personal injury law

Published on: January 12, 2026

‘He’s so Young:’ Family of Boy Injured in New Year’s Day ATV Crash in Miami Expects Months-Long Recovery.

The family of a 14-year-old boy who sustained a head injury after a crash on his all-terrain vehicle (ATV) on New Year’s Day does not expect him to return to school this year, according to reporting from WSVN.

The incident happened just after 6 p.m. near Southwest 220^th Street and 118^th Avenue involving the boy, identified as Jamari Charles, and another vehicle. Jamari was gifted the four-wheeler for Christmas and was allegedly not wearing a helmet at the time, WSVN reported. He was taken to HCA Florida Kendall Hospital in “critical but stable condition.”

The driver involved was not injured.

Published on: January 12, 2026

Family’s Call to Action After Uber Driver Injured in ‘Senseless Attack’ in Miami. What to Know.

By Leesfield & Partners

The family of a 61-year-old Uber driver who was suddenly attacked by a passenger during a ride has called for the company to do more to protect drivers.

“Please share this,” Nelson Carinao’s son wrote on his social media page following the attack. “I don’t wish this upon any parent. It is sickening that this kind of behavior was inflicted on my own father.”

The incident happened on Friday, Jan. 2 when Carinao picked up 19-year-old Isaiah Norton for a drive meant to go through Interstate 95 from Broward to Miami-Dade County, according to reporting from WSVN. After several minutes in the car, dashcam footage shows Norton repeatedly punching Carinao as he drove.

Published on: December 24, 2025

Authorities Investigating Fire at Florida Junkyard. What to Know.

By Leesfield & Partners

Authorities are investigating after a fire broke out Monday night at a junkyard in Opa-Locka, according to reporting from local media.

Firefighters were called out to the property near Northwest 32^nd Avenue and 135^th Street around 10:20 p.m. Monday.

Heavy smoke and flames billowed out from a pile of debris to the roof of what appeared to be a warehouse on the property. Thankfully, no injuries were reported in this incident.

Published on: November 14, 2025

Leesfield & Partners Files Lawsuit After Boating Accident That Nearly Cost 11-Year-Old Her Leg

By Leesfield & Partners

Leesfield & Partners recently filed a lawsuit following the gruesome and permanent injury of 11-year-old Catherine Viteri, a camper at the Coconut Grove Sailing Club’s summer camp.

The case is being handled by Partner Justin B. Shapiro and Trial Attorney Eric Shane.

On July 10, 2025, Catherine and children were separated into two groups for swimming and sailing activities that were monitored by three camp counselors. At around 2 p.m., Catherine was taking part in the swimming activity when a 21-year-old counselor was transporting a group of campers to the area, unaware of how many children were on board or already in the water. As a result of the inattentiveness of these counselors, Catherine was run over by the 13-foot Ribocraft motorboat and hit with the propeller. The propeller sliced through her right leg, causing a laceration so severe that it cut to the bone and nearly caused an amputation.

Published on: November 13, 2025

Leesfield & Partners Secures Largest Legionnaires’ Disease Recovery in U.S. History

By Leesfield & Partners

Eric Shane, a Leesfield & Partners Trial Attorney, secured a $4 million recovery in a Legionnaires’ disease case, marking the largest of its kind for a single plaintiff in U.S. history.

“I am proud of this result not because of the number, but because it represents justice and accountability,” Mr. Shane said. “The family trusted us to make sure their loved one’s death wasn’t in vain, and we take that responsibility seriously.”

Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by inhaling vaporized water contaminated with Legionella bacteria. Common sources of exposure include cooling towers, hot tubs, decorative fountains, showers and plumbing systems in large buildings. Those who are at greatest risk include older adults, smokers, and people with weakened immune systems or chronic lung conditions.

Published on: October 30, 2025

Teen Hit and Killed Walking to Florida School Bus Stop. What to Know.

By Leesfield & Partners

A high schooler was on her way to her school’s bus stop when she was hit and killed by a 60-year-old driver this week in Ocala, Florida, according to police.

The Ocala Police Department announced the death of Forest High School Student Shannon Rushing via a news release Monday. She was 18.

“We are heartbroken with this news and are supporting the family and school community during this difficult time,” officials with the police department said.

Published on: October 22, 2025

Those Who Scream for Ice Cream Might Say Differently Following this Florida Recall.

By Leesfield & Partners

A “serious or life-threatening” mistake resulted in Publix voluntarily recalling ice cream in Florida and five other states this week.

One lot of Publix Rich & Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream half-gallon containers with a June 19, 2026, sell-by date — UPC 41415 03043 — was recalled this week after it was revealed that there was an issue with the labeling of the product. Instead of the Rich and Creamy version, the cartons may contain the company’s Rich & Creamy French Vanilla Ice Cream, which lists eggs as a main ingredient.

“People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to eggs may run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume this product,” officials warned in the news release.

Published on: August 27, 2025

Police: Deputy Put on Leave After Shooting in Orlando. What to Know.

By Leesfield & Partners

A deputy with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office has been put on a paid administrative leave after accidentally shooting an Orlando home invasion victim, according to media reporting.

As of Wednesday morning, the deputy has not been named and officials with the Florida Law Enforcement Division is investigating.

The shooting took place around 3 p.m. on Aug. 23 when a 911 caller reported a home invasion. The caller, a man in his 40s, told dispatchers that four people tried to break into his home and that he had fired shots at them. All four ran away before deputies arrived, according to reporting from The Miami Herald.

Published on: July 28, 2025

Therapist at Miami Substance Abuse Facility Faces Sexual Misconduct Charges. What to Know.

By Leesfield & Partners

A therapist at a Miami women’s mental health and substance abuse treatment facility faces several charges after multiple women reported that he assaulted them during private sessions, according to local media.

Manuel Enrique Garcia, 33, was charged with at least three counts of felony charges related to sexual battery on clients.

Two women reported to police, alleging Garcia had assaulted them during private therapy sessions, according to reporting from CBS Miami. One woman said she was threatened with “job loss and homelessness if she spoke out,” reporters said in the article. Another woman told police that she was assaulted and that Garcia threatened to change her records to harm her standing in court, which would prevent her from “reuniting with her child.” This was not the only time that Garcia had approached the woman in this manner, according to police.

Published on: July 28, 2025

Florida Mom Accused of Leaving Toddler in Car Outside Theater. What to Know.

By Leesfield & Partners

Police have accused a mother of locking her toddler, 2, in a car outside a Florida movie theater when the girl became too “disruptive,” according to reporting from local media Monday, July 21.

The 18-year-old woman, of Lake City, has since been charged with neglect of a child without great bodily harm. The woman’s name is not being released to protect the identity of her children.

The incident happened on Saturday, July 19, when the mother took the toddler and her siblings to the movies. However, once inside, the 2-year-old girl allegedly caused “multiple disruptions.”