Author Archives: Jay Butchko
New “Conscience” Law May Change Medical Malpractice In Florida
On May 11, 2023, the governor of Florida signed SB 1580, the “Protections Of Medical Conscience” law, into effect. The law allows any healthcare professional or payor to opt out of performing or paying for certain procedures if they have a “conscience based objection” to certain aspects of care. This may cause significant problems… Read More »
Filing Suit After A Hit-And-Run Accident
Data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) estimates that over the last five years, there were approximately 516,000 hit-and-run crashes that resulted in about 1,250 fatalities and many injuries. A hit-and-run is a serious crime in Florida, which can carry significant prison time for a motorist found guilty. However,… Read More »
Workers’ Compensation Benefits For Families
When a person is injured on the job in Florida, they will usually be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. There are two types of benefits that can be granted: medical benefits and wage replacement benefits. Both types can be of great help to an injured worker and their family – but the claim must… Read More »
How Do I Appeal A Florida Workers’ Compensation Denial?
If your employer has workers’ compensation coverage in Florida, and you are injured on the job, you have the right to apply for workers’ compensation benefits. That said, you are not guaranteed to be approved. Receiving a denial of your workers’ compensation claim can feel positively demoralizing, but in Florida, you have the right… Read More »
Chronic Pain & Medical Liability In Florida
Data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that approximately 21 percent of U.S. adults live with chronic pain as of 2021. While chronic pain seems to have a higher percentage among certain demographics – for example, among those who were once employed but no longer, and those with public health insurance –… Read More »
Workers’ Compensation Does Not Cover Pain & Suffering
When someone is injured on the job in Florida, they are generally entitled to recover workers’ compensation benefits, with rare exceptions. If your claim is accepted, you will be eligible to receive medical care and lost wages, as well as certain other benefits. Something workers’ compensation will never pay for, however, is damages for… Read More »
Workers’ Compensation & Vocational Retraining In Florida
Most of the time, a person who files a workers’ compensation claim in Florida does so with an eye to returning to work once their injuries are healed. However, there are some occasions where a worker will be too disabled to return to their previous job. In this case, Florida workers’ compensation may be… Read More »
Florida Pedestrian Accidents Are Common
The urban planning think tank Smart Growth America has published its Dangerous By Design report for many years as of this writing. The report measures pedestrian safety in metropolitan areas throughout the United States, as well as recommending potential options to improve infrastructure. Florida has consistently ranked high on the list of the most… Read More »
Florida Employers Without Workers’ Compensation Insurance
It is common knowledge for most Florida workers that if they are injured on the job, they can file a workers’ compensation claim with their employer’s insurer, and receive benefits. However, some employers are not legally required to carry workers’ compensation insurance, and some will unlawfully try to operate without it. If you are… Read More »
Florida Motorcycle Accidents
Florida is a motorcycle state. It consistently ranks in the top 5 for the number of motorcycles registered per state, and they are a constant feature on state roads, regardless of the weather. However, accidents involving motorcycles are sadly common as well – data from Ride Smart Florida estimates a disproportionate number of motorcycle… Read More »