Serious Injury

Florida Hate Crime Laws

April 9, 2018 | Wolfson & Leon

b5O_bNt_400x400 The Miami Beach Gay Pride mission statement is aimed towards bringing together the people of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community, as well as their allies, supporters, and friends to celebrate the incredible culture and spirit of the LGBTQ community. The event is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year and organizers expect even more than the estimated 135,000 attendees of 2017. While much of the focus remains on enjoying the event, it is also important to remain vigilant against all forms of hate crimes. We, as a community, must always remember that no one counts unless everyone counts.

At Wolfson & Leon, our hate crime injury lawyers in Miami have helped victims who were seriously hurt since 1963. Our service to the community has always included those who were injured or worse due to hate crimes. All too often, crime victims who suffer injuries or families who lose a loved one to a criminal act feel that there is no possible way to get any measure of justice. But in some cases, knowledge of the law and how to conduct a thorough investigation will shine the light on a potentially responsible individual or company who was not apparent at the time of the crime.

If you need additional information on hate crimes and the organizations that exist to help, we would suggest you consider the following:

Panic Buttons for Miami Beach Hotel Workers?

January 19, 2018 | Wolfson & Leon

proof3-300x200 Miami Beach could be the next town to promote usage of handheld panic buttons for hotel workers. Following the example of other cities, including Chicago and Seattle, hotel workers could be provided with an alarm for protection against sexual harassment and assaults. The proposal aims to introduce a portable panic button that will be connected to the hotel security system. In case of an assault or harassment, the push of the button will inform the security about the attack and will allow them act as expected.

Although sexual harassment and assault has always existed, now people speak about it louder than before. This issue has been put under the carpet for very long, but now many sexually harassed people raised their voice against predators. The #MeToo movement obviously encouraged many victims to speak out about things they’ve been silent about for various reasons. It added fuel to the smothered fire, making changes imminent. Panic buttons for hotel workers are just one of the changes that must be addressed.

Miami hotel workers understand that sexual harassment is very common in their everyday work. Acts vary from seemingly innocent compliments to massage requests and open sex requests. Hotel workers live under stress that the next guest they meet might behave inappropriately. Being mostly women and working alone are not the only reasons why hotel workers are particularly vulnerable to harassment.

Safely Aboard the Brightline Train

January 12, 2018 | Wolfson & Leon

South Florida residents are about to get a solution to the infamous Florida congested traffic, as Brightline officials have announced that they are going to offer the region an alternative to the jammed roads. It is an intercity express train service that aims to connect South Florida cities within a one-hour commute. In the beginning, they will serve only the route between Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. Miami will be added soon. Eventually Brightline has plans to expand further into the Sunshine State. A Miami – Orlando route is scheduled for 2020.

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All Aboard Florida, a subsidiary of Florida East Coast Industries, developed Brightline. This is the first ever privately-owned train service initiative in the United States in the 21^st century, and only the first in the country in 25 years. The last one closed in 1983, when Rio Grande Zephyr ceased operating between Colorado and Utah.

Now, the old-fashioned way of transport is making a comeback in Florida, giving passengers all the advantages of the old vibe travel along with several modern amenities, such as free Wi-Fi internet, fully automated bathrooms, among others.

Florida Hotel or Resort Accident – What You Should Know

January 2, 2018 | Wolfson & Leon

Restaurant Sued for Swallowed Broken Shell – The Reasonable Expectation Test

February 6, 2017 | Wolfson & Leon

A Buca di Beppo restaurant was sued by a customer who was seriously injured when he swallowed a broken mussel shell. The trial court in Broward County initially granted the defendant Buca’s motion for summary judgment which was reversed by the Fourth District Court of Appeal based on the application of the “reasonable expectation” test to the facts of the case.

Now the customer is entitled to a jury trial and our personal injury lawyers at the Miami office of Wolfson & Leon firmly believe the 4^th DCA got this one right.

Linguine Frutti di Mare with the Broken Mussel Shells

Uber Gun Policy

July 7, 2016 | Wolfson & Leon

Miami police arrested an Uber driver in Coconut Grove for selling narcotics based on a tip. The law enforcement officers were engaged in an anti-gun violence operation. They received a tip and arrested the Uber driver at a convenience store on Grand Avenue. The driver was also in possession of a gun.

One question Miami personal injury lawyers face is whether Uber drivers and riders are legally allowed to carry a handgun when using the Uber app. The official Uber policy states: “Uber Firearms Prohibition Policy – Our goal is to ensure that everyone has a safe and reliable ride. That’s why Uber prohibits riders and drivers from carrying firearms of any kind in a vehicle while using our app. Anyone who violates this policy may lose access to Uber.”

Since Uber, Lyft and other ride-sharing transportation networks are privately held companies, they can uphold their Firearms Prohibition Policies. But in reality such prohibitions are unenforced until after something tragic or horrific happens.

How to Represent Yourself in a Slip and Fall Injury Claim

May 20, 2016 | Wolfson & Leon

Filing a Slip and Fall Claim in Miami without an Attorney

First things first. You are not required to have a Miami slip and fall attorney to file a claim for injuries from a slip and fall case. You can represent yourself. You cannot represent someone else unless you are licensed attorney in that jurisdiction. If you do try to represent someone else, you could be criminally liable for practicing law without a license.

Next, you need to decide if you want to represent yourself. If you do, you need to understand what you are up against. If you were injured in a slip and fall accident, there are certain things you should know about slip and fall accidents including what to do after a slip and fall accident in Miami. If you were injured on a business owner’s property such as a mall, retail store, restaurant, boutique or supermarket then you need to think it through. Business owners are not likely to just give you money because you might have been hurt on their premises.