Tag: medical-bills
-
“Should You File a Joint Tax Return After Your Spouse’s Death?”
– The personal representative of a deceased spouse is responsible for filing an income tax return for the year of death. – Income included on the final return is based on the deceased’s usual tax accounting method. – The surviving spouse can file a joint return with the personal representative or alone if a personal…
-
What is a Florida Letter of Protection?
– A letter of protection (LOP) is an agreement between a patient and a medical provider, where the provider agrees to treat the patient without immediate payment, in anticipation of receiving payment from a lawsuit settlement or judgment. – LOPs are commonly used in Florida due to the 80% coverage of accident-related medical bills by…
-
Understanding Florida’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Coverage: What You Need to Know and How to Stay Protected
– Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is mandatory in Florida and is a required coverage under every car insurance policy. – PIP provides coverage for medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who was at fault for causing the accident. – It is important to seek necessary medical attention after a motor vehicle accident, especially if…
-
Determining Fault in a Dog Bite Incident in Florida
– Florida law regarding dog bite cases is based on strict liability, making the owner responsible for the dog’s actions, even if the dog has never bitten anyone else. – Other legal factors come into play when determining a dog owner’s liability, such as whether the bite victim provoked the animal and where the incident…
-
“Health Insurance Subrogation and Your Motorcycle Injury Case”
– Health insurance subrogation allows the insurance company to recover the money it paid for the medical treatment of an injured person in a motorcycle crash. – For example, if Mr. Jones has health insurance and is injured in a motorcycle crash, his health insurance company has the right to recover the money it paid…
-
Florida Passes New Laws to Limit Lawsuits and Insurance Claim Disputes
– Florida has replaced its system of pure comparative negligence with a modified comparative negligence regime. – The statute of limitations for general negligence actions has been shortened from four years to two years. – The standard for bad-faith insurance claims has been amended. – The bill outlines the evidence that a factfinder should consider…
-
Florida Makes Changes to Lawsuits for Big Payments for Injured People and Their Lawyers
1. House Bill 837 was signed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to decrease frivolous lawsuits and prevent predatory practices of trial attorneys. 2. A record number of 280,122 cases were filed in March 2023, 126.9% higher than the previous record set in May 2021. 3. The bill repeals section 627.428, Florida Statutes, which provided for…
-
Who Is Responsible for Injuries from Downed Power Lines After a Storm?
– Temporary or permanent muscle, nerve, and tissue damage from electrical current passing through the body – Brain damage from the high levels of electrical current the body has absorbed – Various degrees of thermal burns from contact with high voltage electricity – Cardiac arrest – Many individuals die as a result of contact with…
-
“Taking Partial Blame for Your Slip-and-Fall Injury in Florida”
– In Florida, there is a two-year statute of limitations for filing a claim for slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall accidents. – Florida has a modified comparative negligence law, which means that if the injured person is found to share some degree of liability, their compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to them.…
-
Understanding Florida’s Probate Process
1. Probate is the court-supervised process of administering a deceased person’s assets in Florida. 2. A personal representative is appointed to take charge of the probate process, including identifying, gathering, and securing the estate assets. 3. The probate process involves paying valid creditors, taxes, and expenses, followed by distributing the remaining assets to the beneficiaries…
-
“Should I Accept the First Offer from the Insurance Company?”
1. The first offer from the insurance company may not fully cover the damages suffered in the car accident. 2. Accepting the first offer means waiving the right to seek additional compensation for damages that may be discovered later. 3. Insurance companies may offer a lower settlement amount in their first offer in the hopes…
-
Florida Workers’ Comp Rules: What Happens If Your Employer Doesn’t Honor Your One-Time Change?
1. The one-time change provision in Florida’s workers’ compensation law allows injured employees to request a change of physician if they are not satisfied with their authorized treating physician. 2. If an employer/carrier fails to promptly respond to the employee’s request for a change of physician within five days, they lose the right to select…
-
Financial Compensation for Whiplash and Concussion Injuries
– Whiplash injury occurs when the head and neck are suddenly snapped forward and backward, causing soft tissue injuries. Symptoms may appear days later and can be challenging to treat. – Concussion is a traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a violent blow or severe shaking to the head. It can lead to other neurological…
-
Is Windshield Replacement Still Free in Florida? What High School Students Need to Know
1. Florida Statute §627.7288 allows individuals with comprehensive insurance coverage to have their cracked or broken windshield replaced for free. 2. Motorists with combined additional coverage also qualify for free windshield repair. 3. Comprehensive insurance pays to replace or repair a vehicle if it is damaged or stolen, not due to a collision. 4. Comprehensive…
-
What to Do After Getting Hurt at Work
Step 3: File a Workers’ Compensation Claim Employees should fill out a workers’ compensation claim form and submit it to the Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation. It is important to do this within one year of the date of the accident to be eligible for benefits. Step 4: Follow Doctor’s Orders and Attend Medical Appointments…
-
Car Insurance: Stacked vs. Unstacked – What You Need to Know
– Stacking insurance allows you to combine uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM) coverage from multiple vehicles on your policy, providing higher coverage limits. – Unstacked insurance only provides the UM coverage limits for the specific vehicle involved in the accident. – Stacking is recommended, especially in Florida where many drivers are uninsured, to ensure adequate coverage for…
-
Secure Your Financial Future: Long-Term Tax Planning Made Simple
– Tax planning should not be limited to a yearly basis, but should include long-term considerations for future financial stability. – It is important to consider future changes in income and tax brackets, especially for individuals on an upward career trajectory. – Anticipating future tax brackets is crucial when planning for retirement, as it can…
-
Legal Use of Headphones While Driving in Florida
– Wearing headphones while driving a vehicle is illegal in Florida, according to Florida Statute 316.304. – The law is in place because wearing headphones can prevent drivers from hearing important sounds, such as emergency vehicles or warning signs of vehicle trouble. – Drivers are allowed to wear one Air Pod or earbud while driving,…
-
Stay Protected on the Road: Make Sure You Have Underinsured/Uninsured Insurance Coverage!
– Alabama and Florida have a high percentage of uninsured drivers, at 19.5% and 26.7% respectively. – These states also have many drivers who carry only the state minimum insurance coverage, which is often not enough to cover damages in a serious accident. – Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage, or UM and UIM coverage, provides…
-
Florida’s Texting and Driving Laws: What High School Students Need to Know
1. The earth is round. 2. The sun rises in the east and sets in the west. 3. Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius. 4. The force of gravity pulls objects toward the earth. 5. Oxygen is essential for human survival. 1. Florida’s texting and driving law prohibits using a handheld device for non-voice communication…
-
Understanding Your Options after a Car Accident Without Injuries
1. People who exercise regularly have better mental health. 2. Eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables reduces the risk of heart disease. 3. Children who participate in music education perform better in school. 4. Meditation can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. 5. Regular dental check-ups reduce the risk of gum disease.…
-
What to Do If You’re Injured at a Nail Salon in Florida or Texas
– Two-thirds of nail salon clients surveyed reported experiencing health issues after visiting a salon. – Common injuries sustained at nail salons include bacterial and fungal nail infections, accidental cuts, skin irritations, allergic reactions, and burns. – Injuries range from mild symptoms such as itching and burning, to severe conditions such as staph infections and…
-
Can I See My Regular Doctor for a Work Injury in Florida?
– In Florida, workers’ comp law requires employees to be treated by a doctor predetermined by the employer after a workplace injury. – However, some exceptions may allow injured workers to be treated by their personal physician, such as requiring emergency treatment, not receiving sufficient notice from the insurance company, having a managed care agreement,…