Jacksonville Personal Injury Blog

With a reported population of 799,875 people in 2006, Jacksonville remains the largest city in the state of Florida. Located in the First Coast region of northeast Florida, Jacksonville is centered on the banks of the St. Johns River 340 miles north of Miami and 25 miles south of the Georgia border. The city of Jacksonville has a total area of 874.3 square miles, making it the largest city in land area in the United States.

Jacksonville is the principal city in the Greater Jacksonville Metropolitan Area that withstands a staggering population of more than 1,313,228. Such a large amount of residents makes Jacksonville the most populated city proper in Florida and the twelfth most populous in the United States. Drawn to its many attractions and beautiful city skyline by the water, approximately 2.8 million visitors stayed overnight touring Jacksonville in 2008. Jacksonville is not only home to the NFL Jaguars and a number of minor league teams, but also to two universities, the fourth largest community college in the country, and a four year college.

Considering that the majority of Jacksonville’s metropolitan population lives within the city limits, transportation plays a huge role in how residents get around. In addition to those who call the region home, the large number of tourists and college students add to the potential threat of pedestrian accidents, auto accidents, and many other kinds of Jacksonville personal injury accidents throughout the city.

At Farah and Farah, we are dedicated to helping victims of car accidents in Florida get the medical treatment and money they need to recover properly. We will aggressively represent you in negotiation with insurance, with the other driver, and if necessary, in court. Our skilled Jacksonville personal injury attorneys have more than 25 years of experience in auto accident and personal injury law and are familiar with the law regarding the all too common tricks of insurance companies. At Farah and Farah, we understand that every accident is different and has unique circumstances that deserve to be fully examined to get the best results. Contact us today for a free consultation at:

10 W Adams St
Jacksonville, FL 32202

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Posted In: Auto Accidents , Pedestrian Accidents , Personal Injury

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Amelia Island is the southernmost of the ‘sea islands’, which stretch along the east coast of the United States, from South Carolina to Florida. Known as the "Isle of Eight Flags", it has had the following flags flown over it since 1562: France, Spain, Great Britain, the Patriots of Amelia Island, the Green Cross of Florida, Mexico, the Confederate States of America, and the United States.

The island itself is 13 miles long and approximately 4 miles wide at its widest point. It rests just off the coast of northeast Florida and features beautiful beaches, abundant wildlife, and pristine waters. Voted #6 among Top 10 North American Islands by Conde Nast Traveler's 2008 Reader's Choice Awards, Amelia is the highest ranked island destination in Florida for two consecutive years.

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Being such a major tourist attraction, vacationers flock to the region year round to enjoy the sun, sand, and water. As with all vacation areas, with so many individuals partaking in so many different types of water sports and diversions, boat and watercraft accidents are bound to happen. When these Amelia Island personal injury accidents are the result of the negligence of others, the law offices of Farah and Farah can help represent your interests.

Following a serious boating or offshore accident, a Florida boat accident lawyer at Farah and Farah can help you seek the financial recoveries you are entitled. By contacting an attorney, you will ensure your rights and property are protected. At Farah and Farah in Jacksonville, Florida, a boating accident attorney will be assigned to your case immediately to both advise you and aggressively pursue your claim.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured off the coasts of Florida, contact an Amelia Island boat accident attorney at Farah and Farah today for a free consultation of your case.

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Posted In: Boating Accident , Personal Injury

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According to a News4Jax.com report, little four-year-old Dymounique Wilson was just trying to retrieve her Dora the Explorer book. It was on top of a heavy television set which was on a stand in her mother’s bedroom. After her mother dozed off, the little girl went for her book.

“The only thing I heard was a boom, and when I woke up I saw the TV on her,” her mother, Samara Brinkley told Channel 4.

Brinkley says she can’t sleep or eat since her daughter’s death when the television crashed to the floor, killing the child.

Our condolences go out to those who loved this little girl. What a horrible tragedy and accident.

“So I ask for every parent to please watch your children because this could have happened to anybody,” says Dymounique’s grandmother, Marrietta Brinkley.

And these tragic accidents of Florida wrongful death do happen. A study just published in the journal Clinical Pediatrics, shows there was 264,000 injuries from tipped over furniture from 1990 to 2007, and that represents an increase in injuries from falling furniture over the last 18 years.

About 75 percent of the injuries - occurred to children six and under, and televisions were most commonly involved in 47.4 percent of cases.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, prevention is the first line of defense. Caregivers need to use anchors to hold televisions, TV stands, bookcases and bureaus to the wall. You can use an “L” shape bracket, screws and toggles. Some televisions even come with brackets or straps to secure them.

If a heavy television is in a room, it should be on sturdy furniture and pushed to the back of a shelf. Remember not to store anything on top of the television like a toy or a remote control.

The CPSC says dressers and cabinets should be stacked with the heaviest things in the bottom so the furniture is not top-heavy. Please check the CPSC website before buying used furniture that your child will spend a lot of unsupervised time in.

Many unsafe cribs that have been recalled are still sold at garage sales and consignment shops. Every year children are trapped between the bars or between the flooring and the frame and suffocate. According to Safe Kids USA, more than two million fall-related injuries involved children in 2002 and of those, 80 percent occurred in the home. Ms. Brinkley is right – this type of tragedy can and does happen regularly. Again, our condolences go out this family for their loss.

At Farah and Farah, our skilled Jacksonville personal injury attorneys can tell you if you have a case against the manufacturer of a recalled product if the company continued to manufacture and distribute a defective product. Call us today for a free evaluation at 1-800-533-3555.

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Posted In: Personal Injury , Wrongful Death

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Two elderly men died on Jacksonville roads recently when they were hit by speeding city vehicles in two separate auto accidents in Florida. Now criminal charges will be filed against a Jacksonville Sheriff’s officer and a Jacksonville Fire Rescue district chief for their roles in the separate incidents, according to a report.

Last January, 86-year-old Matthew Ogden Jr. was hit broadside by a JSO police car driven by Officer Marcus Kilpatrick. He was reported to be chasing a motorist with tinted windows and had attained speeds of up to 100 mph.

Kilpatrick is facing culpable negligence charges as well as charges that he lied during an investigation.

In the other car crash in Jacksonville, District Fire Chief Adrian Johnson is facing charges of culpable negligence after a November crash with a car driven by Howard Corrigan, 75. In that case too, police say Johnson did not have a siren on.

These are misdemeanor charges and while they can carry a jail time of up to one year, the State Attorney’s Office is saying that incarceration may not be appropriate in these cases.

With at least 400 estimated deaths from police collisions across the U.S. (and some say that might be double), Voices Insisting on Pursuit Safety, and the Orlando based advocacy group, Pursuit Watch, says enough is enough.

John Phillips of Orlando lost his 20-year-old sister Sarah when a cruiser hit her car traveling 70 mph. Phillips, now behind Pursuit Watch, has helped Orange County develop one of the most responsible and restrictive pursuit policies in the nation which sometimes means there is no chase, unless a felony has been committed. Its adoption follows a similarly restrictive policy by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office in the fall of 2003.

The Voices group was formed after Candy Priano lost her daughter Kristie, who was killed in the back of the family minivan on the way to her high school basketball game by a police car in pursuit.

A Florida wrongful death lawsuit is not going to bring back these innocent people, who were hit by those charged with protecting the public. It may however deter police from acting recklessly and remind them that their job isn’t to catch a bad guy, but to protect the public.

As personal injury attorneys in Florida at Farah and Farah, we hope that Jacksonville can adopt a more sane pursuit policy and soon before we have any more victims of those who are supposed to be held to a higher standard of public safety.

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Posted In: Auto Accidents , Wrongful Death

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With millions of men and women receiving Botox injections to fight the effects of aging, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) wants a new warning to help prevent serious personal injury in Florida and throughout the U.S.

A report states that Botox (Trademark name of Allergan) and similar anti-wrinkle drugs must carry stringent warning labels, such as a black box warning, the most serious issued by the agency, and a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS).

There is some concern that Botulinum toxins may spread from the injection area to other areas of the body causing symptoms similar to those of botulism, including trouble of breathing, trouble swallowing, blurred vision and various other adverse effects. Let’s not forget that Botulinum toxins are purified forms of botulism that work to temporarily reduce or stop muscle activity.

The FDA says these effects are rare, but have occurred in children when used to help relax uncontrollable muscle movements.

This new action for black-box warnings was spurred by a petition from the watchdog group, Public Citizen, which has had its eye on Botox and its product liability for awhile. FDA records show there were more than 650 adverse events from Botox injections from 1989 to 2006. Problems included pneumonia, fluid in the lungs, and 16 deaths.

Allergan says it will work with the FDA to update its label for Botox and Botox cosmetic products. Other products are: Myobloc (botulinum toxin type B), marketed by Solstice Neurosciences; and a new FDA-approved product, Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA), marketed by Ipsen Biopharm Ltd.

If you have been injured by a cosmetic procedure that was supposed to improve your life, you will need the help of an experienced Florida medical malpractice attorney at Farah and Farah who understands the background on these cases.

Botox has been the subject of some questions for awhile and with this new warning, it merits a second look by the medical establishment, consumers, the law and the federal regulatory system that is supposed to keep us safe.

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Posted In: Medical Malpractice , Personal Injury , Product Liability

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The city of Palatka is located in Putnam County, Florida. The word “Palatka” is an abbreviation of an Indian word meaning “cow crossing” or “cow ford.” A long way from its origins, Palatka established itself as a major industrial center in 1910, which has only grown since then. Home to St. Johns River Community College and Ravine Gardens State Park, Palatka is known as the host for a bluegrass music festival held twice a year.

Located two miles northwest of the central business district, Palatka Municipal Airport is a public-use airport used as the city’s major transportation hub out of state. Palatka saw a 7.5% increase in population between 2000 and 2007 with 10,804 residents and is attracting more and more visitors as time goes on. With a growing population and an increasing amount of people utilizing its roads, the potential of personal injury accidents in Palatka occurring has become more likely as an unfortunate reality. Luckily, there are those who have the knowledge and resources to help people in need when they are injured because of another person’s negligence.

At Farah and Farah, our skilled Palatka car accident lawyers can help investigate your auto accident, whether it involved a truck, motorcycle, or another vehicle. We have been providing quality legal counsel and aggressively representing clients for over 25 years. If you have any questions regarding your personal injury case, we are more than willing to help. Contact us today for a free evaluation at:

Palatka, Florida 32177
Phone: (386) 328-2889

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Posted In: Auto Accidents , Personal Injury

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A woman is hospitalized after her car swerved, flipped, and crashed into a utility pole in a serious auto accident in Florida on Jacksonville’s Westside last Tuesday night.

Witnesses say they saw the car swerve on Shindler Rd as if it were passing a vehicle, but there was no vehicle to pass. The car then flipped and hit a utility pole and broke it in half, according to a report. The female driver was taken to the hospital. At this time we do not know her condition, but we hope she survives and is not seriously injured.

Another driver was not so lucky. On the Northside, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office say a 23-year-old man traveling at a high rate of speed took a turn too fast, hit a mailbox, tried to correct and his car flipped several times. He was taken to the hospital where he later died due to the Jacksonville auto accident. Our condolences go out to his survivors for his loss.

Both of these cases highlight the importance of roof strength to keep the motorist alive in the event of an auto accident. Rollover accidents in Florida are among the deadliest crashes on our roads today killing about 10,000 people every year from head and neck injuries that occur when the roof caves in.

Ford experienced millions in lawsuit losses when it was revealed that engineers had encouraged stronger roof strength, but Ford had argued that roof strength did not affect the outcome of a crash.

New regulations from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or NHTSA, will make the roof resistance capable of withstanding a force equal to three times the weight of the vehicle. Currently the standard is 1.5 times the weight for light vehicles up to 6,000 pounds.

NHTSA plans on implementing a 1.5 times standard for heavier vehicles that range from 6,000 to 10,000 pounds. Previously there was no standard.

The improvements will also include an electronic stability control system that helps prevent rollovers in the first place.

The bad news is we have to wait. The phase-in will begin in September in three years and should be completed after the 2017 model. That’s eight years away for something that should have been standard operating procedure.

Consumers should not have to wait for improvements that long ago were proven to save lives. An experienced Jacksonville personal injury attorney at Farah and Farah can determine whether roof crush standards caused catastrophic neck injuries that led to an injury or death. Waiting another eight years does not let car manufacturers off the hook from that reality.

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With more people deciding to go green and take a bicycle instead of a car, there are some careful considerations. Statistics show about 120 bicyclists died in Florida in 2007. That means the nation was led that year by fatal biking accidents in Florida, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Statistics are just in for last year. In Florida there were 113 cyclists killed on our roads in 2008. That is more deaths than California had, which amounted to 109.

In a little more than one month, three people died from Florida bicycle accidents in Palm Beach County alone. And last month in North Florida, Chastity Rettinger, 36 was hit by a driver and killed while riding her bike on Old St. Augustine Road in Jacksonville during her lunch break.

Florida is one of six states that have seen an increase in pedestrian and cycling deaths.

Our condolences go out to the families of these people who were trying to do a little good by taking a bicycle.

Many of our roads simply do not accommodate cyclists, forcing automobiles to either try to pass, or just reduce their speed until another lane opens up. Adding more bike lanes is great and needed. More counties, cities and municipalities are establishing bike lanes as well as creating bike trails through woods and parks.

In some instances, cyclists share in some of the blame. Many need to educate themselves to the rules of the road. Riding the wrong way on streets, running a red light, failing to yield the right-of-way, all contribute to cyclist deaths.

The law says they are supposed to keep up with traffic, but the sticking point is speed.

Under law, a bicyclist is supposed to travel at about the same speed as other traffic. If not, they are supposed to ride as close to the curb or road edge. If the road is very narrow and passing is too dangerous, the cyclists is entitled to use the entire lane, but should stay to the right half, to discourage the motorist from passing. And bicyclists are not supposed to be wearing headsets so that music blocks out the audio clues to detect traffic.

An accident will need to be investigated to determine who is at fault and what actually happened. Whether it involves interviewing witnesses, measuring skid marks and the damage, only an experienced Florida personal injury lawyer can, with the help of an accident investigator, collect the information necessary to make your case and establish liability. Call Farah and Farah today for a free evaluation of your pedestrian accident, bicycle accident, or auto accident in Florida.

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Posted In: Auto Accidents , Bike Accident , Law & Information , Personal Injury

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Jacksonville Beach is locally referred to as “Jax Beach” and is located to the east of Jacksonville in Duval County. With a population that grew from 20,990 in 2000 to 21,770 in 2005, Jacksonville Beach is the largest town in the Jacksonville Beaches community and is likely to keep increasing in population. Jacksonville Beach attracts many visitors and residents to its scenic beaches along the Atlantic Ocean for relief from a humid subtropical climate.

As the eastern stop of U.S. Route 90, which ends at an intersection with State Road A1A, Jacksonville Beach has a variety of vehicles passing through its streets. As in most popular beach cities, traffic flow can lead to a variety of personal injury accidents, including pedestrian accidents, car accidents, and motorcycle accidents. Anyone who has ever experienced the challenges of being in such an accident knows that it is beneficial to seek help from a skilled Jacksonville Beach personal injury attorney.

At Farah and Farah, we help those injured due to another person’s negligence receive compensation for a number of things relating to the accident that includes loss of wages, pain and suffering, medical bills, hospital stays and treatment. Don’t shake off your personal injury accident or car accident in Jacksonville Beach. You deserve to be compensated. Our knowledgeable and experienced personal injury attorneys have been aggressively representing clients for over 25 years. Contact us today at:

472 Osceola Avenue
Jacksonville Beach, Florida 32250
Phone: (904) 249 2585

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According to a report, we should expect some changes in how Jacksonville Beach police patrol the beach in their SUVs. This is an update to a story we told you about last week.

A sunbather, Anne Marie Giffin, 41, is recovering from critical injuries after she was run over by a Jacksonville Beach police Trailblazer. Giffin, suffered a head wound and broken bones when the vehicle backed up and turned around over her, never seeing her under his vehicle in this Florida personal injury incident.

It will take this accomplished pianist, who has performed with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, a long time to heal, but she did survive the accident and we wish her a speedy recovery.

She will also have extensive medical expenses which the city must realize it is liable for. If not, no one would fault her for seeking compensation so she does not have her life further ruined with the cost of medical and rehabilitative care.

Jacksonville Beach Mayor Fland Sharp wants to review all of the police vehicles that travel the beach to find out what happened, why, and to make sure it never happens again.

Sharp said that, after the accident he expects policy changes on which city vehicles are driven on the beach and why, the Florida Times Union reports.

"That's absolutely going to happen," Sharp said. "Once we get all the reports done, the city manager [George Forbes] is going to do that and they'll bring it back to us...I expect some modifications to driving on the beach. But you can't take all the vehicles off the beach."

Sharp points out that lifeguards, trash collectors, public works vehicles all travel the beach and he’s surprised this hasn’t happened before.

If we knew there was a potential for a problem, shouldn’t we have tried to fix it proactively?

Were there some incidents that put the police department on notice that this could happen and chose not to do anything about it?

The city needs to make alternate transportation a priority. Other municipalities have turned to ATVs to patrol or using three-wheeled scooters as they do in Hollywood, Florida, while others have banned motorized traffic on the beach during certain hours to minimize harm to civilians. Many unsettling questions remain to be answered, but for right now, a professional musician has to concentrate on getting well. We can only hope the city is doing all it can to assist her without being forced to do the right thing.

Whether you have been injured on the beach or on the roads in a pedestrian accident, bike accident, or car accident in Florida, the experienced Jacksonville personal injury attorneys at Farah and Farah can help you. Call us today for a free consultation.

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Posted In: Auto Accidents , Law & Information , Pedestrian Accidents , Personal Injury

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Lake City is known as the “Gateway To Florida” and is located in Columbia County, Florida. With a population of about 12,000 and in a county whose population is on the rise (Columbia County has close to 68,000 inhabitants as of 2006) Lake City has become a popular tourist destination as well as a stop for those on route to Southern Florida.

Lake City got it’s moniker as the “Gateway to Florida” because it has two major highways that converge in the city. Interstate’s 10 and 75 intersect within the city limits. I-10 being one of the major east-west thoroughfare’s in the United States. It runs from Santa Monica, CA all the way to Jacksonville, Florida.

With so much tourist and commuter traffic traveling through Lake City, auto accidents are an all too common occurrence, which is why it helps to have a skilled Lake City personal injury attorney close by. Further, tractor trailer and commercial truck accidents on I-10 and I-75 often happen as well. With so many tourist autos and commercial vehicles driving at high speeds in such close proximity, it is really a wonder that there aren’t more accidents.

Truck accidents truly present the largest danger on our highways today. If you are involved in a full speed crash with a semi-truck, it is equivalent to colliding with 20 cars - all at the same time. This is very serious and can have catastrophic consequences.

In the aftermath of serious large truck accidents and tractor-trailer accidents, the Lake City tractor trailer accident lawyers of Farah and Farah in Florida are prepared to represent victims and help them receive the compensation they are owed. Due to the deadly nature of tractor-trailer accidents, the advice of an experienced attorney is invaluable to accident victims or surviving family members. Contact Farah and Farah today to speak with a member of our legal team or contact us at our Lake City offices:

212 N. Marion Ave Suite 208
Lake City, FL 32055
Phone: (386) 754-7534

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Posted In: Auto Accidents , Personal Injury , Truck Accident

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After 25 reports of liver damage and severe liver injury, the Food and Drug Administration has taken the popular weight loss supplement Hydroxycut off the market to protect consumers. What does this recall mean for the millions of people who have bought Hydroxycut products? To start with, if you haven’t already stopped taking Hydroxycut products, it is advised that you do so immediately.

Hydroxycut over-the-counter drugs were purchased by over $7 million people for weight-loss, energy-enhancement, low-carb dieting, and fat-burning applications. It has not been revealed to the public which ingredients in Hydroxycut damage the liver. Due to Hydroxycut use, there has been one reported death caused by severe liver damage and 23 patients have required liver transplant surgery. Considering the prominent use of Hydroxycut nationwide, these numbers pose questions of how many cases of liver damage and liver injury have gone unreported and what will the future hold for any new cases?

Symptoms of Hydroxycut liver damage include jaundice, brown urine, fatigue, abdominal pain, weakness, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, and/or itching. Hydroxycut products have also been linked to a rare muscle/kidney conditions, adverse cardiovascular events and seizure.

Liver damage can be irreversible, which is why it is crucial to seek medical attention for your injuries if you have experienced any symptoms of liver failure or liver damage after using Hydroxycut products. You may also want to keep a log of all symptoms and any information regarding their characteristics and onset.

The next question you may be asking yourself is: Do I have a Hydroxycut case? News of the May 1 FDA recall has prompted concern for consumers’ rights and you may have a potential Hydroxycut lawsuit, but you must act soon. The experienced personal injury attorneys in Florida at Farah & Farah have the knowledge and skills to help you pursue justice in your Hydroxcut case. Contact us at 800-533-3555 for more information and a free case consultation.

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Posted In: Defective Drug , Personal Injury , Pharmaceutical Litigation , Product Liability

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When Dori Slosberg and Katie Marchetti died in separate auto accidents more than a decade ago, their parents hoped they could find some meaning in their loss that others could learn from.

Neither young woman was wearing a seat belt when they were killed.

Legislator and father, Irv Slosberg tried for 13 years to push a bill that would allow officers to ticket someone for not wearing a seat belt. As a primary offense, the officer could pull a motorist over for no other reason.

Until now, Florida only allowed a ticket to be written if an officer notices that, in addition to the reason the person was pulled over, they were also not wearing a seat belt.

Irv Slosberg was all thumbs up Wednesday after the Florida house passed a bill (SB344) that makes a seat belt violation a primary offense. Gov Charlie Crist is expected to sign it into law which would go into effect in June, according to a report.

The law carries a fine of $30, which is not exactly an incentive. Also no points are added to a driver’s record, unless you child is not in their car seat.

What may be behind the bill this year is money for cash strapped Florida. The law is expected to bring in another $35 million in federal highway revenue.

Dori Slosberg and Katie Marchetti Safety Belt Law mean that you will soon be able to be pulled over for not wearing a seat belt in Florida.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, making a seat belt offense a primary offense is predicted to save about 124 lives in Florida every year and prevent more than 1,700 serious personal injuries.

"Every time I hear my daughter's name, it's emotional," said Slosberg, 61. "It's a great day for Floridians. We have a better, safer place to live."

Our condolences go out to the young lives that were lost and led to this new law and hope that drivers and passengers buckle-up.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident in Florida, the experienced Jacksonville car accident attorneys at Farah and Farah can help you during this challenging time. Our lawyers have the knowledge and skills to investigate your personal injury case and defend your rights for compensation. Call us today for a free consultation.

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Posted In: Auto Accidents , Law & Information , Personal Injury

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The woman run over by a police SUV while she was lying on the sand is reported to be in critical condition according to an article. The police officer was on patrol and driving a sport utility vehicle, a Chevrolet Trailblazer, on a Jacksonville Beach around 3:15pm, when he appeared to have made a U-turn around the area where 41-year-old Anne Marie Giffin of Jacksonville was laying.

Bystanders pulled her out from under the vehicle. The woman was reported to be bleeding, unresponsive and shaking. She was taken to Shands Jacksonville hospital after the Friday car accident in Florida and is now reported to be in critical condition with broken bones in her chest and pelvis and a head wound.

It turns out that Giffin is a well-known person in town as an exceptional concert pianist and teacher. She is working on her doctorate, has performed at the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra and in various music festivals.

Our condolences go out to this woman with wishes for a speedy recovery.

As of Saturday, the police department is not denying what happened - that Officer Lewis Keller didn’t see the sunbather. Whether any discipline is forthcoming is under review for this officer who’s been on the force for one year.

The investigation no doubt will take into consideration the terrain. Reportedly there were no dunes or any brush that might hide the woman; in fact, it was a flat area. The auto accident in Jacksonville happened at 3:15 pm, so the sun was not too low to block anyone’s visibility. Was he on the cell phone, texting or otherwise distracted? Was there alcohol or drugs involved? How fast was he going? Witnesses will be asked many questions to put together the facts.

Continue reading " Jacksonville SUV Accident on the Beach Injures Woman " »

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Posted In: Auto Accidents , Personal Injury

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A suburb of Jacksonville, Orange Park is located in Northeast Clay County, Florida, just south of Jacksonville, Florida. Rich in history and a thriving community, Orange Park has a great deal to offer. Being in such close proximity to Jacksonville makes Orange Park’s roads and highways well traveled with locals and tourists alike.

Clay County, which Orange Park is located in, is also a bustling region of Florida. With a population in excess of 180,000 and a very high population density, accidents in the area are common. In fact, with an average of 303 people per square mile in the region, Clay County is an area where Orange Park auto accidents, pedestrian accidents, truck and bicycle accidents are an everyday occurrence.

If you or a family member has a case involving a slip and fall accident, a dog bite, a construction accident, toxic chemical exposure, or if you have suffered a traumatic brain injury, the personal injury lawyers at our Orange Park, Florida firm can help you receive the compensation you deserve.

The Orange Park personal injury lawyers of Farah and Farah have been helping victims of personal injury, negligence, and injustice for many years. Remember, our attorneys handle a broad range of cases, including everything from medical negligence to hurricane and product liability lawsuits. Don't delay in contacting our firm at:

1534 Kingsley Avenue
Orange Park, Florida 32073
Phone: (904) 264-0700

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Posted In: Auto Accidents , Personal Injury

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This is a story that has the community divided.

A First Student bus driver was reportedly seen striking a student in a bus accident in Jacksonville at Jackson High last Wednesday morning. A Jacksonville Sheriffs officer also says the child’s nose was bloody.

Quarnetta Quaintance, 45, is now facing child abuse charges for hitting one of the students on her bus. The victim admits she approached Quaintance and was using profanity and a witness confirmed that the victim was walking toward the bus driver in an “aggressive manner.”

On the surface of it, placing the driver on suspension and conducting an investigation could result in her termination. Many parents say they understand how someone could act in defense or out of frustration.

On the other hand the law is pretty clear. Florida has an anti-bullying law that originated to protect children from bullies. The Jeffrey Johnston Stand Up for All Students Act mandates that schools adopt policies to stop bullying, or lose state funding. Federal statistics say that about three-quarters of middle school students say they have faced bullying or threats from other students. Florida is one of few states that have a penalty if schools do not take bullying seriously.

So the law clearly forces schools to adopt some type of team approach to stop bullying – this time it’s school personnel that appear to be a victim.

If the student was violent, expulsion may have to be a punishment or more creative alternative, such as public service assignments. Let’s hope this child’s parents or an appointed guardian gets involved as they are a key to solving the violence on school personnel. There are no easy answers here, but action must be taken.

Legally, unless a person is approaching you with a weapon and you are in fear for your life, you cannot strike someone, especially an underage person. It is indefensible.

Let’s hope this bus driver doesn’t take the burden of the punishment if the school has truly failed to deal effectively with bullying.

If you have any questions regarding auto accidents or bus accidents in Florida, Jacksonville’s experienced auto accident attorneys and personal injury lawyers at Farah and Farah can help. Call 800-533-3555 today for a free evaluation.

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Posted In: Bus Accident , Personal Injury

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Almost a week doesn’t go by without hearing about car accidents in Jacksonville involving all-terrain vehicles and children.

Statistics show that almost every year, 40,000 children and teenagers are seriously hurt in ATV rollover accidents. Many children are killed due to the heavy weight of the vehicle falling on them. This is something that parents never get over.

In addition, alcohol and ATV’s definitely do not mix.

The attorneys representing the estate of a 28-year-old, who died in an ATV accident, have filed a Florida wrongful death lawsuit against the father, according to an article. It seems the father did not stop his “clearly intoxicated” son from riding the ATV after consuming alcohol at a house party.

The argument is that, not unlike drunk driving, friends, and in this case, family, do not let intoxicated people get behind the wheel. The mother is in charge of her son’s estate and filed the lawsuit to protect the interest of the two grandchildren.

This is a new twist on the laws that hold those who should know better, responsible for of the actions of those who are legally intoxicated, as the son was. In the case of motor vehicles, no one home during the time of a house party can allow minors to consume alcohol and not try to stop it. The host or hostess may be charged with a crime as they are responsible for minors in their home who are not old enough to drink.

The outcome in this ATV case could set a legal precedent and raise the bar for those involved with the already dangerous ATV’s. Our thoughts go out to the two minor children here, who have lost a father for a senseless reason.

If you or someone you care about has been injured or killed in a rollover car accident in Florida, the skilled Jacksonville auto accident attorneys at Farah and Farah can be of assistance. If evidence shows that the injury or wrongful death was caused by another person’s negligence, then you may receive compensation. Call us today at 800-533-3555 for a free consultation.

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Posted In: ATV Accidents , Auto Accidents , Personal Injury , Wrongful Death

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Florida is trying to crack down on illegal prescription use, by following the lead of all but a dozen states. The bill would stop the practice known as ‘doctor shopping’ that is visiting various physicians and accumulate prescriptions, according to a report.

Presently, addicts come to Florida because the state doesn't have a prescription tracking system like other states that with the help of computers, can track addicts and drug dealers through a state system. Someone looking for oxycodone, for example, can visit a variety of clinics and obtain prescription in Florida and no one will know it.

It’s estimated an average of nine people a day, addicted to these drugs, are overdosing because of the lack of regulation.

The bill requires pharmacies to report to the state within 15 days who received the drugs. Pain clinics would have to be registered with the state and be subjected to inspections. Obviously, those concerned about privacy are concerned that SB462 would violate privacy.

Somehow 38 other states have figured out how to implement some sort of tracking system while Florida remains the largest state that has failed to do so. Unfortunately some doctors are not above dispensing narcotics and the state has just suspending the license of an Orlando physician for doing so. That is a step in the right direction.

It can seem alarming how many people abuse prescription drugs, and it is also shocking how often manufacturing pharmaceutical defects occur. No one should use prescription drugs for purposes beyond what a doctor recommends, but even when medicine is rightfully acquired, sometimes dangerous side effects can occur and raise the issue of product liability in Florida and throughout the nation.

If you or someone close to you has suffered injury from adverse reactions to prescription drugs, it is vital to seek medical attention to figure out the medications causing harm. It may also be in your best interest to call Jacksonville’s experienced pharmaceutical litigation attorneys at Farah and Farah to see if you have a case that could help you attain compensation for injury caused by a manufacturer’s negligence. Call 800-533-3555 today for a free evaluation.

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Posted In: Law & Information , Pharmaceutical Litigation , Product Liability

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St. Augustine is home to the oldest port in the continental United States – in fact, St. Augustine is commonly referred to as “the nation’s oldest city”. In 2004, the population was estimated to be 12,157. Home to beautiful beaches, museums that depict life for the early Spanish explorers who settled there, and classic architecture from an era long past, St. Augustine continues to be a popular tourist destination in Northern Florida.

Located about 40 miles south of Jacksonville and 60 miles north of Daytona Beach just 5 miles east of Interstate 95, St. Augustine is also a well traversed location. Especially by tourists who are visiting the many sites or one of the popular beaches. With so many tourists mixing with the population, the possibility of auto and pedestrian accidents, and personal injury accidents in St. Augustine of all types, is very real.

Farah and Farah is dedicated to helping auto accident victims in Florida get the money and medical treatment they need to recover -- personally and financially. We promise to aggressively represent you in negotiations with insurance, with the other driver, and in court, if necessary. Our St. Augustine car crash lawyers have more than 25 years of experience in auto accident and personal injury law, so we understand the law on Florida auto accidents, the common tricks insurance companies use and how to get the best results under your unique circumstances. Don't hesitate to contact us today:

1301 Plantation Island Drive S
St. Augustine, FL 32080
Phone: (904) 797-7977

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Posted In: Auto Accidents , Personal Injury

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Brunswick is a city in southeastern Georgia located about 30 miles north of Florida. Home to the fourth-largest automobile port in the eastern United States, the city's economy encompasses manufacturing, agricultural processing, and bulk cargoes. Nicknamed “the shrimp capital of the world” the region is also famous because it is the center of Georgia’s shrimp and crab industries. In 2007, the city proper had an estimated population of 16,235 and an estimated metropolitan population of 101,792.

Brunswick’s metropolitan area is the twelfth-largest in the state of Georgia and includes the counties of Glynn, Brantley, and McIntosh. With a region that encompasses such a large, varied area and a population that is on the rise, it is no wonder that so many personal injury accidents in Brunswick occur in the region. From auto and pedestrian accidents to workplace and slip and fall injuries, the potential for being injured due to the negligence of others is prevalent, as it is in all metropolitan regions.

Anyone who has been involved in a minor accident knows that you can sometimes resolve these types of incidents without the assistance of an attorney; however, when serious injury or property damage is involved, victims of personal injury or auto accidents can benefit greatly from the assistance of the Brunswick personal injury attorney at Farah and Farah.

At Farah and Farah, we represent clients in matters involving everything from medical malpractice to nursing home abuse and auto accidents. We are extremely proud that we have been able to help so many victims and families recover the compensation they need to start rebuilding their lives. If you would like to speak with an attorney about your case, don't delay - contact Farah and Farah today at:

4216 Coral Park Drive
Brunswick, Georgia 31520
Phone: (912) 466-8896

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Posted In: Auto Accidents , Personal Injury

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The Weight Loss Supplement Hydroxycut Recalled by the FDA

Hydroxycut, the number one weight loss supplement in the world, was recalled on May 1st by the FDA. The FDA reports that there are at least 23 reports of serious liver injuries and death, including jaundice and elevated liver enzymes, an indicator of potential liver injury, to liver damage requiring liver transplant. Other health problems reported include seizures; cardiovascular disorders; and rhabdomyolysis, a serious type of muscle damage that can lead to other serious health problems such as kidney failure.

If you or anyone you know have been using Hydroxycut, stop using it immediately. Symptoms to watch for include jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes), brown urine, light-colored stools, fatigue, stomach cramps or pain, weakness, nausea, and vomiting.

This Hydroxycut recall applies to the following products, which are being removed from the market:
• Hydroxycut Regular Rapid Release Caplets
• Hydroxycut Caffeine-Free Rapid Release Caplets
• Hydroxycut Hardcore Liquid Caplets
• Hydroxycut Max Liquid Caplets
• Hydroxycut Regular Drink Packets
• Hydroxycut Caffeine-Free Drink Packets
• Hydroxycut Hardcore Drink Packets (Ignition Stix)
• Hydroxycut Max Drink Packets
• Hydroxycut Liquid Shots
• Hydroxycut Hardcore RTDs (Ready-to-Drink)
• Hydroxycut Max Aqua Shed
• Hydroxycut 24
• Hydroxycut Carb Control
• Hydroxycut Natural

If you have any symptoms of liver injury you should see your doctor immediately. Keep any unused portions of the product for evidence in case you decide to pursue a claim for compensation.

If you have suffered any of these symptoms or injuries contact our experienced Product Defect and Personal Injury Lawyers and click here to visit our website for more information.

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Posted In: Pharmaceutical Litigation

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