Legal Blog

A proper medical malpractice case evaluation reviews records, causation, and damages. See how Michles & Booth handles this in Florida. Free consultation.

Injured at a store in Crestview? Learn the 5 critical steps to protect your health and legal claim. Our lawyers explain what to do after a slip and fall.

Compensation for motorcycle accident injuries varies by case. Explore settlement factors, damage types, and steps to maximize your recovery with our team.

Hit and run in Florida left you injured? Get expert legal help to secure compensation. Free case review. Don't be a victim twice — call now.

What is MMI workers' comp in Florida? Discover how maximum medical improvement affects your benefits and settlement. Free legal consultation.

Can you sue a school in Florida if your child was injured? Discover what Florida law says about suing public or private schools for personal injury claims.

New 2025 data reveals troubling Florida and Pensacola motorcycle crash statistics. Learn what’s driving the numbers and how riders can stay safe.

Wondering who is responsible for a slip and fall accident in Florida? Learn your rights and get the compensation you deserve. Call today.

Learn how to sue a daycare for negligence in Florida. Protect your child's rights and get legal support for unsafe care or serious injuries.

Injured as a passenger in a car crash? Learn what happens to a passenger in a car crash and your legal options for compensation in Florida.

Discover what is the most common cause of a forklift accident. Florida workers' compensation lawyers explain your rights after lift truck injuries.

Reduce your risk of a motorcycle crash in Florida. Learn about the most common causes, backed by statistics, as well as essential safety tips to protect yourself on the road. Get a free consultation with our motorcycle accident attorneys.

Understand the Florida personal injury litigation process with our comprehensive timeline. Know what to expect at each stage and how our personal injury attorneys can help maximize your compensation.

Learn the critical steps to take after a workplace injury in Florida. Michles & Booth`s guide helps injured workers secure their full workers' compensation benefits. Schedule a free consultation today!

Herido en la propiedad de alguien? Michles & Booth son abogados con experiencia en responsabilidad civil de locales en Florida. Obtenga información sobre la ley, las reclamaciones y cómo podemos ayudarlo. Consulta gratuita.

Get facts on the Florida average wrongful death settlement payout. Get answers on settlement amounts and your rights. Call for a free case review today.

Navigate Florida's workers' compensation system with confidence. Follow these crucial steps to properly document your injury and maximize your Florida workers' compensation benefits.

When you receive a settlement offer from an insurance company, it's crucial to determine whether it truly compensates for your losses and expenses. This assessment isn't just about the numbers on the page; it's about understanding the full extent of your damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and even emotional distress. A fair offer should account for both your current and future needs, reflecting the true cost of your recovery. It's tempting to accept quick cash, but a thorough evaluation is necessary to ensure that the settlement is just and equitable, covering all your bases without leaving you short-changed down the line.

Product liability law serves as the guardian of consumer safety, holding manufacturers, distributors, and retailers accountable for the products they bring to the marketplace. At its core, it is the legal framework that allows individuals to seek compensation when a product has caused harm due to its unsafe nature. This area of law is vast, encompassing a range of products from pharmaceuticals to automobiles, and it operates under the fundamental premise that products should meet the ordinary expectations of the consumer. When a product has an unexpected defect or danger, product liability law steps in to address the imbalance, ensuring that those responsible for its release are held accountable for any resulting injuries or damages.

When an individual is injured due to someone else's negligence, the financial repercussions can be as impactful as the physical ones. Economic damages in a personal injury lawsuit are quantifiable losses that have a direct impact on one's finances. These typically include medical bills, which encompass immediate treatment costs as well as ongoing rehabilitation expenses. Calculating these costs requires a comprehensive look at past medical bills and an informed projection of future care needs. Lost wages are another critical component, as injuries often prevent individuals from returning to work, either temporarily or permanently. Determining the value of lost income involves assessing past pay stubs and understanding the injured party's career trajectory, including potential promotions and raises they might have earned if not for the injury.

Workers' compensation is a crucial safety net for employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. To qualify for these benefits, employees must meet certain criteria that vary by state but generally include the type of employment, the nature of the injury, and the requirement for the injury to be work-related. Full-time, part-time, and, in some cases, even seasonal workers may be eligible. However, independent contractors and volunteers are often excluded. The injury or illness must have occurred in the course of employment, meaning it was a direct result of the employee's job duties or work environment. Understanding these eligibility requirements is the first step in securing the support you need after a workplace injury.

When it comes to workers' compensation benefits following a car accident, the term "course of employment" plays a pivotal role. This legal concept is designed to determine whether an employee's actions at the time of the accident were in direct relation to their job responsibilities. In essence, if the accident occurred while you were performing tasks for the benefit of your employer, you are likely within the "course of employment." This could include making deliveries, traveling between work sites, or attending business meetings offsite. However, the nuances of this definition can be complex, and it often requires a detailed examination of the circumstances surrounding the accident to establish a clear connection to your job duties.

Understanding Workers' Compensation: Workers' compensation is a form of insurance designed to help employees who have suffered work-related injuries or illnesses. It serves as a safety net, ensuring that workers receive necessary medical treatment without the financial burden that often accompanies injury. The system is intended to be straightforward, allowing for quick and efficient delivery of benefits to injured workers. Typically, these benefits cover medical expenses, a portion of lost wages during recovery, and costs associated with rehabilitation or retraining if the worker cannot return to their previous job. This no-fault system is crucial because it provides support regardless of who was at fault for the injury, streamlining the process of getting help to those in need.

Dog attacks can be a traumatic experience for both the victim and the owner of the dog. Determining who is responsible for such incidents is crucial for seeking justice and ensuring the safety of our communities. In this blog, we will examine into the complexities surrounding dog attacks and shed light on the various factors that determine responsibility.

Motorcycle accidents can be devastating, leaving victims confused, and overwhelmed. Knowing the right steps to take after such an incident can significantly impact your physical recovery and legal claims. In this blog, we will provide you with a helpful guide on the essential steps to take after a motorcycle accident, ensuring that you are well-prepared to handle the aftermath.

When it comes to workers' compensation, one common question that arises is whether individuals have the freedom to choose their own doctor for treatment. Understanding your rights and options in this matter is crucial for receiving the best possible care. In this blog, we will be examining into the topic of choosing your own doctor under workers' compensation and provide you with valuable insights to navigate this process effectively.

If you have been injured due to someone else's negligence, understanding the potential value of your personal injury case is crucial. Determining the worth of your case involves various factors, such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. In this blog, we will guide you through the process of evaluating your personal injury case and provide valuable tips to help you understand its worth.

After a car accident, dealing with insurance adjusters can be a daunting task. Insurance adjusters are trained professionals who work for the insurance company and their primary goal is to settle the claim for as little money as possible. They use various tactics to achieve this goal, including delaying the claim, denying the claim, or offering a lowball settlement. In this blog, we will provide you with tips to protect yourself from insurance adjusters’ tactics after a car accident.

Florida, with its sprawling highways and vibrant urban centers, unfortunately, faces a significant number of car accidents each year. Understanding the most prevalent dangers on the roads is crucial for both residents and visitors to navigate the state's thoroughfares safely. In this blog, we'll explore some of the most significant factors contributing to car accidents in Florida.

Car crashes can be a traumatic experience, both physically and financially. While medical bills can quickly pile up, personal injury victims might find relief in the form of medical liens. But what exactly are medical liens associated with car crashes, and how do they work? In this blog post, we'll explore everything you need to know about medical liens and how they can help you recover from a car crash.

Michles & Booth is proud to announce ‘breaking ground’ on its new, state-of-the-art office building located on the corner of Racetrack Road and Marwalt Drive. The multi-million dollar project, which will mimic the Michles & Booth building on Brent Lane in Pensacola both in design and accommodations, should be complete by this summer. The beautiful 6,000 square foot facility will house advanced technologies such as satellite video-conferencing, an in-house Medical doctor, a licensed engineer trained in accident reconstruction, and of course, the Fort Walton legal team and staff already at work in the community. The plans include an in-house ‘Heroes call center’ to be manned entirely by disabled military veterans in conjunction with, and supported by, the Michles Family Freedom Foundation, a charity created by Cindy and Marcus Michles to benefit local law enforcement and military families. Continuing Michles & Booth’s longstanding bond with the military and law enforcement communities, plans include a new patriotic mural similar to the one on the west wall of the current Michles & Booth building on Brooks street.

Truck drivers are in a dangerous profession. They face long hours in the cab of their truck, often on roads and highways with other commuters, making them more prone to accidents. Unfortunately, many truck drivers are taking prescription drugs that can contribute to drowsy driving and increase the risk of an accident.In this blog, we’ll discuss how medications can alter a trucker’s ability to drive, including what medications can disqualify a truck driver from driving.

If you or someone you love were recently in a motorcycle accident, you might wonder what damages are available to you. In most cases, riders can receive economic damages, but sometimes non-economic and punitive damages may be available. Read this blog to learn more about what compensation can cover in the event of an accident.

After a rear-end accident, you may wonder if the driver who hit you is responsible. The answer to that question is complex and depends on several factors. In this blog post, our team at Michles & Booth, P.A. will explore what constitutes a rear-end collision and whether or not the driver behind you is liable for damages.

Deciding to put a loved one in a nursing home is never easy, but it's crucial to be vigilant about potential red flags. Neglect, mistreatment, or inadequate care can cause immense stress and anguish for the resident and their family. By being aware of the warning signs, you can help ensure that your loved one receives the best possible care.

If you have been injured as a result of a medical procedure or treatment, you may be wondering if you have grounds for a medical malpractice claim. While every case is unique, there are some important things to know about medical malpractice in Florida. The Michles & Booth, P.A. team is here to go over the basics of medical malpractice and the requirements needed to file a successful claim.

If you have been injured as a result of medical malpractice, it is important to understand the Florida medical malpractice statute of limitations. The statute of limitations sets forth a specific time frame in which you must file a medical malpractice claim. If you do not file your claim within the specified timeframe, you may lose your right to recover damages for your injuries. The Michles & Booth, P.A. team is here to discuss how long a person may have to file a medical malpractice claim in Florida.

It’s never too early to start looking into your retirement options. As you begin your retirement journey, there are some things you should know before getting started on your social security benefits application. The Michles & Booth, P.A. is here to help you better understand what these benefits are and how long it takes to receive them.

Michles & Booth is a reputable personal injury law firm in Florida thanks to our team’s constant efforts to go above and beyond for our clients. Led and inspired by Attorney-Partner Marcus J. Michles II and Attorney-Partner Rainey Booth, we have been able to change the lives of our clients for the better for years. Now, both attorneys have been recently recognized for all that they have done for our local and legal communities.

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, 1.7 million people suffer from traumatic brain injuries each year. Amongst that number, 10% comes from sports and recreational activities. With the weather warming up, you may be eager to partake in your favorite recreational activities. However, you should consider the most common sports that lead to brain injuries.

There are many causes of mild traumatic brain injuries. These injuries can occur from sports, car accidents, assaults, or even slip and falls. Although it’s more common for moderate to severe TBIs to receive compensation for their injuries, mild TBIs may be able to achieve compensation. This blog is here to break down what a mild TBI is and whether or not you’re able to receive compensation.

Traumatic brain injuries are challenging and can result in physical and mental limitations. There are many common causes of TBIs, and those who suffer from them have to result to multiple forms of therapy to recover. While the road to recovery may not be easy, the Michles & Booth, P.A. team is here to give you an insight into what life is truly like after a TBI.

Black Friday is infamous for many reasons: bustling crowds, reduced prices on items you've been saving for, and midnight shopping. But did you know that this day also shows an increase in motor vehicle accidents? Compared to data from the two weeks before and after the Thanksgiving holiday, Black Friday has a 34% increase in collisions. Read on to learn more.

Our attorney team at Michles & Booth is proud to announce the winners of the 2021 Marcus R. Michles JROTC Scholarship: Cadet Col. Gavin Carden of Choctawhatchee High School and Cadet LTC Kathryn Dunn of Crestview High School.

Our attorneys at Michles & Booth have been renowned time and again for their persistence, professionalism, and prowess in personal injury law. With the publication of the 2021 edition of Super Lawyers®, our founder and managing partner, Marcus J. Michles II was honored with acclaim yet again for his work in Pensacola, Florida in the following categories:

Most people understand they may not use a smartphone while driving. However, many people also believe this law does not apply when the vehicle is stopped. It is evident when drivers are using their phones at a red light because their heads are turned down toward their lap or they take too long to move after the light turns green.

Despite the known risks of distracted driving and the many laws prohibiting it, the activity is still quite prevalent. In fact, a recent survey found three-quarters of motorists who own a smartphone admitted to texting while driving. Additionally, approximately two-thirds said they have read text messages while stopped, while more than a quarter said they have sent texts while driving.

This is Adrian Bridges from Michles and Booth. Today we’re going to be talking to you about commercial vehicle accidents. Now in our world, that means any type of an accident involving any type of vehicle – it could be a car, be a dump truck, or an 18-wheeler – anything that’s owned by a business.So if you or your loved ones, they get in an accident, get out of the car, and you realize the person that hit you is driving a work truck. The first question may be, “When is that business responsible for the accident?”

Michles & Booth is a proud donor of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and we are very excited to announce that we will be sponsoring the 17th Annual Make-A-Wish Benefit & Dice Run on March 6, 2021!Almost 40 years ago, the Make-A-Wish Foundation was founded to grant the wishes of children with critical illnesses. Throughout the United States and its territories, the foundation estimates that it grants a wish every 34 minutes, an astounding achievement rendered possible by the charitable efforts of tens of thousands of supporters and volunteers. In 1993, the foundation extended its reach across international waters to help children with illnesses regardless of where they live. To date, Make-A-Wish has granted over half a billion wishes worldwide.

Our Florida personal injury firm is proud to announce that we celebrated our 5th anniversary as a sponsor of the All Sports Association with a donation to the 52nd Annual All Sports Award Banquet. As staunch community advocates, we are more than happy to lend our support.

When you have been injured or developed a medical condition that prevents you from working and providing for your family and yourself, you need help. Disability programs exist to help individuals who are in need, but they have requirements that must be met.Florida’s workers’ compensation system and Social Security Disability are the key disability benefit programs available to individuals in the United States.

At Michles & Booth, our personal injury attorneys have a singular purpose and mission: To fight and win on behalf of injured clients. That’s why we’re excited to share that both our “Fight to Win” commercial and “Crazy Not Stupid: 5 Years of the Demolition Derby” PSA won Gold ADDY® Awards at the American Advertising Foundation – Emerald Coast Addy Awards Gala this year!

“I was terrified.”In 2013, my lovely wife was involved in a relatively serious car accident while on the way to pick me up from work. A gentleman thought that texting and driving was a good idea, ran a red light and totaled my wife’s car with her behind the wheel. My good friend Adrian Bridges, a very talented personal injury lawyer with our firm, rushed me to the scene.

Being involved in an automobile accident, no matter where it occurs, is a disruptive, and traumatic event.Unfortunately, when an accident takes place outside of your home state, it can and probably will complicate several factors that bear on who or what insurance company is responsible for certain aspects or elements of your damages. Obviously logistically, it can complicate obtaining car repairs. And perhaps most important, it can change what law applies to certain aspects of your claim.

While train accidents are relatively uncommon compared to regular car accidents, they’re worth talking about simply because of their potential for catastrophic results.Because of their weight and the speed that they typically travel at, trains move with extreme force. When they collide with an automobile, there is almost always extreme property damage, and they frequently result in serious injuries or death.

If you suspect that you or a loved one has been the victim of medical malpractice, you may decide to pursue a medical malpractice claim against the responsible parties.However, before filing a malpractice lawsuit in the State of Florida, the person bringing the claim must participate in a formal investigatory process. Failure to do so will almost certainly result in the dismissal of a lawsuit.If the time period within which to complete the process has already expired, it could result in a bar to refiling if pre-suit is not done properly in the first place. It is very important to comply with the pre-suit requirements.

When someone dies as a result of a motor vehicle accident, the victim’s family can pursue a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party. It’s important to understand what the wrongful death laws are in Florida so that you know how best to proceed.In this article, we will cover what happens when someone dies as a result of an accident, if the at-fault party is criminally liable, and what compensation is available. If you have an specific questions that you would like to talk to a personal injury attorney about, please contact us for a free consultation.

Social Security Disability programs have age brackets in place to help determine the requirements an individual needs to meet in order to receive disability benefits. In this blog post, we’re going to discuss each age bracket and how the requirements for SSD changes.

One of the happiest conversations I get to have with my clients is about what happens after they’ve been accepted for Social Security Disability. There are several very important questions that come up during this conversation – questions you should know the answers to.

Pensacola, Florida, January 22, 2018: Michles & Booth attorney, Antonio Bruni, is the recipient of the 2018 Florida Bar President’s Pro Bono Service Award for the 1st Judicial Circuit (Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, and Walton counties).

Florida Dream Athletics, an AAU basketball organization, provides competitive basketball to boys and girls between the ages of 13 and 17. Director and Head Coach, Mr. Christopher Bell, says his mission is simple. “One team. One dream.” Since 2015, 12 Florida Dream players have received athletic scholarships to various colleges across the country.“I encourage my kids to not only compete on the court but in the classroom too,” Bell says.

As an injured worker, the Workers’ Compensation process can be overwhelming and frustrating, particularly when it comes to getting medical treatment for your injuries. We have talked with many workers who have run into similar issues, with long delays to see doctors, with not having a choice in which doctor they see, and with worry over whether they’ll be able to receive ongoing medical treatment after they move.

The last thing you want to hear is that your application for Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income has been denied because of an avoidable mistake. We often talk with clients who attempted to file on their own and made one of these 3 mistakes. Even with the help of a lawyer, it can be difficult to impossible to correct that mistake.

We get a lot of questions about disability programs, how they are different, and if they can work together to the benefit of a disabled individual. In this blog post, I want to talk to you about Social Security Disability Insurance versus Supplemental Security Income, so you can have a better understanding of the disability programs available to you.

Can you earn an income while on social security disability? This is an issue that comes up quite a bit with people who are applying for disability, mostly because the application process from when you apply to when you’re sitting in front of a judge can take anywhere from 18 to as long as 30 months before that judge issues his decision.That’s a long time to wait with no job while you’re waiting on Social Security to make that decision. A lot of people want to know how am I supposed to put food on the table? How am I supposed to pay my rent? How am I supposed to pay for these doctors I’m supposed to go to? I get asked quite a bit, “Am I allowed to work.” So, let’s talk about earning an income while applying for or on SSD or SSDI.

Al llenar su solicitud de discapacidad del Seguro Social, hay muchas palabras que se utilizan durante el proceso de solicitud que tienen un significado muy específico y, a menudo, no tienen necesariamente el significado que parecen tener.El Seguro Social los descartará si presenta la solicitud en la oficina local. Si está tramitando la solicitud usted mismo en casa, puede resultar bastante confuso. Los incluiré en la solicitud, pero podría explicártelos si estuvieras conmigo.Así que quería repasar algunas de esas frases con las que te puedes encontrar y que pueden parecer un poco confusas si nunca antes has hecho una solicitud.Y, con suerte, esta es la primera y única vez que tendrás que hacerlo. Dicho esto, comencemos y repasemos algunas de esas preguntas que pueden surgir al usar la aplicación por primera vez.

My name is Antonio Bruni. I’m with the firm of Michles and Booth, and I’m here to talk to you today about disability benefit programs, and specifically workers’ compensation programs and Social Security Disability (SSD).These are two separate and distinct programs that have a lot of overlap between them, so it’s something that comes up quite a bit and something that we’re going to want to address and discuss today.We’ll get started and we’ll start with what is the difference between workers’ compensation and Social Security Disability?

Hello, my name is Antonio Bruni, I’m a Social Security Disability attorney with Michles & Booth, and I wanted to talk to you today about your hearing with the administrative law judge. You’ve applied for disability, you’ve waited two years or more to get to the judge, and that day has finally come.

After serving our country for 42 years, Valerie Wyatt, our April Client of the Month, was denied Social Security Disability. Strapped with responsibilities and battling health issues, Valerie, for the first time in her life, asked for help. A mother of three and mentor to countless servicemen and servicewomen, we’re disheartened that Valerie was denied the benefits she worked hard for following her years of Active Army Duty, work as a Reservist, and Civil Service.

When I’m talking to someone when they first come to see me, they always ask “Do I even qualify for benefits?” “How does this process go?” “How do we win and get awarded benefits?”

One of the most difficult moments in any parent’s life is when they see their child injured. Whether or not it’s playing in the backyard by themselves or with a friend, playing on a school sports team, or if they’re in a car, in that moment when a parent realizes that their child’s been hurt, nothing else matters.

At Michles & Booth, we take pride in our “aggressive and compassionate” approach to your case. Although we work swiftly, we never lose sight of what’s truly important. We want you to be heard and cared for.Our February 2017 Client of the Month, Ms. Dawn Howell, is truly amazing. Faced with more than her share of misfortune, we’re honored to have represented this truly special woman.

Don’t let Kathleen Reynolds fool you—hidden by a gentle spirit and kindness, is the fight and strength of an army. Kathleen Reynolds, twenty-two year breast cancer survivor, volunteer, and proud mother, is the type of person we should all strive to be. She is also our November Client Of The Month.Kathleen was not only a victim of careless driving in November of 2012 but again in January of 2015.

The pain in Heidi Warriner’s neck and back waited a week after her accident to manifest itself.“Suddenly I had pain in my lower back, upper, between the shoulders, and pain in my neck,” Heidi said. “If I turned, or twisted, it was terrible.”As a costumer, playing a key role in the Pensacola Children’s Chorus, whether Heidi is fitting a performer, transferring product from the warehouse, or making adjustments to a piece, her mobility is paramount to a show’s success.“People might not think so,” Heidi said, “But it’s an active job—lifting, and bending are unavoidable.”

What insurance companies so often minimize, or disregard, is the pervasive nature of an accident or injury. With their goal being to settle claims quickly, they fail to provide compensation that fosters long term care. With a herniated disc in his neck, and a full life, Troy Alsaker learned quickly that rehabilitation was not just costly, but a great commitment.

Jessica Alderman was enjoying dinner on May 3, 2014, when she received a call for a pickup downtown. Her job as a cab driver was often hectic and time consuming, so hopping in the driver’s seat and taking off for the next destination was just part of her daily life. As she was headed with her passenger to NAS Pensacola, she approached the intersection of Barrancas and Garden Street. Suddenly, her fast-paced, busy day lurched into slow motion. A driver was running the red light at the intersection, and was headed directly for her. Jessica recalls that time slowed to a crawl and she could feel “every millisecond” before the impact. She remembers feeling shock and disbelief that this was actually happening to her.

One of the most common questions I get is: “When should I call a lawyer about by Social Security Disability claim?” The answer to that is simple, the earlier in your claim that you call a lawyer, the better. Without exception.The Social Security Disability application process is pockmarked with hazards that become more difficult, if not impossible, to fix the longer they are ignored. In order to maximize your chances of success in your claim, always err on the side of caution and take advantage of the free initial consultation by contacting a qualified Social Security Disability lawyer as soon as possible.‍

Living in the Panhandle, we are surrounded by idyllic vacation spots from Panama City all the way to New Orleans, but sometimes our out-of-state trips can have unpleasant consequences. Imagine traveling to see the New Orleans Saints play and while driving through Mississippi you get rear-ended. Although common-sense tells you that there should be few differences about handling an accident just because it takes place out of state, there are several important differences to keep in mind.

As we set up for our interview today, Judy Skipper is the life of the party – smiling, laughing, cracking jokes and just making everyone feel at ease. She has an infectious personality and it’s hard to imagine her being ruffled by much of anything. However, Judy remembers a time when she wasn’t so sure of herself and she needed a friend to rely on during a difficult time.

Brenda Brown is one in a million; her warm spirit, and kindness, contagious.Driven to make others smile, Brenda’s wit might catch you off guard.“I’ve learned laughter makes people comfortable,” Brenda says.It’s incredible that a woman who lost five fingers, most of her eyesight, and more, can be so positive. A trained massage therapist, medical assistant, programmer (and more), Brenda made a living with her hands. Everything changed when three men, who escaped from a Louisiana prison, men who would eventually commit murder in Tallahassee, brutally beat Brenda at an apartment complex where she worked. That night, April 1st, 2010, Brenda was prepping a unit for new tenants. Her life would never be the same. Or would it?

Anne Conley takes nothing for granted – a woman with a full plate, homeschooler, super mom – Anne was devastated in 2009 after taking the brunt of a rear end collision. Shifting her priorities to rehabilitation, Anne, our May Client Of The Month and hero would not let pain or the negligence of others sideline her.Not once. Not twice.

Sweet, smart, and strong are accurate adjectives to describe our April Client Of The Month: Crystal Gaines. A full time housekeeper, mother of two, and, survivor, she is an impressive woman–We at Michles & Booth couldn’t be prouder that Crystal asked us to represent her. We hope you will too

Boyd Cochran is a friendly, talkative young man. Waiting tables for the past decade, you can imagine Boyd is a hit with customers. He’ll say what’s on his mind, make you laugh, and then apologize for cussing.“Seriously though,” he tells me, rolling his eyes, “Crutches suck–with a broken sternum, they really do.”

“What is the difference between loss of income and loss earning capacity?” This is a question we field quite a bit and which tends to be explained in much too complicated legal jargon on the Internet.The issue frequently arises in personal injury claims, workers compensation claims, and potentially Social Security Disability claims. Simply put, “loss of income” is a limited period of time (”closed period”) missed from work. This is opposed to “lost earning capacity”, which is essentially an inability to ever return to the same type, amount, or level of work. The easiest way to understand the issue is best shown with an example.

Meet Michael Aguado, Michles & Booth’s February Client Of The Month–a true hero.Michael Aguado joined the military when he was seventeen years old– “can’t” is not in his vocabulary.“I’m not one to ask for help,” Michael says, laughing.It’s a gray, Thursday morning, January 21st–a week before Michael’s wife Jacquelyn gives birth to their first child, a boy. Michael’s in good spirits, ready for work–freshly shaved, a green shirt, a green tie–the humblest smile you’ve ever seen. A retired Navy corpsman, Michael now works as a financial sales advisor at Compass Bank. A “suit up and show up” type, reliable, the kind of man who defends his country and his loved ones.

Leighton Parratt is solid—he’s got a firm handshake, an honest spirit, and, an uncanny ability to “break the ice” with a joke. I met Leighton or “Lee” (sewn into the left breast pocket of his work shirt) in the lobby of our Pensacola office on Brent Lane. When asked by one of our staff what he would like to drink, he said, deftly, “whiskey.” After a brief pause, laughter—a calm replaced the palpable, high-strung air of a Thursday afternoon. Lee’s story, marked by hardship, sacrifice, and, finally, reward, makes him a perfect fit as our inaugural “Client Of The Month.”

The Michles Family Freedom Foundation congratulates Fort Walton Beach High School senior Jack Fite, winner of the 2nd Annual Marcus R. Michles ROTC Scholarship. Cadet Major Fite was nominated by his high school ROTC leadership and competed in an essay and interview competition joined by nominees from each Okaloosa County high school ROTC program. His essay and interview were judged by a panel of local business members to best represent the qualities the Michles scholarship was created to recognize.

Under Florida law, if a drunk driver runs a red light and kills someone, if the decedent does not have a spouse, the adult children1 of the decedent can sue for mental pain and suffering, lost parental companionship, instruction and guidance. However, if a drunk doctor, during an operation, causes the death of a patient that does not have a spouse, adult surviving children of the patient cannot sue for those same damages. Now, consider the number of people in Florida with adult children that do not have a spouse. Just consider the vast number of widows and widowers in Florida with adult children. An unfair Florida law gives doctors an exemption that shuts the courthouse doors to these adult surviving children from bringing these claims for medical malpractice.

In the State of Florida, Section 627.736, Florida Statutes (2014) says that vehicle owners must carry personal injury protection insurance, known as PIP. PIP insurance will pay 80% of your medical bills arising out of a car accident, but the limit of how much the insurance company is responsible for depends on whether you are found to have an emergency medical condition (EMC)

At Michles & Booth, we care about protecting men and women in the courtroom and in life. This month, the nation is focusing on raising awareness about men’s health issues and encouraging men to be proactive in their healthcare. Help support your local Men’s Health Charity by participating in the Michles & Booth fundraiser and “like-fest

If you are injured in an automobile accident in Florida, there is a good chance that it will affect many areas of your life including your ability to work.Many companies provide short-term disability and long-term disability insurance coverage for their employees in the event they become disabled. If an employer’s disability insurance carrier pays employee for lost wages as a result of an accident, Florida law allows the disability carrier to be reimbursed in the event a settlement is reached or a judgment is made against an at-fault party or their insurance.

Michles & Booth se complace una vez más en unir a nuestros abogados en apoyo de la campaña anual Veterans Stand Down. Para los amigos que no son militares, «replegarse» es un término militar que significa relajarse cuando están listos o alertas. En este caso, Veterans Stand Down es un evento anual para ayudar a los veteranos sin hogar y en situación de riesgo de los condados de Escambia, Santa Rosa y Okaloosa.

“America is the land of the second chance – and when the gates of the prison open, the path ahead should lead to a better life.” President George W. BushThey became an international news story in 2011 when they were released from a Mississippi prison after their sentences were suspended by Gov. Haley Barbour. Even with the passage of time, Gladys and Jamie Scott still hear the snide comments, like “You know they’re convicts.” For many, the Scott sisters have been written off by society. Gladys and Jamie have a storied history, and they will not deny that they have criminal records. But because they served time in a correctional institution, why does society write them off as not being equal anymore? Why is a stigma still attached to those who have served their time?

A workers’ compensation paralegal provides professional legal support to attorneys through legal research, filing preparations, and general administration of claims, lawsuits, and litigation. Workers’ compensation paralegals must understand the process and procedures associated with workers’ compensation, and possess a confident and professional demeanor with attorneys, clients, and the employer/carrier representative.