GOLDLAW – West Palm Beach Personal Injury Lawyers, Car Accident, Slip & Fall – Law Offices of Craig Goldenfarb

Author: Ryan O’Connor

  • Deputy Michael Hartwick Killed In Hit-And-Run Accident

    Deputy Michael Hartwick Killed In Hit-And-Run Accident

    Pinellas County Sheriff’s Deputy Michael Hartwick was struck and killed by a construction vehicle on Sept. 22 in a hit-and-run crash along I-275 in St. Petersburg.

    Hartwick, a 19-year veteran of the agency, was working a security shift at a construction site near the Howard Frankland Bridge, when he was struck by a front-end loader operated by a worker.

    According to Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, after the crash, the worker drove to a parking area. After parking the front-end loader, he handed his helmet and safety vest to another worker, said he had “killed a deputy,” and subsequently left the scene. A search ensued, and the worker was taken into custody at 8:40am Friday morning.

    “Struck By” Crashes are a Leading Cause of Law Enforcement Officer Deaths

    Besides homicides, motor vehicle-related incidents kill more law enforcement personnel than any other type of incident. From 2011-2020, 286 officer line-of-duty deaths came as the result of vehicle crashes (21% of total fatalities). 114 of these deaths were the result of being struck by a vehicle (8% of total).

     Wrongful Death Claim Possible

    Because the hit-and-run driver has been identified, the family of Deputy Michael Hartwick may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim pending an investigation.

    Families of victims killed in hit-and-run accidents often seek a personal injury/wrongful death claim to cover the costs of funeral expenses, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma. If you need help with such a claim, our experienced attorneys can speak with you about your options.

    Notice: As a personal injury law firm, we frequently provide analysis and opinion on news stories in the hope that the family and friends of the victims may gain some valuable insight into our theories of negligence surrounding the available facts. Respectfully, our hearts and thoughts are with those who have suffered a catastrophic injury or death.

     If you would like a free, confidential consultation about an incident, please check our website, or contact us today at 561-222-2222.

     

  • Stacey Abo May Have a Claim Against Hit-And-Run Driver and Her Insurance Carrier for Uninsured Motorist Coverage

    Stacey Abo May Have a Claim Against Hit-And-Run Driver and Her Insurance Carrier for Uninsured Motorist Coverage

    While crossing a road last Saturday, 65-year-old Stacey Abo was seriously injured when struck by a hit-and-run driver.

    According to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, Abo was walking across 10th Avenue North in a designated crosswalk near the intersection with Boutwell Lane in Lake Worth at 8:51pm, when a 1997 Ford F-150 pickup truck struck her. The impact threw her onto the shoulder of eastbound 10th Avenue North.

    Witnesses told authorities the truck continued traveling east, leaving the scene of the accident. Deputies quickly located the vehicle, which was abandoned in a nearby industrial area. The driver has yet to be identified.

    Paramedics treated Stacey Abo at the scene, and she was transported to St. Mary’s Medical Center, where she is currently being treated for critical injuries.

    Personal Injury and Uninsured Motorist Claim

    If the hit-and-run driver is identified, Stacey Abo and her family may have the right to pursue a personal injury claim, pending an investigation. Another option might be to pursue a claim with her automobile insurance carrier for uninsured motorist coverage. If Stacey Abo has uninsured motorist coverage on a car insurance policy, those funds can help compensate for medical bills and for her pain and suffering.

    Injured victims involved in vehicle hit-and-run collisions often seek a personal injury claim to cover the costs of medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma. If you need help filing an uninsured motorist claim, our experienced attorneys can review your coverage and that of the other party to help you know what kind of compensation is available.

    Notice: As a personal injury law firm, we frequently provide legal analysis and opinions on news stories in the hope that the family and friends of the victim may gain some valuable insight into our theories of negligence surrounding the available facts. Respectfully, our hearts and thoughts are with those who have suffered a catastrophic injury.

    If you would like a free, confidential consultation about an incident, check our website, or please contact us at 561-222-2222.

  • Christopher Cipra Family May Have a Case for Wrongful Death

    Christopher Cipra Family May Have a Case for Wrongful Death

    Christopher Cipra’s golf trip with friends to Florida went from bucket list event to tragedy.

    The father of one from Houston, Texas, died after falling from the back of a golf cart at the Floridian National Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida, on April 27, 2022.

    Despite charges being dropped from the driver responsible, Christopher Cipra’s family may have a legal case for wrongful death. The legal standard for a criminal case is quite different from the legal standard to bring a civil case for “negligence,” which is what our law firm specializes in doing.

    The driver of the golf cart was arrested on a felony DUI manslaughter charge, which was later amended to a lesser misdemeanor DUI charge, which was also later dismissed by authorities. Despite the initial charges, the State Attorney’s Office has announced that the driver is no longer being held criminally liable for Cipra’s death.

    Police said their initial investigation indicated three people left the club in a golf cart and were traveling to a residence in the community. The cart drove over a raised man-hole cover, causing Christopher Cipra, who was standing in the rear of the cart, to fall off and hit the roadway. He was transported to Tradition Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

    Possible Civil Case for Christopher Cipra’s Family

    According to Assistant State Attorney Spencer Scott, there was no evidence that Hehr drove recklessly, and a lack of physical evidence to prove a crash occurred, reports said.

    Despite that, there are many factors that may have contributed to Christopher Cipra’s death. Personal injury law firms, like ours, have many investigative resources to review the circumstances of accidents such as these that law enforcement does not.

    Notice: As a personal injury law firm, we frequently provide legal analysis and opinion on news stories in the hope that the family and friends of the victims may gain some valuable insight into our theories of transportation accidents surrounding the available facts. Respectfully, our hearts and thoughts are with those who have suffered a catastrophic injury or death.

  • Family of Sydney Wolf May Have Legal Case Against Lyft and Driver

    Family of Sydney Wolf May Have Legal Case Against Lyft and Driver

    Sydney Wolf was hit and killed this past Sunday by a passing car after police say his Lyft driver kicked him and five other passengers out of the vehicle near Dewey Beach, Delaware, according to news reports. His surviving wife and two young daughters may have a case against Lyft and the ride-share driver.

    Police told reporters the Lyft driver stopped the vehicle in the middle of a southbound lane on Coastal Highway after a disagreement with the passengers and ended the ride, demanding that all six get out.

    The driver of a passing Toyota Corolla changed lanes to avoid striking the rear of the Lyft. Sydney Wolf had exited the right rear passenger seat and was standing in the roadway when the sedan struck him. He was later pronounced dead at the scene.

    Sydney Wolf worked as a re-election campaign manager for a Maryland County councilmember and previously served as a former senior policy adviser for former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, according to ABC affiliate WJLA.

    Similar Case to Sydney Wolf

    Our law firm has represented many victims and their families in tragic cases involving Lyft and its drivers, including a starkly similar case in Texas in which a 25-year-old woman died after being kicked out of a Lyft in June. Her mother learned through media reports that an unidentified woman had been struck and killed on the roadway where her daughter had been walking home. Two days later, the local medical examiner confirmed it was her daughter.

    In the death of Sydney Wolf, the driver of the Lyft who kicked him out of the vehicle has been identified by law enforcement, but no charges have been filed as of the writing of this article.

    Notice: As a personal injury law firm, we frequently provide legal analysis and opinion on news stories in the hope that the family and friends of the victims may gain some valuable insight into our theories of negligence surrounding the available facts. Respectfully, our hearts and thoughts are with those who have suffered a catastrophic injury or death.

    If you would like a free, confidential consultation about an incident, please contact us today at 561-222-2222.

  • Family of Supraja Alaparthi May Have Legal Case in Parasailing Incident

    Family of Supraja Alaparthi May Have Legal Case in Parasailing Incident

    Supraja Alaparthi’s family may have a case against any company or person found responsible for the tragic parasailing incident on Memorial Day in the Florida Keys that killed her and injured her young son and nephew.

    The 33-year-old mother from Schaumburg, Illinois, was killed after a sudden storm prompted a boat captain to cut loose the parasail. The inflated parasail then dragged the family across the ocean and slammed them into Old Seven Mile Bridge in the Florida Keys, according to a report by the Associated Press.

    The boat captain, Daniel Couch, 49, who works for Lighthouse Parasail Inc., which is based in Marathon, cut a line tethered from the 31-foot boat to the parasail because it was dragging the boat, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Couch could face criminal charges, according to news reports.

    Mark McCulloh, a parasailing safety consultant from Maitland, Florida, told the Associated Press that boat captains should never cut the cord when people are in the air.

    “No, no, no. That’s not even in the cards,” McCulloh said. He noted that, generally speaking, a captain is giving up control by cutting the line.

    “You run a huge risk because it’s windy. When the parasail lands in the water, it doesn’t stop moving,” he said. Turning the boat from side to side is considered a better way to lessen the tug on the line.

    Good Samaritan

    A nearby boater, John Callion, witnessed the incident around Pigeon Key and tried to rescue Supraja Alaparthi and the boys, pulling them into his boat and taking them to waiting paramedics, the U.S. Coast Guard said in a news release.

    Callion told the Miami Herald that the storm developed suddenly, “It was pretty much flat calm, but you could see the storm coming. All of the sudden, the temperature dropped by 10 degrees and the wind started blowing like crazy.”

    Supraja Alparthi was pronounced dead at the scene. Her son Sriakshith Alaparthi, 10, and nephew Vishant Sadda, 9, were both injured.

    The Coast Guard and Florida Fish and Wildlife are continuing to investigate.

    Notice: As a personal injury law firm, we frequently provide legal analysis and opinion on news stories in the hope that the family and friends of the victims may gain some valuable insight into our theories of negligence surrounding the available facts. Respectfully, our hearts and thoughts are with those who have suffered a catastrophic injury or death.

    For a free, confidential consultation about an incident, contact us today at 561-222-2222.

  • Food Truck Owner Michelle Dietterick Burned in Explosion May Have a Case for Money Damages

    Food Truck Owner Michelle Dietterick Burned in Explosion May Have a Case for Money Damages

    Michelle Dietterick and her family may have a case against any company or person found responsible for an awful food truck explosion that left her with severe burns and broken bones.

    Dietterick, 53, of Port St. Lucie was inside the food concession trailer she owns with her husband at the Vero Beach Seafood Festival on May 14 when an explosion occurred just before 9 a.m., according to an article by TCPalm.com.

    The explosion occurred on the second day of the three-day festival at Riverside Park, south of the Barber Bridge. Police later reported that a strong smell of propane had been coming from Michelle Dietterick’s truck, called “Michelle’s Catch of the Day,” before the explosion.

    According to TCPalm.com, Michelle Dietterick’s food truck had recently passed an inspection on March 24 without any violations. Indian River County Fire Rescue and the State Fire Marshal’s Office are investigating the explosion. Police told reporters that the Sunday the explosion appears to be an accident.

    In situations such as these, it is not always clear whose fault the incident was. As a personal injury law firm, our attorneys and legal specialists have resources that can sometimes uncover information related to the cause of an incident that law enforcement or fire investigators might have overlooked.

    Michelle Dietterick’s husband, Scott Dietterick, created a GoFundMe fundraiser page to accept donations to help cover the cost of treating her injuries, which include severe burns on her face, hands, arms and legs. She also suffered broken bones to her face and a collapsed lung, according to the fundraiser page.

    Notice: As a personal injury law firm, we frequently provide legal analysis and opinion on news stories in the hope that the family and friends of the victims may gain some valuable insight into our theories of negligence surrounding the available facts. Respectfully, our hearts and thoughts are with those who have suffered a catastrophic injury or death.

    For a free, confidential consultation about an incident, contact us today at 561-222-2222.

  • Reynald French: Truck Driver May Be At Fault in Pedestrian’s Death

    Reynald French: Truck Driver May Be At Fault in Pedestrian’s Death

    Deerfield Beach resident Reynald French, 55, was killed March 24 by a turning tractor-trailer on State Road 7 in Boca Raton.

    In situations such as these, it is not always clear whose fault the incident was. Truckers are subject to many different detailed regulations requiring them to get adequate sleep, only travel a limited number of miles per day, and satisfy many different federal rules.

    In addition, most commercial trucks have a “black box” which records vehicle data such as stopping distance, speed, and other data.  An experienced personal injury firm can investigate such tragedies to determine if the trucker may have been partially at fault for this unfortunate tragedy.

    In Florida, a jury can find any percentage of fault against a driver in a fatal crash.

    Authorities say Reynald French was walking on the sidewalk along State Road 7. The truck driver was making a right turn into the Twin Meadows Lake development. French stepped off the sidewalk, hit the side of the truck, and fell. He was then run over by the truck driver’s rear wheels. An ambulance was called, and Reynald French was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

    Florida is the most dangerous state for pedestrians. A study from pedestrian safety organization Smart Growth America found that the state leads the nation in pedestrian deaths in traffic accidents. From 2010 – 2019, Florida had 5,891 pedestrian deaths, or about 2.8 for every 100,000 people.

    Reynald French’s funeral was held on Saturday, April 1. Friends and family members remembered Reynald as a kind, loving member of his church and community.

  • Wellington Resident Tavian O’Brien Dies After Porsche Turns In Front of Motorcycle

    A Wellington resident died on Tuesday, January 4, after his motorcycle collided with a left-turning Porsche outside the Walmart Supercenter in Royal Palm Beach, according to a recent article by the Palm Beach Post.

    The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) told the Post that the crash happened on Tuesday morning around 8 AM. Tavian O’Brien, 24, was riding a Suzuki GSX-R750 motorcycle east on Belvedere Road when he changed lanes near State Road 7 and accelerated to pass another vehicle. That was when the motorcycle collided with the passenger side of a 2015 Porsche that had been westbound on Belvedere and was turning south into the Walmart parking lot, according to PBSO. Sadly, O’Brien was pronounced dead at the scene.

    The Porsche’s driver did not report any injuries, and the sheriff’s report did not indicate whether driver was facing any charges in the crash.

    Motorcycle accidents involving passenger vehicles are a common occurrence. One report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that in nearly half of crashes between motorcycles and cars, the car was attempting a left turn. Right turns can also bring cars into the path of a motorcycle before the bike can stop.

    There are many factors that may contribute to a driver turning in front of a motorcycle. Speeding, ignoring traffic signs, distracted driving such as texting or eating, low visibility, and other issues can all be reasons why a driver violates the motorcycle’s right of way. However, another prevalent reason drivers give for turning in front of a motorcycle is that they simply didn’t see it. Because motorcycles are small and more difficult to see, motorists are encouraged to “look twice and save a life.” It’s also important to remember that drivers making turns should always yield to other traffic.

    Notice: As a personal injury law firm, we frequently provide legal analysis and opinion on news stories in the hope that the family and friends of the victims may gain some valuable insight into our theories of negligence surrounding the available facts. Respectfully, our hearts and thoughts are with those who have suffered a catastrophic injury or death.

    If you would like a free, confidential consultation about an incident, please contact us today at 561-291-6249.

  • How Long Does a Car Accident Lawsuit Take?

    How Long Does a Car Accident Lawsuit Take?

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    How Long Does a Car Accident Lawsuit Case Take?

    After a car accident, there is a lot of trauma to process, but once the dust settles and you have chosen to move forward with a personal injury lawyer, you might start to wonder, “how long does a car accident lawsuit take?” There are many factors to consider including the complexity of the case, injuries, your lawyer, the insurance company, and much more. The average time for litigation is 1 to 3 years from the date of the lawsuit filed to the settlement or trial. The fact that it can take months or years for a settlement is scary to many which is why it is critical to hire a law firm with experience in this area of litigation.

    As a client of The Law Offices of Craig Goldenfarb, P.A., we work swiftly to assign you to an experienced team of paralegals and assistants who are managed by our attorneys. Your team will be dedicated to evaluating all aspects of your auto accident personal injury claim, from investigating the physical evidence, reviewing the police report, and personally consulting eyewitnesses. Some common cases include:

    • Reckless Driving
    • Breaking Traffic Laws
    • Careless Pedestrians
    • Drug-Impaired Driving
    • Tired Driving
    • Distracted Driving
    • Tailgating
    • Speeding
    • Drunk Driving

    Our goal is a quick settlement with the maximum amount of compensation for your suffering. We answer all your questions, so you are not left wondering, “how long does a car accident lawsuit take.” Another key component in the timeline of your personal injury claim is your medical treatment and medical bills. Car accidents can cause severe and significant injuries to all parties involved including the driver, passengers, or other victims. Here is a short list of some of the most common injury cases our law firm sees in a typical car accident:

    • Bruises, Cuts, and Scrapes
    • Soft Tissue Injuries
    • Whiplash
    • Muscle Sprains
    • Fractures, Broken Bones
    • Disfigurement
    • Jaw, Chest, Rib, and Pelvic Damage
    • Crushed Trachea/Larynx
    • Catastrophic Injuries
    • Broken Neck
    • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
    • Paralysis
    • Severe Burns
    • Permanent Sensory Deprivation (Vision, Hearing, etc)

    Your injuries will dictate what medical professionals you will need to see and what treatment will be necessary for your healing and health. In extreme cases, surgery may be necessary which prolongs this process. All of this is a factor into not only the amount of time your case will take but the settlement negotiations. If you have been hurt in a car accident, the Law Offices of Craig Goldenfarb, P.A. may be able to help you get the compensation that you are entitled to. Motor vehicle accident personal injury compensation may include:

    • Hospital & Medical Bills
    • Lost Wages
    • Pain and Suffering
    • Cost of Future Care

    Understanding the Timeline of a Lawsuit

    Timeline for a personal injury case

    Your personal injury lawsuit will be broken down into four different sections, all of which contribute to the overall timeline of the settlement of your case. To get the settlement resolved and the maximum amount for your medical bills, lost wages, future care and pain and suffering, it is critical that your attorneys follow the process thoroughly.

    The timeline consists of:

    1. Lawsuit Preparation and Filing
    2. Discovery Phase
    3. Mediation/Setting of Trial Date
    4. Trial and Possible Appeal

    Below we will go into detail on each step of how long a car accident lawsuit takes, the process, and know each one is critical for our team of auto accident personal injury lawyers at the Law Offices of Craig Goldenfarb, P.A. to get you the maximum amount of compensation possible but helping you recover from your injuries, so your life can get back to normal as soon as possible.

    Step One of the Timeline- Lawsuit Preparation and Filing

    The first part of the timeline of your case is Lawsuit Preparation and Filing. This occurs after you have chosen the Law Offices of Craig Goldenfarb, P.A. to represent you; we will develop our attorney-client relationship by meeting with your team of attorneys and paralegals. After the case is analyzed, it will ultimately need to be approved by Mr. Goldenfarb. The suit will be revised, filed, and delivered to the insurance company.

    Step Two of the Timeline- Discovery Phase

    Next, we will move on to the discovery phase where the client will meet with their legal team to respond to interrogations from the Defendant’s insurance company and produce any information necessary for the team. The longest part of this phase is the sworn deposition which will take place at our offices and likely will take an entire day. Finally, any additional depositions will be taken as needed to gather substantial information.

    Step Three of the Timeline- Mediation/Setting of Trial Date

    The third step involves the judge providing a trial date for the case which could be a few days or a few weeks, depending on the case. At this time, the Settlement Conference will take place which is necessary for the case to move forward. The date of this settlement conference will most likely be one to four months prior to the trial date.

    Step Four of the Timeline- Trial and Possible Appeal

    The final step is the trial itself which will require the client and, if applicable, their spouse to be present for the entire trial. Winning the trial, though it is the desired outcome, will most likely lead to an appeal on behalf of the Defendant’s insurance company. This prolongs the timeline on average another 1-2 years. The other option is for the case to be reversed which will most likely lead to it being retired.

    What Are Your Next Steps?

    This information might leave you feeling frustrated and confused but at our personal injury law firm, you are our client, and that makes you the most important person in our firm. Our job is to alleviate all of these concerns and more, so you can focus on your job, which is to medically treat your auto accident injuries so you don’t develop permanent, life-long pain or discomfort. Don’t become overwhelmed by the pain, aggravation, and worry that follows a car accident. Instead, turn to our expert lawyers; get started with us today.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • Arrest Made in 2020 Fatal Shooting at Super 8 Motel in Lantana

    On Thursday, July 29, Lantana Police made an arrest more than a year after a mother of four was fatally shot at the Super Eight Motel on Hypoluxo Road.

    Authorities say Andre Ramirez, 29, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder for the death of 29-year-old Denicia Steward, a local mother of four. Ramirez is being held without bail.

    See our original story on this breaking news development here: Four Children of Murder Victim Denecia Steward Could Bring Civil Case

    Sadly, Seward was found dead in a room at the Super Eight on July 26, 2020. Her body was discovered when a motel guest went outside to smoke and noticed the door of another room was ajar. The guest then saw Seward on the floor and called 911.

    Investigators say they have surveillance video showing Ramirez running out of the room and driving away about four hours before Seward’s body was discovered.

    Businesses like motels have a duty to provide safe premises for both customers and employees. This means having an appropriate level of security. There are many ways to secure a motel, including having a guard on duty watching the surveillance camera feeds live. For example, someone tasked with watching the surveillance cameras might notice a guest running out of a room and driving away while leaving the room door open. They could then send security officers to investigate and see if anyone in the room needs help.

    When a business fails to properly secure the premises and maintain a safe environment, it may be found liable in tragic situations where a death occurs.

    A webpage set up after Seward’s death last year described her as “the type of person to give the shirt off her back and would go above and beyond to make everyone laugh. Her family was not prepared for such a brutal tragedy.”

    She left behind two sons and two daughters.