Building Collapse Attorneys Storms, structural damage, construction, renovations and negligence can all contribute to catastrophic building failure, property damage, injury and death. Let us help you hold those responsible for your loss. No amount of money can help you regain what has been taken away, but we can make sure you and your family are financially supported and compensated for this travesty. Be on the side of justice and help us make sure this doesn’t happen to another family. Contact John Bales Attorneys for a free consultation. If we take on your case, you pay nothing until if/when ..read more

Multaq and Liver Damage The heart rhythm drug Multaq® has been linked to severe liver damage, liver failure, and the need for a liver transplant in some users. What is Multaq used for? Multaq (dronedarone) is in a class of medications called antiarrhythmics, which are designed to help the heart to beat normally. Multaq is used to treat people who have had atrial fibrillation (a heart rhythm disorder that may cause fast and irregular heartbeat) or atrial flutter (a heart rhythm disorder that may cause the heart to beat very fast) within the past six months and who also have other conditions tha ..read more

Originally posted July 15, 2011 According to a report in the South-Florida Sun Sentinel, the State disciplines insurance company adjusters far less often than public adjusters, who work for consumers. Here’s the story from Sun-Sentinel reporter Julie Patel: When Floridians complain that an insurance company’s claims adjuster is mishandling, low-balling or delaying claims, there’s a less than 16 percent chance the adjuster will be disciplined. When there’s a complaint about a public adjuster — one who advocates for consumers — there’s a 75 percent chance the state will crack down. Some say the ..read more

Judgment and Collection If the judge believes the jury’s verdict was proper, the judge will file a document called the judgment of the court. A verdict in the favor of the injured party is called a plaintiff’s judgment. A plaintiff’s judgment is a legal document stating that the plaintiff is entitled to collect the payment the jury decided was fair. It shows that the defendant got the due process he or she was entitled to receive and that the defendant is legally being asked to give up property to pay the money awarded by the jury. If the defendant has an insurance policy that covers this judg ..read more

Motions As soon as the case is filed, either side is free to file a motion, which is a request that a point of law be decided by the court. For example, a defendant may move to dismiss, asking the court to rule that the complaint was filed too late (for example, if the complaint was not filed until after the statute of limitations expired). In considering a defendant’s motion to dismiss, the court must assume that the allegations in the complaint are true, so that any challenge at this stage is made strictly as a “matter of law” — what the law of your state says about a specific situation. Ano ..read more

The anti-smoking drug Chantix® has been linked to depression, suicidal thoughts, and violent behavior in some users, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (1, 2). Chantix is a prescription drug designed to help adults quit smoking. It comes in a white tablet (0.5mg) and a blue tablet (1mg) and is usually prescribed to be taken for 12 weeks at a time. Chantix Linked to Psychiatric Problems, Black Box Warning Added: From the FDA: “The FDA is notifying the public that the use of Chantix (varenicline) or Zyban (bupropion hydrochloride), two prescription medicines that are used as pa ..read more

Not every child makes it home safe Graduation Night… And only some live to tell about it. High School graduation marks one of the most exciting times in a person’s life, and the first major milestone on the way to adulthood. This is a time for celebration and transition, a time to look back on past accomplishments and bonds made with friends, and a time to look forward to all of the promises the future holds. This melting pot of emotions and excitement, mixed with nostalgia, sadness and anxiety about the future can fuel the temptation to drink. When graduation and drinking mix, this event is o ..read more

There’s no harder job than being a mother. No role in life more selfless, loving and caring. Our mothers (and mother figures) shape who we are as a person, and are usually the first face we see when entering this world. Although mothers should be celebrated every day of the year, ‘Mother’s Day’ is a day dedicated to all mothers, and a time when we can show our appreciation and recognition for the role they’ve had in our lives. As the woman who raised you, she deserves your utmost gratitude, and perhaps a gift or two or three. After all, you were likely a bit of a handful to raise. This year, J ..read more

Cars Are Getting Safer This article was originally written in 2011 but we felt that it should be revisited. Here at John Bales Attorneys, we represent victims of car and truck crashes every day, even some train crashes. Check out our article about safety measures to avoid train accidents. Some of the crashes are horrific, most are alarming because of how careless the other driver was, and almost all are frightening. Unfortunately for the victims, many are then subjected to the frustrating, confusing and emotional aftermath involving victims’ dealings with the insurance companies, which leaves ..read more

Easter weekend brought with it more than a bunny and eggs for local Manatee County residents. Amid fear of a local wastewater pond collapse, Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency. Although some residents have since been given the ‘go ahead’ to return to their homes, mounting concerns about the ongoing wastewater leak abound. Remnants of the Former Piney Point Phosphate Processing Plant The pond was once a wastewater reservoir for the Piney Point Phosphate Processing Plant, no longer in operation. Prior to that, the site was home to a fertilizer plant. Phosphate is a key ingredien ..read more