Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Two People Dead Following West Houston Vehicle Collision
Few details were available about a car crash that killed two adults and sent two children to a hospital with serious injuries. Authorities believe speeding played a role in the crash between a black Toyota sedan and a gray Scion SUV in the 6300 block of Richmond Avenue near Greenridge Drive. The black car… Read More »
Top Three Causes of Accidental Death
Vehicle collisions, falls, and unintentional poisonings (mostly drug overdoses) have been the top three causes of accidental death for decades. But recent events have shuffled the deck, in terms of wrongful death proportionality. Safety advances have somewhat reduced the number of motor vehicle crash deaths, although these incidents still kill or seriously injure millions… Read More »
Bicycle Accidents: Who is Responsible for Damages?
The at-fault party, which might be the bicyclist, the driver, or a third party, isn’t always the liable, or legally responsible, party. In fact, there’s almost always a difference between fault, which is like a halftime score, and liability, which is like a final score. The lead often changes hands in the second half…. Read More »
Uber Driver Crashes While Chasing Drunk Driver
Police aren’t sure who was responsible for a wild collision on the North Freeway. They are sure that a 3-year-old girl was critically injured. According to HPD, a white F-350 pickup truck, whose driver was possibly intoxicated, and a white minivan, which was operating as an Uber at the time, got into a crash… Read More »
A How-To Guide for Compensation in a Bicycle Accident Claim
In most cases, legal theories in bicycle accident claims center on the concept of negligence, which is basically a lack of care. Negligence, in turn, rests on two basic principles. One is the Golden Rule (do unto others as you would have them do unto you) which school children once memorized. The other is… Read More »
What Happens If I Fall At a Grocery Store?
Among both customers and workers, slip-and-fall incidents are the leading cause of serious injuries at grocery stores. These serious injuries include broken bones and head injuries. Broken bones usually never entirely heal, especially if the victim is an older adult with a pre-existing condition. Instead, the injury permanently limits mobility. Head injuries are not… Read More »
What Counts As Provoking a Dog?
Provocation, which is usually a partial defense in Texas dog bite cases, is very narrowly defined. Basically, and in sharp contrast to the everyday definition, legal provocation in this context is an intentional and physical act. Teasing, even aggressive or reckless teasing, doesn’t count as provoking a dog. Instead, in most cases, torturing an… Read More »
Establishing the Science and Effects of PTSD in Court
William Shakespeare was one of the first writers to examine Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in detail. In Henry IV Part One, Lady Percy asked her war veteran husband “O my good lord, why are you thus alone? For what offense have I this fortnight been a banished woman from my Harry’s bed? Tell me,… Read More »
Fireball Collision in North Houston Kills One Person
Few details were available after a three-vehicle collision killed one person and injured several other people. The crash happened in the 22400 block of Aldine Westfield Road near Hirschfield Road, close to the Mercer Botanic Gardens. Aldine Westfield Road was shut down in the area, but it was soon reopened in both directions. It’s… Read More »
Overcoming Legal Obstacles in Wrongful Death Claims
On average, the economic losses in a wrongful death claim (administrative expenses, property damage, wage and productivity losses, medical expenses, and employers’ uninsured costs) add up to almost $2 million. When survivors receive compensation for these expenses, the money doesn’t fill the emotional void, but at least the money eases financial stress, which is… Read More »