We maintain a legal blog to inform readers about topics relevant to our firm's practice areas. The blog entries are divided generally by practice area, for ease of access. We welcome your comments.
A mother and son were killed in Osceola County when a trucking hauling pineapples crushed their S.U.V. near Yeehaw Junction. The family of the victims likely have claims for wrongful death. Orlando truck accident lawyer Kim Cullen helps accident victims. Call Kim at 407-254-4901.
Local
media reported that over last weekend an Orange County Deputy Sheriff was cited for causing a crash that sent five people -- including himself -- to Orlando Regional Medical Center. Apparently, the deputy was travelling in his police cruiser near Bithlo, ignored a stop sign, and entered Highway 50 directly in front of a minivan. It is important to note that the deputy was not on an emergency call, so did not have his emergency signal or sirens running. More on the crash
here.
What drew my attention to the story was my concern for the people in the other vehicle whose injuries were caused directly by the deputy's negligence or carelessness. Through no fault of their own, we know that they were injured badly enough to require an ambulance ride to the hospital.
What these injury victims probably do not realize is that - regardless of how bad their injuries are, or how many medical bills they incur, or how much loss wage they experience -- their damages have been capped by the Florida Legislature. Under current state law, injury claims against any state agency are capped at $200,000.00 per person, and $400,000.00 total per accident. At first blush this might seem like a lot of money, but imagine having a loved one crippled or needing permanent medical care as the result of a government employee's negligence. Why should governments and their employees not be responsible for all of the damage they cause?
Of course, severely injured folks can go get judgments against government agencies and take their chances in convincing the Legislature to pass a special law to pay them anything over $200,000.00, but this very rarely occurs in reality.
What do you think about the fairness of this law?
Motorcyclist, Clifford Mayo, seriously injured in crash with construction vehicle at site of Highway 50 and Highway 436 overpass. Florida Highway Patrol has charges pending against negligent driver of construction vehicle. The Law Offices of Kim Michael Cullen handles motorcycle accident and wrongful death cases. Visit www.cullen-law.com or call Kim 407-254-4901.
Harry Brown traveled 11 miles going the wrong way down Interstate 95 before he crashed into the very unlucky Michael Lima near the Volusia County border with Brevard County. This was a serious accident with a fiery result all due to one man's negligence. Attorney Kim Cullen represents accident victims injured by the negligence of other drivers. Call Kim at 407-254-4901 to have your automobile accident questions answered.
A driver distracted by her mobile cell phone almost killed paramedic Chad Lowery in a car accident in Orange County. Mobile phone use and particularly texting while driving is a serious problem, and can lead to catastrophic injuries. Attorney Kim Cullen is experienced in handling motor vehicle accident cases involving drivers distracted by cell phones. Call Kim at 407-254-4901.
A Dade County judge has issued a controversial new ruling that may prohibit cities from issuing citations against drivers running red-lights caught by red-light cameras. Lawmakers in Tallahassee may decide it is time to pass a law supporting this practice state-wide.
New allegations in Disney monorail case suggest that management at the Orlando theme park giant may have been off-premises with the fatal crash occurred. Family of dead monorail driver claim that monorail manager was at a local restaurant instead of being in control tower where accident could have been averted. Orlando accident attorney Kim Cullen has handled personal injury claims against Central Florida theme parks. Call Kim at 407-254-4901.
Bars and nightclubs can be held liable for attacks by overzealous employees like bouncers or security staff. Bars have a duty to their patrons to protect them from violence, including attacks by their employees. Attorney Kim Cullen has experience handling claims against bars and nightclubs. Call Kim at 407-254-4901 to have your questions answered.
Sexual abuse cases continue to be a problem across Central Florida. These cases normally involve negligent supervision or an inadequate background check at a church daycare, school, or mentoring setting. Attorney Kim Cullen has experience handling these important claims. Call Kim at 407-254-4901.
Green Isle Ranch, a children's home in Lake County, Florida, has finally been shut down by its parent organization, Bridges of America. Allegations of sexual abuse and negligent supervision stemming from incidents last year involving six children, were apparently too much for the facility to weather. Attorney Kim Cullen is available to answer your questions about child sexual abuse cases. Call Kim at 407-254-4901.
An Osceola County high school teacher sexually abused a 16-year old student at the school where she was a teachers aide. It is too early to know if the school performed any kind of background check, or was negligent in supervising the offending teacher, particularly since there are allegations that the teacher had a previous sexual relationship at an Osceola County school. Attorney Kim Cullen has experience handling cases of sexual abuse in a school setting. Call Kim at 407-254-4901.
Sexual abuse cases against children often feature defendants that immediately engage in denial or cover-up. The Tangelo Park YMCA deserves credit for admitting responsibility for the sexual abuse of a 7-year old by a 13-year old volunteer. The Law Offices of Kim Cullen has experience handling sexual abuse cases involving minors.