A 16-year-old girl died on July 13 after falling from a rope swing at a youth camp in North Carolina. The teenager from Lakeland, Florida, fell more than 100 feet from a large pendulum swing that she had been riding with two other camp participants. The swing consisted of a door-frame-shaped structure in which up…
Florida Highway Patrol Aims to Reduce Traffic Deaths on I-95
In an effort to reduce fatalities from car accidents on a deadly stretch of highway, the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) engaged in a joint effort with other eastern seaboard states called “Safe 95.” A study of statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that the stretch of Interstate 95 that runs through Florida…
Florida Birth Injury Lawsuit Filed over Brachial Plexus Injury
A federal birth injury lawsuit has been filed by a Florida mother whose baby suffered a brachial plexus injury during delivery. The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida against the healthcare clinic where the baby was born. The lawsuit alleges that a certified nurse midwife (CNM) made several…
Florida Judge Sues Palm Beach County for Slip-and-Fall Accident in Parking Garage
A Florida judge has filed a lawsuit against Palm Beach County, Florida, for its failure to maintain a downtown parking garage where he had a slip-and-fall accident, leading to a serious injury to his right knee. Palm Beach County Judge Peter Evans filed the slip-and-fall suit in June in Palm Beach County Circuit Court, saying…
Florida Woman Files Brachial Plexus Injury Lawsuit
A Florida woman has filed a lawsuit against a certified nurse midwife (CNM), alleging that the midwife’s negligence caused her baby to experience a brachial plexus injury during childbirth. According to the complaint, Barbara Carroll, CNM, did not provide appropriate care to the woman, who had been diagnosed with gestational diabetes and had already been…
Gestational Diabetes Drug Glyburide Associated with Birth Injuries, Study Says
A recent study found that glyburide, a drug used to treat gestational diabetes, is associated with a number of serious birth complications. The drug, which has increased in use over the last decade, was associated with hypoglycemia, high birth weight, respiratory distress and birth injuries. In addition to being more likely to have complications, babies…
Chalik & Chalik Award Scholarship to Cancer Survivor
The First Annual Survivor’s Scholarship was awarded to Marissa Ierna, a student at the University of North Florida. Marissa was chosen, not only for moving past her medical challenges, but also because of her efforts in helping others with cancer. The scholarship, offered by Chalik & Chalik Law Offices, is meant to help those whose…
A Brief Overview of Bicycle Laws in Florida
The state of Florida considers bicycles as vehicles and the cyclists as drivers. As such, cyclists must abide by the same traffic laws to which drivers are subject. It’s important to know your state’s bicycle laws not only to avoid citation, but also to prevent accidents. General Overview of Important Bicycle Laws in Fort Lauderdale…
Bicycle Accident Deaths: a Frequency in Florida
A new report released by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) delivers some upsetting news: the state of Florida ranks as one of the top states in the nation for number of cyclist fatalities. The report analyzed data in states across the nation regarding bicycle accidents, as well as offered some bicycle safety suggestions to…
Hidden Health Hazards Found at Many South Florida Nail Salons
If a manicure or pedicure is on your regular agenda, you might want to consider rescheduling. Some Miami women have filed complaints against their local nail salons, claiming lack of sanitation and unsafe conditions led to potentially life-threatening bacterial infections. Attorney Jason Chalik is representing Tilwanda Bivens, a Miami mom whose regular manicure turned into…
Florida’s Push to Legalize Medical Marijuana
Medical marijuana has rapidly become a hot debate topic across the country in the past few years. Proponents see the benefits of using marijuana as a way to help treat certain ailments, while critics instead look to the potential for abuse and addiction and the harmful health effects that smoking marijuana may have for individuals….
Your Vote Counts: Florida Governor Elections Could Impact Tort Reform and Other Relevant Laws
The Florida Governor elections are rapidly approaching. Held on November 4, the elections will determine who governs the state of Florida for the next four years. The current Governor, incumbent Rick Scott (R), is hoping to spend another four years in office, while his challenger, Charlie Crist (D) (who was Governor of the state from…
New Parasailing Law “White-Miskell Act” to Take Effect October 1
It has been nearly seven years since Amber May White was killed in a tragic parasailing accident. Amber’s death began a call for better regulation of the parasailing industry, and after several House and Senate hearings, bill revisions, and petition signatures, the parasailing law known as the White-Miskell Act – which Chalik & Chalik adamantly…
Congratulations to Debi Chalik: Top 40 Under 40
Congratulations to attorney Debi Chalik for being invited to become a member of The National Trial Lawyers: Top 40 Under 40. The Top 40 Under 40 is an elite group of America’s top young trial attorneys. Membership is by invitation only and is given only to those attorneys who exemplify superior qualifications, trial results, and…
How You Can Help Get the Parasailing Bill Signed Into Law
On May 1, 2014 the Florida legislature voted in favor of SB 320: Commercial and Recreational Water Activities, commonly known as the White-Miskell Act. After years of legislative review and supportive action, the work of Florida Senator Maria Sachs and thousands of Floridians has paid off in bringing this bill to the Governor’s desk. Now,…
Pros and Cons of Using Retreaded Tires
Fleet industries and consumers alike often wonder whether or not retreaded tires are as safe and reliable as tires with virgin casings. Across the board, from university researchers to trucking forums, there is no research or even anecdotal evidence that shows any differences in quality amongst the two. Pros of Retreaded Tires The primary reason…
Tire Blowouts: How They Occur and How to Repair Them
Tire blowouts are a serious matter on the road because they can lead to severe accidents. There are many different causes of tire blowouts. After the blowout, there may be legal claims drivers can pursue if they suffered harm from an accident. Tire Blowout Causes Roadway conditions are a major cause of tire blowouts. If…
Winners of Our Recent Giveaways
Gift giving started early for us this year! We wanted to thank all of our followers and participants in the two giveaways we sponsored last week. During the Holiday Fest, which was a wonderful event for the family, we gave away 2 iPad Minis from a random drawing of all the participants who entered. Congratulations…
University of Miami Student Struck and Killed by SUV
Posted on Dec 15, 2010 A University of Miami student was hit and killed by an SUV early Sunday morning. The student was crossing a street on campus. According to police, 19-year-old Taylor William Emmons, a sophomore at the University of Miami, was trying to cross San Amaro Drive outside of the Sigma Chi fraternity…