Greg Perenich to Speak on PIP Reform on September 20

Gregory Perenich, a partner at PERENICH The Law Firm, and his associate, Jowita Wysocka, have been invited to speak at an upcoming Clearwater Bar Association lunch seminar hosted by the Civil Practice Section. The one-hour seminar is titled “Highlights of the New PIP Law” and will begin at 12:00 noon on Thursday, September 20, 2012 at the Clearwater Grand Hotel, 20967 US Hwy 19 N, Clearwater, Florida.

Mr. Perenich and Ms. Wysocka will summarize the most significant changes to Florida’s current personal injury protection (“PIP”) law, which currently provides for up to $10,000 of medical coverage for auto accident injuries under auto insurance policies, regardless of fault.

The majority of the changes to Florida’s Motor Vehicle No-Fault Law, §§ 627.730-627.7405, Fla. Stat. (2012), go into effect on January 1, 2013. Under the new law, Florida drivers are still required to purchase a minimum of $10,000 in PIP coverage under their auto insurance policies. However, those injured in accidents may only receive the $10,000 in PIP medical and disability benefits if:

• the accident victim receives initial medical treatment for an emergency medical condition no later than 14 days after the auto accident;

• follow-up treatment is based on a referral by a medical doctor or chiropractor;

• such follow-up care is consistent with the underlying medical diagnosis rendered at the initial visit; and

• the claimant submits to an examination under oath (EUO).

Those who receive merely non-emergency treatment are only entitled to up to $2,500 in PIP benefits (as long as they were initially treated within 14 days of the accident). Additionally, massage and acupuncture are no longer covered under the new law, but fortunately chiropractic treatment remains covered as long as the criteria outlined above are met.

Greg Perenich has more than 20 years of experience as a trial attorney handling complex matters involving wrongful death, medical malpractice, automobile and truck injuries, and nursing home cases throughout the State of Florida.  He is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and is actively involved in the Clearwater and Palm Harbor communities. Mr. Perenich enjoys working with kids and improving the opportunities for disadvantaged children.   He is a past president for the Kiwanis Club of Palm Harbor and currently supports charities such as The Ryan Wells Foundation, Academy Prep in Tampa and Care to Share in Tarpon Springs.

Jowita Wysocka has more than a decade of experience in a wide range of practice areas, including injury and accident law, personal bankruptcy, business and contract disputes, copyright infringement, mortgage foreclosure defense, and civil appeals.  She is involved in the local Polish communities in Clearwtaer and St. Petersburg, and she is an avid supporter of the fine and performing arts in St. Petersburg, Florida and surrounding areas.