The American Medical Association supports such laws, calling text messaging while driving “a public health risk.” The National Safety Council calls the use of a wireless communications device while driving “one of the most significant distractions that affects driving performance.” Even the recent Will Smith movie “Seven Pounds” addressed the dangers of text-messaging while driving.

Opponents, however, point out that text messaging isn’t the only distraction that drivers face. People also drive while eating, drinking, listening to the radio, talking to passengers and reading. They argue that existing laws already address such careless driving behavior.

Our firm has seen its share of cases involving persons who were injured as a result of negligent drivers sending text messages or dialing while driving. I’m happy to see the Florida Legislature doing its part to address this dangerous situation.

Unfortunately, this is an all too familiar story. Many times, businesses that sell alcohol put profits ahead of protecting minors and the public from the consequences of underage drinking. Florida’s legislature has gone to great lengths in recent years to make it more difficult to hold these businesses responsible. That needs to change.

Last month, a Marion County jury awarded her $2.7 million in compensation for her medical injuries and lost earning capacity. This is a significant dollar award for Marion County and illustrates the jury’s attentive deliberations in delivering a personal injury award commensurate with the defendant’s negligence and the extensive injuries that have drastically changed our client’s life. The award also sends a strong message to others who may deliberately or unintentionally run stop signs that the consequences of their action can be devastating both personally and financially.

This is a sad example of big business putting profits ahead of individuals by cutting corners on training and adequate security. At DWKM&R, we pride ourselves on having the ability and resources to stick up for individuals like the late Mr. Damour against big businesses.

Our Orlando personal injury firm goes to great lengths to protect the interests of our clients who have already suffered from the negligence of others. The same professional integrity is true of the many law firms who refer personal injury cases to us.

There is a delicate balance between protecting the interests of clients and ensuring due process for lawyers accused of wrongdoing. The Florida Bar achieves this balance better than almost any other organization of its kind and is recognized nationally for its disciplinary program and client compensation fund.

Unfortunately, tort reform favors the odds that most doctors will never be disciplined for their medical mistakes. Too often, the victims of medical negligence cannot hire lawyers to represent them in damage claims. And even though the Florida Board of Medicine meets regularly to take disciplinary action against doctors, it is ill-quipped to investigate the thousands of physician errors that occur each year, especially against well financed and insurance paid lawyers who can easily delay and defeat the process of state investigation.

Our Orlando attorneys are troubled by Johnson & Johnson’s lack of warning about the risks associated with this birth-control product. A shocking 4,000 women have filed lawsuits in state and federal courts as a result of Johnson & Johnson’s negligence, according to Bloomberg News. The settlements include $1.25 million for the death of a 14-year-old girl who had two blood clots in her lungs after using the patch. Other wrongful deaths involving Johnson & Johnson’s birth-control patch include an 18-year-old college student, a high school junior who developed a blood clot in her lung after wearing the patch for six months, and a 41-year-old mother of two who used the patch for less than a year when she suffered a pulmonary embolism and died.

Florida’s road can be a dangerous place, making it more important than ever to purchase as much uninsured motorist protection insurance coverage (UM) as possible, including the option of purchasing stacked coverage. Many people do not appreciate the significance of UM coverage until they are involved in a car accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. Without UM coverage, there is no way to recover for the loss.

Florida led the nation in boating fatalities last year, according to statistics from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. This is the 16th time in 20 years that Florida has topped the list, prompting the Commission to approve a plan for mandatory boater education requirements phased in over the next 11 years, according to the Associated Press.

Last year, 70 percent of all boating accidents involved operators with no formal safety education; for fatalities, that number was 85 percent, the AP reported, adding that state officials believe mandatory education could reduce the number of fatalities by as much as 25 percent.

Boating safety is no accident. Please read our firm newsletter that addresses the importance of practicing watercraft safety and provides information on local boating courses is available from the U.S. Coast Guard.

Unfortunately, there was little the firm could do for this couple or other victims hurt by uninsured drivers when there is no uninsured motorist coverage available. Instead, they would like others to learn from their accident. Be sure to:
– Talk to your insurance agent and make sure you have adequate auto coverage.
– Insist that your agent provide you with stacked uninsured motorist coverage on every vehicle and motorcycle in your household.
– Take every safety precaution if you are going to ride a motorcycle.

Motorcycles can be dangerous even for safe, experienced riders. For more information, visit the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.