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

Category: Personal Injury Blog

  • Motorcyclists Sandra Rios, Dead, and Rodolfo Rios Critically Injured After Commercial Dump Trunk Runs A Red Light

    Motorcyclists Sandra Rios, Dead, and Rodolfo Rios Critically Injured After Commercial Dump Trunk Runs A Red Light

    [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]A crash Friday morning, October 9, at Beeline Highway and Northlake Boulevard left one motorcycle rider dead, and the driver in critical condition.

    Authorities say the accident happened when a dump truck moving south on Beeline failed to stop at a red light. The large truck then crashed into a motorcycle that had the right of way. The bike’s driver, Rodolfo Rios, 25, was rushed to the hospital and remains in critical condition. Sadly the motorcycle’s passenger, Sandra Rios, 46, was pronounced dead at the scene. test

    Police say they are investigating the crash, but do not believe alcohol or drugs played a role.

    Large Commercial Vehicles are particularly dangerous

    Large commercial vehicles can be particularly dangerous when involved in any kind of accident because of their size and weight. It is very important that drivers who operate these vehicles have proper training and understand the potentially deadly consequences of ignoring simple traffic laws like stopping for a red light.

    Unfortunately, Florida has one of the highest rates of large truck accidents in the country. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) it consistently ranks #3 in the nation, behind only California and Texas.

    There are many causes of commercial trucking accidents. Aside from intoxicated driving, speeding and distracted driving are two common causes. Another frequent issue is companies hiring drivers who lack the necessary experience and training.

    In some cases, they may not even have the right type of license for the truck they are assigned to drive. When trucking companies fail to ensure proper training, they’re doing a disservice both to the driver, and to others who may be affected by an accident.

    All drivers should be aware that it’s easy to miss a motorcycle due to its small size. “Look twice and save a life!” is something motorists are encouraged to do. Stopping at red lights will give you ample time to do this.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • Customer at Palm Beach Gardens Gas Station Fatally Shot During Robbery

    On Friday, September 18, a robbery at the Chevron gas station on Alternate A1A and Florida Boulevard ended in tragedy when a customer was shot and killed.

    Authorities responded to a reported robbery with gunshots at the gas station just before 11 PM. Once there, they found a woman suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The victim, later identified as Jacqueline Rae Barthelemy, 36, was rushed to a local hospital, where she later died from her injuries.

    The store clerk told police a robber pointed a gun at her while demanding cash, as a female accomplice held the front door shut. The clerk report indicates that as she was getting cash from a second register, she heard gunshots and saw a customer on the floor, but couldn’t tell who had shot her.

    Police later arrested Ezequiel Nunez in connection with the shooting, charging him with multiple felonies including murder and robbery with a firearm. He remains in jail without bond at this time. A second suspect, believed to be an accomplice, was also later arrested.

    In some cases, a lack of adequate security in gas stations and other public buildings may contribute to violent crimes like robberies and murders. “Adequate security” for a gas station might include the hiring private security guards or off-duty police officers, ensuring proper lighting, or other security measures.

    Companies that operate businesses open to the public have a responsibility to create a safe environment both for their employees and their customers.

    Jacqueline Rae Barthelemy is fondly remembered by loved ones. She leaves behind a husband, two young children, siblings, parents, and extended family who all miss her. A chef at a local country club, she also did philanthropic work for the Palm Beach Gardens Youth Athletic Association (PBGYAA). The PBGYAA is a local youth sports organization that Barthelemy worked with for years. The Law Offices of Craig Goldenfarb have also sponsored PBGYAA for many years, including 2020.

    A statement from Barthelemy’s family called her, “a sweet and gentle soul who will be missed forever.”

  • Man’s Death on Interstate 95 Reveals Safe Driving Concerns for Truck Drivers

    An 85-year-old man died on Saturday, September 19, after a mishap on a wet road led to his vehicle being struck by a tractor-trailer.

    Authorities say the accident happened on Donald Ross Road near Jupiter, around 4 PM. The victim, who hasn’t been identified yet pending notification of next of kin, lost control of his vehicle on a wet patch of road, according to Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). His pickup veered off the road, hit an inside guardrail, and made it back onto the highway, where it was hit by a tractor trailer.

    That collision sent the pickup into the outside guardrail, where it again bounced back violently onto the highway, hitting another pickup truck and camper before finally coming to a stop. Sadly, the 85-year-old driver was pronounced dead at the scene after rescue crews arrived. No one else was hurt.

    Slick roads can always be hazardous, and drivers should be extra cautious in rainy weather. However, truck drivers need to be especially careful due to the large size of their vehicles. Although the initial report in this case indicates that the man lost control of his vehicle, tractor trailer drivers are trained to avoid vehicles, and must make every effort possible to avoid accidents.

    It is possible that the driver of the tractor trailer could bear a portion of the responsibility for this tragic collision. An experienced attorney may be needed to investigate whether the tractor trailer driver and the truck bear any responsibility for this loss.

  • Shooting At Madison Cay Apartments in Vero Reveals Possible Security Lapse

    Shooting At Madison Cay Apartments in Vero Reveals Possible Security Lapse

    [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Madison Cay apartment complex shoorA young black male, Jason Dillard, was 19 years old when he was shot multiple times near a retention pond on the premises of the Madison Cay Apartments in Fort Pierce, Florida. He later died at a nearby hospital.

    While facts surrounding the tragic shooting are few, one thing is clear: The apartment complex owners and management team may have been deficient in securing the apartment complex from violence.

    Under Florida law, apartment complex and premises have a duty to provide reasonable security of their premises to reduce the opportunity for criminals to perpetuate violent acts such as shootings, robberies, rape, or murder. When they fail to do so, and a violent act occurs that results in severe injury or death, the surviving family members may be able to file a lawsuit against the complex for negligent security.

    Two unknown male subjects are wanted as suspects in the murder. Immediately, Fort Pierce police began combing the complex for witnesses or evidence, and even posted a message on the neighborhood app Nextdoor asking any residents who have a “doorbell” camera to come forward. Their hope is that something was captured on tape.

    Our hope, too, is that the suspects are arrested and brought to justice, but regardless, if security at a residential apartment complex is insufficient, deadly crime can occur

    For the surviving family of Jason Dillard, we hope they eventually receive the justice they deserve in civil court against the Madison Cay apartment complex, it’s owner(s), and it’s property manager for possibly failing to secure the premises in an effort to prevent horrific crimes like this.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • One Adult and One Infant are Dead After a Dump Truck Driver Collides with Multiple Vehicles

    One Adult and One Infant are Dead After a Dump Truck Driver Collides with Multiple Vehicles

    On Monday, August 6, a multi-vehicle crash caused by a dump truck led to the tragic death of a 2-month-old baby, and a 46-year-old man.

    Florida Highway Patrol reports that a dump truck driven by 74-year-old Daniel Ragan of Spring Hill collided with two other vehicles around 2:30 in the afternoon. The dump truck then overturned onto a van driven by 46-year-old David Garcia, of Inverness. Sadly, Garcia died at the scene.

    Two-month-old Asher Gaspard was a passenger in another of the eight vehicles struck by the dump truck. Gaspard was rushed to a local hospital, but ultimately died of injuries suffered in the crash.

    Charges are pending in the crash, although officials say alcohol was not a factor.

  • Four Children of Murder Victim Denecia Steward Could Bring Civil Case

    [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]A fatal shooting occurred early Sunday morning, July 26, at the Super 8 Motel on Hypoluxo Road in the small Palm Beach County town of Lantana. The victim this time is Denecia Stephanie Seward, and this is not the first time a violent crime occurred on the premises; quite the contrary, in fact.

    Authorities say the incident was reported just before 7:30 AM. First responders found a woman with multiple gunshot wounds, who was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. Police believe she died before 5 AM. They are continuing to investigate, but say they have no suspects at this time.

    The patrons of this problematic hotel are well known to police for trafficking in drugs, sex, and other violent crimes. It’s frequently cited as one of the most violence-ridden hotels in Palm Beach County, for its lax security measures and inadequate safety. Our law firm is currently representing a victim who was was hurt at this Super 8 Motel.

    This law firm represents several victims in similar cases against this very motel for extreme security negligence. Civil cases against the motel can be brought by the surviving children or family of a victim, even if the criminal case is not solved.

    Police crime logs show that for a 10-year stretch between 2005 and 2015, more than 5,000 calls were made to Lantana Police for incidents at the motel – an average of a call a day. The calls didn’t stop after that, either. There’s been over 1,000 calls since New Years’ Day 2018, for everything from overdoses, mental health calls, shootings and battery.

    This most recent shooting victim, Ms. Seward has now been identified, and friends and coworkers at the scene spoke to local media. They say she was the mother of small children, and will be missed. One coworker asked for the public’s help in finding the shooter.

    “She was my buddy. I loved her. She was the life of the party. She did not deserve this,” said Jennifer Conde, a coworker and friend of the victim. “If you have any information or know the person who did it, or if someone told you something about the person who did it, call the cops, call the news, whatever you can do, just help us, she didn’t deserve that at all.”

    The Lantana Police Department’s tipline is 800-458-TIPS (8477). Anyone with information on the crime is encouraged to call.

    Negligent security law requires that owners of property like hotels and motels maintain safe premises, and that includes appropriate security standards. Having good video surveillance of parking lots and appropriate locking measures on room doors are usually helpful security measures.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • Spencer Kuvin on the Arraignment of Ghislaine Maxwell

    Spencer Kuvin on the Arraignment of Ghislaine Maxwell

    Jeffrey Epstein’s long-time friend, confidant, and now named co-conspirator Ghislain Maxwell has been arraigned on six federal charges in a New York federal court on the afternoon of Tuesday, July 14th 2020.

    The charges, announced earlier in the month, include conspiracy to commit sexual assault against a minor, the participation in said sexual assault, the transportation across state lines for the purpose of abusing a minor, and perjury regarding her and Epstein’s alleged acts, all of which occurred in the late 1990’s to early 2000’s.

    Listening in closely to the hearing, personal injury attorney and victims’ rights advocate Spencer Kuvin, who represents a total of six women who have pending litigation against Jeffrey Epstein’s estate, released a comment following the court proceeding that formally leveled these sobering charges against Maxwell.

    “The arraignment of these disturbing sexual assault crimes against minors and the subsequent denial of bail for Ghislaine Maxwell is a continued tip of the scales of justice in favor of the victims after all these years. While Epstein cowardly evaded his charges, Ms. Maxwell will not. With her global connections, cash resources, multiple passports, and a proven willingness to lie to the Court and prosecutors, denying bail was the right call by the Court. The weight of money, power and influence has finally been overcome by the weight of justice and truth. This is a victory for my clients, the victims of Epstein’s illicit sexual pyramid scheme, and as is the rest of the world, we will be eagerly watching as the scales of justice finally tip against Maxwell and other co-conspirators.”

    For press & media inquiries, please contact us here.

  • Motorcyclist Ryan Carter Killed After Being Repeatedly Run Over By Truck

    [vc_row][vc_column][norebro_testimonial block_type_layout=”default” block_type_alignment_default=”center” quote=”I was helped. I was helped. I was helped. I was helped. I was helped. I was helped. “][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • Spencer Kuvin Comments on Ghislaine Maxwell Arrest

    Spencer Kuvin Comments on Ghislaine Maxwell Arrest

    [column parallax_bg=”disabled” parallax_bg_inertia=”-0.2″ extended=”” extended_padding=”1″ background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”” background_position=”” background_size=”auto” background_attachment=”” hide_bg_lowres=”” background_video=”” vertical_padding_top=”0″ vertical_padding_bottom=”0″ more_link=”” more_text=”” left_border=”transparent” class=”” id=”” title=”” title_type=”single” animation=”none” width=”3/4″]

    [column_1 width=”1/1″ last=”true” title=”” title_type=”single” animation=”none” implicit=”true”]

    The following is a statement from the desk of Spencer T. Kuvin, Esq, attorney for nearly a dozen of Jeffrey Epstein’s victims, on the purported arrest of his recruiter, confidant, and fellow co-conspirator in Epstein’s infamous pedophilia criminal ring Ghislaine Maxwell this morning in New Hampshire.

    “As we have consistently said, we were hopeful that the U.S. Attorney’s office would hold all co-conspirators accountable for their actions in the Epstein conspiracy.  With the arrest of Ghislaine Maxwell, this welcomed news will hopefully be the first of many co-conspirators to face the consequences of this horrific crimes.  While the fund [Epstein Victim’s Compensation Program] was the first page of the last chapter in this sad and terrible saga, the prosecution of Epstein’s co-conspirators, including Ms. Maxwell, will signal the conclusion of this final chapter.  The arrest and successful prosecution of Ms. Maxwell and other co-conspirators brings this sad story full circle to a close. We are proud of the FBI and the States’ Attorney’s office for their voracious investigation, and the victims are again hopeful that the justice system will hold these people accountable.  We will now wait and see if this holds true.”

    Attributed to Spencer T. Kuvin, Esq. of the Law Offices of Craig Goldenfarb, P.A. in West Palm Beach, FL. Kuvin has been representing many of Epstein’s accusers since 2006 and was recently featured in the popular Netflix miniseries Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich.

    [/column_1]

    [column parallax_bg=”disabled” parallax_bg_inertia=”-0.2″ extended=”” extended_padding=”1″ background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”” background_position=”” background_size=”auto” background_attachment=”” hide_bg_lowres=”” background_video=”” vertical_padding_top=”0″ vertical_padding_bottom=”0″ more_link=”” more_text=”” left_border=”transparent” class=”” id=”” title=”” title_type=”single” animation=”none” width=”1/4″ last=”true”]

    [column_1 width=”1/1″ last=”true” title=”” title_type=”single” animation=”none” implicit=”true”]

    [template id=”11411″]

    [/column_1]

  • Spencer Kuvin on the Establishment of the Epstein Victim’s Compensation Program

    Spencer Kuvin on the Establishment of the Epstein Victim’s Compensation Program

    PRESS CONFERENCE LIVESTREAM

    We will be live streaming the press conference beginning at 10:55 a.m. to YouTube.

    Press and Media Contacts

    Tom Copeland, Marketing Director
    The Law Offices of Craig Goldenfarb, P.A.
    (e) tcopeland@800goldlaw.com
    (c) 561-601-5036

    AT A GLANCE:

    • Kuvin will provide background on the Fund and how it works
    • Kuvin will take questions about why this matters for all victims, whether they have pending litigation or not
    • We will have a client whose confidentiality will be protected available to take questions about what the establishment of this fund means to her
    • Covid-19 best practices will be adhered to…please wear a mask.

    The Epstein Victim’s Compensation Program (“fund”) will begin accepting claims from victims and survivors of the late financier’s sexual assault victims on Thursday, June 25, 2020. Kuvin, who represents several Epstein victims, and has been litigating against Epstein for more than a decade, discusses the fund and its significance as a victory for victim’s rights against the disgraced billionaire’s estate.

    Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney Spencer T. Kuvin, Esq., who has been fighting for over twenty-five years on behalf of victims of sexual assault and abuse as a nationally recognized litigator against infamous perpetrators including Bill Cosby and Jeffrey Epstein, will lead a press conference to educate the public on the details of the Epstein Victim’s Compensation Program (“fund”), which is scheduled to begin accepting claims on Thursday, June 25, 2020.

    Mr. Kuvin, who currently represents four victims, has been frequently interviewed for all things Epstein in national and international media since at least 2006. Most recently, Kuvin was featured on the popular Netflix docuseries Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich, for which Kuvin discusses his 10+ year journey for justice on behalf of his clients against the powerful billionaire.

    The Epstein Victim’s Compensation Program: Why Now?

    The purpose of the fund is to equitably distribute nearly the entirety of the estimated $630 million estate to the survivors of the disgraced financier’s many decades of sexual assault, abuse, sexploitation, and sex trafficking of women and minor girls.

    Epstein was able to perpetrate these horrific crimes for decades, thanks to his wealth and political connections, which eventually produced the now infamous sweetheart plea deal for federal charges in 2009. The number of potential claimants could be in the hundreds.

    Women who came into coerced sexual contact with Epstein or his many wealthy and powerful accomplices at any time in their lives, in just about any manner, without regard to when, how, or what occurred, are encouraged to come forward now. Strict confidentiality will be adhered to for those who wish to remain anonymous.

    This is the final opportunity for victims to make a compensatory claim against their accuser, and there is a limited window of time to file a claim.

    “While nothing can diminish the damage that Epstein caused these women, the establishment and fair distribution of this fund is the first page of the final chapter that is the harrowing saga of Jeffrey Epstein. This is a huge victory for victim’s rights, and finally, so many wrongs will be righted” comments Spencer Kuvin.

    To make a valid claim, Kuvin says, claimants must be able to demonstrate either with evidence, or in some cases anecdotally, that they were injured physically or psychologically from their sexual encounters with Epstein or Epstein’s co-conspirators.

    How the Epstein Victim’s Compensation Program Works

    In order to be eligible to receive compensation, the administrator of the fund, Jordana H. Feldman, Esq., will subjectively determine the credibility of each claim, and the amount of the award. Ms. Feldman, a New York attorney, is known for her work in administering the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund.

    There are no monetary caps to how much a victim can receive, and there is no regard given to the year, circumstances, or manner in which a credible claim is made. However, Kuvin stresses, it is crucial that any claimant is represented by legal counsel to ensure that their claim is adequately prepared, filed in a timely manner, and managed for the best possible outcome.