CGWC Orlando Injury Attorney Blog

Orlando, Florida

State Farm Won't Renew Thousands of Floridians Homeowner Policies - Saturday, January 30, 2010

State Farm Insurance Companies won't be renewing many property insurance contracts this year. Non-renewal notices will be sent to 125,000 former customers, telling them Illinois based State Farm won't renew their policies in hurricane prone Florida where State Farm insures over 700,000 homes. The first notices have already been mailed.

While storm damage from hurricanes is rare, a hurricane can ravage even inland homes when it comes ashore. Storm damage can also result from severe windstorms, thunderstorms and tornadoes. Homeowners insurance is supposed to cover storm damage, and other damage to property such as fire. But often, insurers don't live up to their obligations. If your insurance company has denied a claim, call The Florida Firm for a free legal consultation.

Labels: ,

DOT Bans Texting By Truckers - Wednesday, January 27, 2010

The Department of Transportation announced new rules prohibiting interstate commercial truckers from sending text messages while driving big rigs. Truckers and bus drivers who violate the rules face a civil, or possibly criminal, fine. The Department of Transportation is commendably taking aim at reducing the instance of distracted driving. The DOT is working on additional regulations to regulate other multi-tasking while driving, such as using on board computers and talking on cell phones.

Research shows that drivers who text take their eyes off the road for nearly 5 seconds. In five seconds, a driver can drive the length of a football field at highway speed. The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute has conducted research that shows that texting truckers are 23 times more likely to get into a crash than truckers who aren't texting while driving.

If you or a loved one is injured by a careless driver, call The Florida Firm for a free consultation about your legal rights. And don't wait too long or you'll lose your rights. Remember, one call does it all.

Labels: , , ,

Thousands Of Veterans To Get Upgraded Benefits - Tuesday, January 26, 2010

A military review could bring millions of dollars in additional benefits to veterans of the War in Iraq and the Afghanistan War. Veterans discharged with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may be entitled to additional benefits after a review of the benefits awarded at discharge. The agreement to review the cases of these veterans stems from a class action lawsuit filed by seven combat veterans.

The disability rating given by the army for veterans discharged with a diagnosis of PTSD is at issue. The law requires the VA to assign a disability rating of at least 50% to veterans discharged with PTSD. Sometimes the VA assigns lower disability ratings wrongfully. The higher rating assures that a veteran with PTSD receives lifelong monthly disability payments, and free health care for the veteran and his or her family.

If you or a loved one has questions about Veterans Benefits, call The Florida Firm for a free consultation.

Labels:

Florida Veterans' Benefits Attorneys At The Florida Firm - Monday, January 25, 2010

The Florida Firm is proud to have experienced veteran's benefits attorneys on staff to help our proud veterans of past conflicts, including the Vietnam War, the Persian Gulf War, and the Iraq War. Veterans should be aware that the Veterans Administration is changing the way it approaches many veterans' claims. An experienced veterans' benefits attorney may be needed to navigate the complicated VA system.

In the past the VA has restricted claims for Agent Orange to servicemen and women who were physically present in Vietnam - the "boot on the ground" veterans. Many veterans who served on ships in the waters near Vietnam applied for and were denied benefits for diseases and health conditions caused by Agent Orange. This denial was unfair to those veterans because they were exposed to Agent Orange or other herbicides when those chemicals became airborne after being sprayed into the air.

The VA has since changed its policy and as of January, 2010, they have identified blue-water vessels which conducted operations on the inland "brown water" rivers and deltas in or near Vietnam, and also vessels which operated exclusively on the inland waterways in Vietnam. The VA has published a list of the vessels and their respective dates of service in the affected areas. Any serviceman who can establish his presence on one of those vessels during the relevant time period is can now be presumed to have been exposed to Agent Orange. Many Veterans are now qualified to apply for benefits and other the spouses of those Veterans that would have qualified and have since passed away may be eligible for death indemnity compensation benefits.

There are many benefits that may be available to Veterans. However, most Veterans do not know or are not aware of the benefits or their eligibility. If a Veteran or family member believes they are entitled to benefits, call The Florida Firm for a free consultation. For more information about veterans' benefits visit our website.



Labels:

Florida Automobile Accident Attorney - Sunday, January 24, 2010

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety over 37,000 people died in automobile accidents in 2008 alone. Almost 3,000 of those were in Florida. Most automobile accidents could have been avoided if drivers observed the rules of the road. If you or a loved one is involved in an automobile accident, contact The Florida Firm for a free consultation.

Labels: , ,

Unscrupulous Accident Attorney? - Saturday, January 16, 2010

If you're involved in an accident, you should have an attorney. But you should have an attorney of your choice, and you should know that some unscrupulous attorneys break the law and the Florida Bar's rules of ethics in trying to get you to hire them.

For one thing, an attorney is prohibited from contacting you unless you request it. If you get a call from an attorney after an accident, particularly if you don't know that attorney and when you haven't asked for the call, he is breaking the law and Florida's ethics rules. If doctors take "kickbacks" from attorneys for referring you to a particular attorney, that is also against the law. Sometimes, some of these violations are even criminal acts.

Find an attorney the right way. Do your own research, and don't rely solely on advertisements or the word of a doctor you've just met. Don't get mixed up with an unethical attorney. You'll regret it.

If you've been in an accident, contact The Florida Firm for information about our attorneys, our results and the quality of our legal services.

Labels:

Experienced Veterans Benefits Attorney - Thursday, January 07, 2010

The Florida Firm is pleased to announce that Ronald S. Gilbert has been accredited by the Department of Veterans' Affairs to prepare, present and prosecute claims for veterans benefits for former military services personnel. Visit the website of the Department of Veteran's Affairs for more information about the many benefits that veterans may be entitled to receive depending upon the veteran's dates of service and many other criteria.

Accreditation of an attorney by the Department of Veterans' Affairs is a privilege that carries with it certain specific responsibilities. For more information about accreditation and the legal representation of veterans and their families in claims for veteran's benefits, visit the website of this Department of Veterans' Affairs link.

If you believe you may be entitled to veteran's benefits or have questions about your rights to veteran's benefits, contact The Florida Firm for a free consultation.

Labels:

SuperLawyers - Tuesday, January 05, 2010

Once again, the partners of The Florida Firm have all been selected as Super Lawyers by Law & Politics magazine for 2010. The selection of Super Lawyers in each state is a rigorous multiphase process that includes the following steps:
  • A statewide survey of lawyers
  • Independent research to identify outstanding lawyers
  • Evaluation of candidates based on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement
  • A blue ribbon panel review by practice area
  • A discipline check of each candidate
Only 5% of all practicing attorneys are chosen in Florida each year and a much smaller percentage are practicing civil trial attorneys.

If you or a loved one needs an experienced civil trial attorney, contact The Florida Firm for a free consultation.

Labels:

Don't Sell Yourself Short - Demand Straight Talk From Your Personal Injury Attorney - Monday, December 28, 2009

If you're ever injured in an accident and looking for the right attorney, you'll quickly learn there is no shortage of choices and the decision can be confusing. This confusion is multiplied by the misleading promises many unscrupulous attorneys make. Promises like, "you are entitled to a minimum of $ (insert a number)" or how their firm has "combined" experience of a hundred years or how they work "for free" on your case. Bottom line, if your gut tells you something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. And no trial lawyer can honestly promise you a minimum of anything or that he can achieve any particular result. Not only is it impossible, it is unethical to make empty promises under Florida Bar regulations.

If you've been hurt in an accident, what you need is straight talk from experienced personal injury attorneys and their well trained staff. At The Florida Firm, that's exactly what you will get. Straight talk, not empty promises. For a free consultation about your legal rights, contact us today.

Labels: , , ,

The Top 100 Trial Lawyers In Florida - Tuesday, December 22, 2009

For the calendar year 2009 to 2010, The Florida Firm's attorneys have again been recognized for their reputation, experience and skill by their peers. Ronald S. Gilbert and Melvin B. Wright have been nominated for membership in The American Trial Lawyers Association for 2009-2010. The ATLA is a national organization composed of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers from each state. An attorney becomes a candidate for membership by special invitation only. Only those attorneys who exemplify superior qualifications, leadership, reputation, influence, stature and profile as trial lawyers, both civil plaintiff's attorneys and criminal defense attorneys, are extended invitations for membership by the executive committee of The ATLA.

If you or a loved one need an experienced personal injury attorney, contact The Florida Firm for a free consultation or for more specific information about our qualifications and experience.

Labels: , ,

Pedestrian Deaths All Too Common In Central Florida - Sunday, December 20, 2009

Central Florida is one of the worst areas of the country for pedestrian safety. A pedestrian has been killed in Daytona Beach Shores crash.

If you or a loved one has been involved in an automobile accident, motorcycle accident, or pedestrian accident, you need an experienced automobile accident attorney to navigate the complicated legal and insurance environment implicated by the accident.

For a free consultation, contact The Florida Firm.

Labels: , , , , ,

CGWC Partner Appointed To Advisory Committee Of National Board of Trial Advocacy - Thursday, July 09, 2009

CGWC partner Melvin B. Wright has been appointed to the Advisory Committee of the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Mr. Wright is board certified in civil trial law by both the Florida Bar and the National Board of Trial Advocacy. He has been board certified for over 10 years.

Labels:

How To Choose The Right Lawyer - Wednesday, March 11, 2009

When you or a loved one has been in an accident, you know that you are inundated by lawyers and 'friends' of lawyers trying to convince you that you need them. And daily, television ads, radio ads and billboards bombard you and your family with promises that the lawyers care about you. But how do you choose the lawyer and law firm that is right for you? What do you do and what do you look for?

First, don't hire an attorney who contacts you before you've called the attorney. That is unethical and the attorney should be reported to the Florida Bar. Second, don't hire an attorney because they have the most airtime, the most billboards, or a catchy jingle. Hire an attorney like you'd hire a surgeon. Check them out. Look at several attorneys and firms before you decide which ones to interview. Check their record with the Florida Bar. Answer the following questions before you even contact an attorney for an interview: Are they board certified in civil trial law? Can they provide references? How are they rated by their peers? Have they handled similar cases in the past and what were their results? When was the last time the lawyer went to trial on a similar case? Will the lawyer personally handle your case, from beginning to end? If not, what are the qualifications and experience of the lawyers who will be handling the case? If your lawyer loses, do you owe any money at all?

Look up your attorney on attorney ratings services like Martindale Hubbell or AVVO. Ask the law firm for written material on the qualifications of the attorney who will be handling your case. Read them, and satisfy yourself that your attorney is ethical, experienced, skilled, and respected by his peers and opponents. If you aren't convinced of all four, keep looking until you are.

If you or a loved one has been in an accident, call CGWC for a free consultation and for free written information on our attorneys or to speak directly with one of our attorneys.

Labels:

More Accolades For CGWC Partner - Thursday, February 26, 2009

CGWC Partner, Nathan P. Carter, has been named a member of Florida Legal Elite for 2009 by Florida Trend Magazine. Florida Trend's Florida Legal Elite are chosen by their peers through a confidential balloting process. The rigorous selection process began with notifying and inviting members of the Florida Bar to participate in balloting by providing the names of Florida lawyers they hold in the highest regard, lawyers they have worked with personally, or would recommend to others. The votes were tallied by an independent research firm and a Blue Ribbon Panel of prominent lawyers reviewed the list of attorneys who garnered the most votes.

In addition, Mr. Carter was awarded membership in the exclusive American Trial Lawyers Association (ATLA) as one of the Top 100 Lawyers in America.

Congratulations to Nathan P. Carter and CGWC. If you or a loved one have been involved in an accident, don't hire an attorney based on advertisements or fancy slogans. Find a lawyer with the skill, experience, and knowledge you need for your case. Contact CGWC for a free consultation.


Labels:

CGWC Partner Named Florida Legal Elite - Friday, February 20, 2009

CGWC founding partner Melvin B. Wright has been awarded status as a member of Florida's Legal Elite by Florida Trend Magazine for 2009. Florida's Legal Elite are chosen by their peers through a confidential balloting process. The rigorous selection process began with notifying and inviting members of the Florida Bar to participate in balloting by providing the names of Florida lawyers they hold in the highest regard, lawyers they have worked with personally, or would recommend to others. The votes were tallied by an independent research firm and a Blue Ribbon Panel of prominent lawyers reviewed the list of attorneys who garnered the most votes.

Congratulations to CGWC and Mr. Wright! If you or a loved one is involved in an accident, don't choose an attorney because of a flashy advertisement, catchy jingle, or a paid referral service. Choose an experienced, skilled attorney with a solid reputation. Call CGWC for a free consultation.


Labels:

Super Lawyers - Saturday, January 10, 2009

All four CGWC partners have once again been selected Super Lawyers in the State of Florida for 2009 by Law & Politics Magazine. After conducting polling and research, Law & Politics identifies lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Each year Law & Politics sends a ballot to active lawyers in each state or region who have been practicing five years or more. The ballot asks the lawyers to nominate the best attorneys they've personally observed in action. Only five (5%) percent of lawyers in each state or region are selected as Super Lawyers.

For more information on the qualifications, experience, and results of CGWC and any of our individual attorneys, contact us by telephone or email.

Labels:

Happy New Year - Wednesday, December 31, 2008

From all of us at CGWC, have a safe New Year's Eve and a Happy New Year in 2009. If you will be going out tonight to celebrate, have a designated driver or get a cab. And for those of you who will be driving, drive defensively, buckle up and don't speed. Holidays can be wrecked by an automobile accident, so take precautions to remain as safe as possible.

If you or a loved one is involved in an accident during the holidays, call CGWC for a free consultation.



Labels:

Enjoy Christmas And Be Careful Out There - Friday, December 19, 2008

The end of the year always brings the Christmas and New Year season and with it the very real threat of serious injuries or death due to accidents on the highways, streets or elsewhere. The National Safety Council estimates there will be 432 motor vehicle deaths during the Christmas holiday period alone, i.e. December 24-28. The NSC estimates 445 deaths during the New Year holiday period.

These are good reasons to remember safety when you're celebrating Christmas and New Years. Drive defensively. Wear your seatbelt. Don't drive when you're tired, drowsy or distracted. And of course, if you are going to drink, take a cab or have a designated driver.

From all of us at CGWC, have a wonderful, safe Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Labels:

Don't Worry Be Happy - Sunday, December 07, 2008

It's the Christmas Season, and what better time to be reminded that happiness in life is about happiness, not material things or money. And this year, a study in the British Journal of Medicine tells us that when you're happy, it can make others happier, who can make others happier, who can make still others happier. So, this Holiday Season, count your blessings, and don't worry, be happy. It might just make a difference in someone else's life, and it will certainly make a difference in yours!

From all of us at CGWC, Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!

Labels:

Orlando Personal Injury Lawyer Named Florida Legal Elite - Friday, July 11, 2008


The fifth annual edition of Florida Trend magazine's Florida Legal Elite names CGWC partner, Nathan P. Carter, as a top lawyer in Florida. Florida Trend invites the entire Florida Bar to participate in balloting each year to select the top lawyers in Florida. Only about 2% of Florida total of over 60,000 practicing attorneys make the grade during this balloting to be named one of Florida's Legal Elite.

In the balloting, members of the Florida Bar are asked to name the lawyers they hold in the highest regard and to whom they would recommend prospective clients. Florida Trend and Florida Legal Elite says the lawyers named are the attorneys who know their work best because they have earned the trust and respect of their peers. Congratulations to Orlando personal injury attorney and CGWC partner, Nathan P. Carter.

Labels:

CGWC Partners Named Super Lawyers - Thursday, June 19, 2008

Law & Politics and Super Lawyers has once again honored Stewart Colling, Ron Gilbert and Melvin Wright by selecting them as Super Lawyers for 2008. Super Lawyers publishes a magazine and maintains a website with the objective of creating a credible, comprehensive and diverse listing of outstanding attorney annually. The Super Lawyers list and database can then be used by attorneys and consumers alike in searching for competent legal counsel in their geographical area.

Super Lawyers names attorneys from 70 practice areas after a rigorous selection process determining they have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Polling research and selection are performed by Law & Politics. Only 5% of Florida attorneys have been honored by this designation. Selection involves an extensive process of balloting, peer nominations, blue ribbon panel review, and independent research.

Congratulations to CGWC.

Labels:

Remember Our Troops - Friday, May 23, 2008

From all of us at CGWC, remember our troops this Memorial Day. God bless America, and God bless our young men and women abroad serving our country and the world. If you are traveling, drive safely, and don't forget to perform a safety check of your car before you leave. And of course, buckle up.

Labels:

Have A Safe Prom and Graduation Year - Saturday, May 10, 2008

This is the time of year when teens across the country and in Florida are preparing to celebrate graduations and prom nights. It's natural for teens to celebrate with alcohol. No matter what adults say, we all know it is going to happen. The safest practice is to acknowledge it and do what you can to make it a safe celebration.

Statistics show clearly that teen injuries from automobile accidents increase during the prom and graduation season. The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles acknowledges this fact and suggests that teens, parents, and school administrations work together to make sure teens can celebrate this wonderful time in their lives and stay safe on Florida's streets and highways at the same time.

First of all, teens must understand that Florida law enforcement agencies have a zero tolerance for driving under the influence and that drivers under age 21 with a blood alcohol level of only .02 or more will have their license suspended for six months. Parents and teens should also remember these rules:
  • Don't drink and drive;
  • Don't get into a vehicle with someone who has been drinking;
  • Buckle up - it's the law;
  • Keep cell phones on so parents can reach you, but don't talk or text while driving;
  • If you need help or assistance, call your parent or a trusted adult, and if it's an emergency, call 911;
  • Limit the number of passengers in a vehicle to minimize distractions;
  • If possible, have parents or transportation companies provide chauffeur services.
Have a safe and happy prom night and graduation season!

Labels:

Choosing The Right Lawyer - Saturday, April 12, 2008

Most people are not experienced in dealing with attorneys, and the prospect can seem intimidating and daunting. Like any other new experience, having to hire an attorney can be uneasy. It's best to do your research and homework until you have that comfortable feeling in your gut that you've done the right thing.

First, look for the right type of lawyer. The practice of law has evolved over the years, much like the practice of medicine. There are general practice lawyers, and lawyers who focus their practice on specialized areas of law. Choose a lawyer who specializes in your legal problem, if possible. Second, ask friends, family, and others you trust what attorneys they have used and whether they did a good job. There are many online resources available through the internet, such as lawyer and law firm directory services. But make sure you know what you're reading on internet sites. What may at first appear to be a nonprofit informational website or a public service website may actually be an advertisement for a specific law firm, a paid advertisement, or a sponsored link which is a paid advertisement. These internet ads are no different than television, billboard or print advertisements. Don't mistake those advertisements for anything else.

When looking for an attorney for a personal injury or wrongful death, make sure your attorney has a track record of success at trial. Many attorneys who advertise on television or in print media for certain types of cases, do not really perform the work. Instead, they have other attorneys handle the work for them, for a portion of their fee. Sometimes, they refer the cases out to other completely unrelated law firms.

When you talk to your lawyer and his staff, make sure the attorney has experience with your type of legal issue. Contact the Florida Bar and make sure he is in good standing. And check his record for disciplinary actions. Just typing in your attorney's full name into the search bar of your favorite internet search engine will reveal some useful information. Ask your attorney for written information on his qualifications, experience, and track record. If an attorney is reluctant to provide this information, think twice.

If you or a family member or acquaintance has suffered from injury or death of a loved one, visit CGWC's website for information about our attorneys and their experience, as well as our results and track record.

Labels:

Supreme Court Upholds Patients' Right To Know - Friday, March 07, 2008

On March 6, 2008 the Supreme Court of the State of Florida upheld the amendment to the Florida Constitution giving patients the right to know the details of "adverse medical incidents" involving their physicians and hospitals. Several ballot initiatives were passed to amend the Florida Constitution in the contentious 2004 election season during which the health care industry led an aggressive campaign attacking the trial bar.

The goal of the health care and insurance industries in seeking a constitutional amendment to limit attorneys' fees in medical negligence cases was to discourage trial attorneys from accepting medical malpractice cases. Florida trial attorney groups and consumer groups responded by seeking an amendment giving patients certain rights. One result was Section 25, Article X, giving patients the right to previously privileged and confidential "peer review" and "work product" incident reports concerning "adverse incidents" occuring during the provision of medical services.

The health care industry has fought ferociously for four years to have appeals courts interpret the amendment in a way that would maintain secrecy of these incident reports. The Supreme Court of Florida not only upheld the patients' right to know under Section 25, Article X, but made it clear that it applies retroactively to incident reports prepared prior to its effective date. The Supreme Court opinion also held that the amendment overrides old recognized privileges, such as the so-called "peer review" privilege, that have historically given health care providers the legal right to maintain the secrecy of these "adverse incident reports", often depriving medical malpractice victims of the right to know why they were hurt by the profession whose job was to heal them.

Hopefully, answers will now come easier to medical malpractice victims and their counsel, and the details of tragic events will no longer remain well kept secrets of the medical profession. If you or a loved one has been a victim of medical malpractice, call CGWC for a free consultation.

Labels:

The Keys To The Courthouse - Saturday, February 09, 2008

In modern day America, anyone who hires corporate lawyers for their small business, real estate or transactional lawyer for real estate or other transactions, or estate planning lawyers to handle end of life legal affairs knows how expensive hourly attorneys' fees can be. Civil litigation is often lengthy and uncertain for both sides. As a result, accurately predicting the attorneys' fees that will be necessary to conclude a case is virtually impossible. In addition, other expenses, including court costs, witness fees, fees for experts or other witnesses with specialized knowledge whose testimony is necessary to prove or defend a civil case can be staggering.

Only the wealthiest of Americans can afford the hourly fees and additional costs of litigating complicated and uncertain civil disputes. When someone is injured or, worse, a family breadwinner killed in a serious accident, a family's financial resources are strained further, leaving them without access to the civil justice system for all practical purposes. For this reason, the contingency fee arrangement for paying trial attorneys became a time honored tradition long ago, providing the common man the keys to the courthouse and access to an even playing field in the civil justice system. In addition to providing access to the courts to the average American, including middle class, working class and the poor, retaining an attorney on a contingent fee basis also provides a powerful motivation to the attorney to work diligently and achieve a satisfactory result for his or her client.

In contingency fee cases, the attorney never gets paid, unless the client wins in court or the attorney is able to achieve a reasonable settlement. Can you imagine a doctor or any other professional agreeing to be paid only if they get a satisfactory result? At CGWC, we only handle cases on a contingency fee basis. We do not get paid any amount for attorneys' fees unless we win your case in court or are successful in extracting a reasonable settlement of your civil dispute. In addition, in most cases, we advance the expenses and costs of litigation on your behalf and risk losing that "investment" unless we are successful in getting you the justice you deserve. Contrary to popular belief, we have no incentive to take on "frivolous" cases, advancing thousands and thousands of dollars that we would lose if a judge or jury decided your case was undeserving. The contingency fee attorney is indeed the average man's keys to the courthouse and the open door to justice. Without this time honored practice, most Americans would be at mercy of the rich and powerful and big business.

Labels:

CGWC Partners Named SuperLawyers - Saturday, February 02, 2008

CGWC partners Stewart L. Colling, Ronald S. Gilbert & Melvin B. Wright have been named Super Lawyers for 2008 by Law & Politics magazine. Law & Politics selects lawyers for this listing after extensive polling and research designed to identify attorneys who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Annually, Law & Politics sends a ballot to lawyers in each state asking them to nominate the best lawyers they've personally seen in action. Only 5% of lawyers in each region are awarded the Super Lawyer recognition.

Labels:

CGWC Partner In New York Times - Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Once again, CGWC partner, Nathan P. Carter, was quoted in another in a series of articles in the New York Times regarding the abuses of nursing home residents by nursing homes operated in complicated schemes by private equity firms designed to avoid liability in civil court for the injuries and deaths caused by neglect, abuse and malpractice by their management and caregivers.

These private equity firms, often owned by politically connected power brokers from all over the country, use complex corporate structures in which assets are placed in limited liability companies or other corporate entities which are separated from the companies that hold state issued licenses to operate the facilities in states all over the country, including Florida. By structuring the operation of long term care facilities in this fashion, the licensees, which hold few if any assets of the operations, are essentially judgment proof, and the entities with the assets and revenues contend they are shielded from responsibility, since they are "merely creditors" of the licensees, leaving injured victims of abuse and their families no practical legal recourse in civil court.

In fact, these companies are engaged as partners in joint ventures to operate the nursing homes while escaping financial responsibility for injuries and death caused by their malfeasance. The United States Congress is investigating the operation of nursing homes by private equity firms, concerned that the business structure leaves nursing home residents without the ability to fight for their rights in civil courts. Mr. Carter was quoted in the article after being contacted by the Times for comment. Mr. Carter is one of the most experienced nursing home abuse attorneys in the country, is often asked to speak to attorneys at continuing legal education seminars on nursing home neglect, and is author of numerous articles in professional publications on nursing home abuse, neglect, and negligence.

Labels:

CGWC Website Wins Award - Thursday, October 11, 2007

In 1997 the nonprofit Web Marketing Association was founded to foster high standards for internet marketing and website development. The Web Marketing Association's staff is made up of volunteers of professionals in internet website design, internet marketing and online advertising. The Web Marketing Association produces the WebAward Competition annually. The WebAwards is in its 11th year of recognizing the best websites in 96 industries, and WebAwards is the premier annual website award competition.

The Web Marketing Association recently announced the winners of the 2007 WebAward Competition and the CGWC website was named "outstanding website" in the legal industry. There were only four total winners in that category worldwide and only 32 legal websites worldwide were awarded 2007 WebAwards. The CGWC website was also named an "Official Honoree" of the Webby Awards earlier this year, so this is the second major worldwide website award received by "The Florida Firm" this year. CGWC's website is designed, optimized and marketed by Page 1 Solutions, an internet marketing subsidiary of Network Affiliates, Inc. Page 1 and Network Affiliates have been providing superior advertising and marketing for legal, cosmetic surgical and dental practices for over 25 years.

Labels:

Federal Judge Awards $ 101 Million For Wrongful Imprisonment - Thursday, July 26, 2007



In Boston, Massachussetss today, U.S. District Judge Nancy Gertner ordered the U.S. Government to pay four men $ 101 million for wrongful convictions and imprisonment. The men had spent decades in jail, following their convictions for the 1965 murder that they did not commit. The FBI withheld evidence of their innocence from their state court prosecutors, claiming that the FBI had no duty to get involved in a state case and that the four convictions, based on the government's active encouragement of perjury and the lies of a government informant, were "acceptable collateral damage" in the fight against organized crime. Of this, Judge Gertner said, "The government's position is, in a word, absurd." The men's lawyers did not ask for a specific amount. Judge Gertner told a packed courtroom, "No lost liberty is dispensable. We have fought wars over this principle. We are still fighting these wars."

This is an example of why it is so very important to have federal judges, who are appointed by Presidents, who have a strong sense of duty to the citizens over the government and who do not feel beholden to or threatened by the governments who appointed them. Most importantly, it is important to have our Presidents appoint judges who ascribe to no particular ideology but who do understand and embrace the real reason behind our Constitution. Liberty is the personal birthright of every American.

Labels:

Two CGWC Partners Present Educational Seminars - Thursday, July 19, 2007

This week, two CGWC partners presented educational seminars at the request of their peers and continuing legal education organizations. Nathan Carter presented a seminar at the Annual Convention of the American Justice Association in Chicago entitled "Who Really Owns The Nursing Home". Mr. Carter's presentation was at the request of AAJ's Nursing Home Litigation Group, consisting of lawyers across the U.S.A. who practice with an emphasis in nursing home abuse, neglect, and negligence and due to his record of success in claims of neglect, negligence and abuse against nursing home operators. Melvin B. Wright presented a seminar entitled "Jury Selection In Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Cases" in conjunction with Lorman Education Services in Orlando.

All the partners at CGWC have extensive trial experience in their fields and are respected by their peers and often asked to present educational seminars and answer colleagues' questions about personal injury and wrongful death, medical malpractice, nursing home neglect and abuse, workers compensation, product liability, aviation accidents, securities litigation, business litigation, and other fields of practice.

Labels:

Drycleaner Wins Lawsuit - Monday, June 25, 2007

On Monday, a judge rejected the absurd claim of a misguided administrative judge and lawyer that the loss of a pair of his pants warranted a $ 54 million dollar award. At CGWC we always thought this abuse of the civil justice system was shameful, and all the moreso because it was being prosecuted by a member of the legal profession who should have known better. The case was giving the civil justice system a black eye and we applaud the judge who rejected this outrageous civil lawsuit. Perhaps this ruling will restore the public's confidence in the legal system. And it should be noted that members of the AAJ contributed to the drycleaning company's defense fund.

Labels:

CGWC Attorneys Named Superlawyers - Friday, June 15, 2007

For the second year in a row, CGWC partners, Stewart L. Colling and Melvin B. Wright, have been named Superlawyers by Superlawyers and Law & Politics magazines. The 2007 selections were recently named. Superlawers selects recipients after an extensive selection process of balloting, blue ribbon panel review, and independent research. Superlawyers selects the top 5% of attorneys in each state, as chosen by their peers and independent research by Law & Politics. Only 5% of Florida attorneys are chosen for this distinction.

Labels:

Meningitis: A Summer Danger - Sunday, May 20, 2007

A fourth grade student at a Brevard County school recently died from bacterial meningitis. This unfortunate incident raises concerns about how the child contracted the deadly infection and whether other children are at risk.
CGWC attorney Ronald S. Gilbert warns all parents to take signs of infection very seriously this time of year. Bacterial meningitis requires immediate antibiotics for survival. Before the bacteria makes its way to the spinal fluid, it is in the blood, where it is treatable. Bacterial meningitis is not contracted easily and is most commonly spread through sharing saliva, whether from sharing a drink or mouth to mouth contact.
While it is often impossible to ever know for sure how the disease is contracted, the signs and symptoms of the infection are certainly present several hours before the bacteria invades the spinal fluid. Successful treatment requires immediate care before the bacteria reaches the brain where it causes swelling. Bacterial meningitis usually has an incubation period of 7 to 14 days.
Symptoms of bacterial meningitis include fever, nausea, headache, back or neck pain, weakness and a rash that looks like bruising. See Kids Health for more information.

Labels:

CGWC and AAJ Oppose 65 Million Dollar Lost Pants Lawsuit By D.C. Judge - Wednesday, May 09, 2007

When we heard that an administrative law judge in Washington D.C. had misused the law to sue a drycleaner owner for $ 65 Million over a lost pair of pants, all of the attorneys at CGWC were appalled that any member of the bar, much less a member of the judiciary, could participate in such an abuse of the civil justice system. Indeed, it is this rare "bad apple" that causes the public to believe that "the whole bunch is spoiled" when it comes to civil trial attorneys like us.

The fact is that civil trial attorneys are middle class America's keys to the courthouse. The last protector of the regular guy, the American worker, the American family. Protection for the powerless against the powerful. The average American's David versus Goliath in courtrooms all over the United States of America. At The Florida Firm we are proud of our role in society and the civil justice system, and we take our profession seriously and do not abuse it.

We are proud to announce that we are all members of the American Association for Justice, formerly known as the Association of Trial Lawyers of America. The CEO of the AAJ recently wrote a letter to the District of Columbia Bar Association calling for a disciplinary investigation of the administrative law judge who sued the drycleaner for losing his pants. Jon Haber, the CEO of the AAJ, stated, "Our court system has no place for those who abuse the instruments of justice for personal gain or the intimidation of others." AAJ President Mike Eidson also wrote a letter stating, "As attorneys who are committed to helping Americans receive justice throughout courts, we are outraged by the very idea of a $ 65 million claim over a pair of pants. It is not only ridiculous--it is offensive to our values." AAJ CEO Jon Haber and President Mike Eidson also donated to the drycleaners' defense fund and have encouraged other AAJ members to do likewise by visiting www.customcleanersdefensefund.com to contribute.

CGWC, like the CEO and President of the AAJ, was offended and appalled at this absurd lawsuit which served no purpose and dealt a black eye to our profession and the civil justice system. We can only hope that peer pressure convinces this misguided judge to dismiss his lawsuit without further ado. Civil trial lawyers are supposed to slay Goliaths, like David slew the Philistine. Not behave like Goliaths. This judge is wrong. And he should dismiss his lawsuit or be disciplined.

Labels:

Lake County Sheriff Settles Jail Restraint Chair Death Case - Saturday, April 28, 2007

As reported recently in the Orlando Sentinel, CGWC attorney Nathan P. Carter obtained a settlement of $ 500,000 for the children of a woman killed in jail during the use of a "restraint chair" by Lake County Sheriff's Department officers. Restraint chairs are devices used by some law enforcement officials in jails to gain control over unruly combative inmates. Typically, such devices utilize crisscrossing "safety" belts to restrain inmates to a reclining chair. In the case of the 100 pound and 5 foot 2 inch woman, who had a history of both medical and psychiatric disorders complicated by cocaine and methamphetamine abuse, the chair had been modified, using a leather belt as a restraint, a modification not approved by the manufacturer. The woman was later found dead, having been asphyxiated while apparently trying to wriggle free from the modified restraint chair.

The use of restraint chairs is controversial among law enforcement and prison officials due to the danger of asphyxiation. State prisons do not use restraint chairs for this reason, but other jail officials persist in using these dangerous devices to restrain allegedly disobedient or unruly inmates. Lake County now has a policy prohibiting the use of modified restraint chairs after CGWC prosecuted the lawsuit on behalf of the deceased woman's family.

Extracting a settlement or recovering a verdict for more than the $ 100,000 limit set by Florida's "sovereign immunity" law, which governs negligence lawsuits against state, county or city entities, is extraordinarily difficult and requires skilled and aggressive legal maneuvering by a firm with the experience, knowledge and resources to convince state, county or city officials that their liability could exceed the statutory limits.

Labels:

The Florida Firm Website Wins 11th Annual Webby Awards - Tuesday, April 10, 2007

The Webby Awards, the leading international honor society for internet websites, has recognized CGWC's website, TheFloridaFirm, as an Official Honoree in the "Law" category. This distinction recognizes websites that attain remarkable achievement in their category.

Of ten law related websites honored with the Webby Award, only three were law firms handling personal injury and wrongful death cases. The award was received by The Florida Firm from among 8,000 websites nominated worldwide for the 11th Annual Webby Awards. Hailed by The New York Times as the "Oscars of the internet" the Webby Awards is the leading international awards society honoring excellence on the internet, including websites, mobile websites, online film and video, and interactive advertising. The awards are judged by the International Academy of Digital Arts & Sciences, a global organization dedicated to the creative, technical and professional progress of the internet and interactive media.

CGWC's website, The Florida Firm, is produced, designed, maintained and optimized by Page 1 Solutions in Golden, Colorado.

Labels:

CGWC Relocates To Downtown Orlando - Tuesday, April 03, 2007

Colling Gilbert Wright & Carter has now relocated to a spacious new office condominium in the Uptown District of Downtown Orlando. The law firm completed purchase of the office on the top floor of a newly constructed office building in Orlando earlier this year. CGWC will be officially open for business in the new building on Monday April 9, 2007. All telephone numbers, internet addresses, and email addresses remain the same. The new address is 801 N. Orange Avenue, Suite 830, Orlando, Florida 32801.

801 North Orange is across the street from the Orange County Bar Association and only a few blocks from the Orange County Courthouse. 801 North Orange is a new award winning mixed use development receiving the Outstanding Office Development Award from the Central Florida Chapter Of the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties, as well as the 2007 Golden Brick Award for best mixed use development by the Downtown Orlando Partnership.

801 North Orange is an eight story building that contains office condominiums, retail spaces on the first floor and a highrise covered parking garage. An upscale restaurant, Citrus, and other retail establishments are under construction and expect to open for business soon.

CGWC's new location on the top floor of 801 North Orange will allow the law firm to be more centrally and conveniently located in Downtown Orlando, providing the space for additional expansion as CGWC grows in service to the Central Florida Community.

Labels:

CGWC Partner Among JNC Nominees - Monday, April 02, 2007

The Florida Judicial Nominating Commission is charged with the responsibility of providing the Governor of Florida with lists of aspiring jurists for appointments as judges to the Florida Supreme Court and the five district courts of appeal. There are similar commissions serving each judicial circuit for circuit and county courts. Article V of the Florida Constitution requires the commission to fulfill this role. Each JNC is composed of nine persons appointed by the Governor. Four are lawyers appointed from lists of nominees who are submitted by The Florida Bar. Two of the remaining five must be lawyers, as well. Each JNC member must be a resident of the jurisdiction in which the the commission serves. Members of the JNC serve four year terms and may not be members of the judiciary.

Melvin B. Wright of Colling Gilbert Wright & Carter was nominated recently as one of three attorneys up for selection and appointment by the Governor to the Judicial Nominating Commission for the Ninth Judicial Circuit which consists of the courts in Orange and Osceola Counties. The Governor will make his choice to fill the one vacancy on the JNC from three nominees, one of which was Mr. Wright who has been practicing law in Central Florida since 1986.

Labels:

CGWC Buys Office Condominium - Wednesday, March 07, 2007

Colling Gilbert Wright & Carter has recently completed purchase of a spacious office condominium in a newly constructed office building in Uptown Orlando on Orange Avenue. CGWC plans to relocate to the new office space in April.

The new location will be 801 North Orange Avenue and is across the street from the Orange County Bar Association and only a few blocks from the Orange County Courthouse. 801 North Orange is Downtown Orlando's newest mixed use development. 801 North Orange recently received the Outstanding Office Development Award from the Central Florida Chapter of the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties. 801 North Orange was also given the 2007 Golden Brick Award for best mixed use development by the Downtown Orlando Partnership. The eight story building contains office condominiums, retail spaces on the first floor, and a covered parking garage. Citrus, an upscale restaurant, and other retail establishments are already under construction on the first floor and the building is open for business now.

The new location of CGWC's main offices on the top floor of 801 North Orange will allow CGWC to be more centrally and conveniently located in Downtown Orlando and will provide for additional expansion as the law firm grows in service of the Central Florida community.

Labels:

Ban on Silicone Breast Implants Lifted, But Are They Safe? - Friday, November 17, 2006

The U.S Government lifted a 14 year ban on silicone gel breast implants today despite lingering safety concerns. While the Food and Drug Administration lifted the ban for women 22 years and older and women undergoing breast reconstruction surgery, the FDA did warn that silicone breast implants don't last a lifetime, requiring additional surgery to replace them at some point. The FDA also warned that silicone breast implants are not without risks and that they can break, leaking into the patient's tissue without warning or immediate symptoms.

To be sure implants aren't leaking, women who choose silicone implants must undergo regular MRI examinations to identify these "silent ruptures" before the silicone oozing into their systems causes complications. A study report by the Insitute of Medicine in 2000 found rupture rates as high as 77%.

Many women found to have silicone implan ruptures have reported years of pain, numbness, swelling, and a myriad of other symptoms. Silicone gel in leaking implants has also been found to migrate throughout the body, forming lumps. Such implants can also cause infections and the development of hard and painful scar tissue that can distort the shape of the breast.

Women who desire or are in need of breast implants should seriously consider and weigh these grave risks before selecting silicone implants. There are alternative breast implants that have proven to be of no risk. Despite the FDA's decision to lift the ban and studies failing to find direct links to many disorders once thought to result from ruptured silicone gel implants, safety concerns linger and patients should remain skeptical and cautious of silicone gel implants.

Labels:

Colling, Gilbert, Wright, and Carter
Practice Areas 1-866-FLA-FIRM
407-712-7300
Home NavLine Our Firm NavLine Attorneys NavLine Verdicts
Settlements NavLine Articles NavLine Legal Blog NavLine Contact

  • * Required Field