted effort, a good amount of time and an open heart to adapt to the new family dynamics. Having a child with special needs adds a new – and sometimes overwhelming – dimension to your life. It is your job…
Being in a car accident is traumatic enough. But when the person who caused the accident is uninsured, it can add another level of devastation to a life-altering event. In many cases, the victim is left paying for another’s mistake, both physically and financially, even though he or she played by the rules. Forty-nine states…
On November 3, 2013, Jason and Debi were pleased to donate $500 for the opportunity to attend the organization’s Celebrity Chef Culinary & Wine Experience, while also participating in the nonprofit’s appeal. The event featured special bites and wine pairings by local chefs like Dena Marino, Max Santiago, Norman Van Aken, Michael Moran and Vince…
An Ohio nurse was literally worked to death by her hospital, according to a wrongful death lawsuit filed by her husband last week. Attorney Jason Chalik says that if the suit succeeds it will revolutionize personal injury and worker protection law. Beth Jasper allegedly worked through breaks during 12-hour shifts and was frequently called in…
You Didn’t Expect This… No parent wants to see their newborn injured, sick or in pain. It’s even worse when the injury could have been prevented! Infants are the most precious gifts. Obstetricians begin caring for them before they are born, by monitoring and caring for expectant mothers. Unfortunately, pregnancy is a very vulnerable…
Recovery can be very hard on some people. Being unable to go about your normal daily activities, forced to rest at home, and not being able to just get up and go can lead to waves of frustration, depression, and anxiety. Try to keep angst at bay while you’re recovering from your injury with these…
Our firm handles product liability cases in which clients have suffered injuries due to some sort of defective product. When this occurs, Florida state law affords victims the opportunity to take legal action against the manufacturer, distributor or retailer and pursue restitution for their damages. If you were injured directly by a malfunctioning or flawed product…
People who have sustained severe burn injuries in an accident suffer intense physical and emotional pain. As victims go through the healing phases of burn injuries, depression, anger and anxiety about their disfiguring scars can set in, and they might begin look for ways to mask their appearance. It’s important for victims to work with…
