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Trial Pro P.A. is proud to advocate for accident victims all over the state of Florida, including from our Central Florida office in Orlando. Our dedicated experienced personal injury attorneys handle a range of legal matters, from employment disputes to auto accidents claims. We can use our knowledge and legal skills to help you not only achieve a favorable outcome, but relieve the legal burden from your shoulders as well. Our entire team understands how challenging and confusing litigation can be, which is why we are here for you through every step of the process.
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The seas, oceans, lakes, rivers and other waterways that cover two-thirds of the earth are a nearly endless source of recreation and work opportunities. Unfortunately they can also present significant hazards of injury, illness and even death. Knowing the law that effects your personal injury case for an incident that happens on the water is no simple task. What are some of the most common situations that you might find yourself in when you’re injured at sea.
The cruise ship industry is a huge juggernaut in today’s world. Ships keep getting bigger and bigger, and the entertainment and leisure options more diverse and spectacular. On today’s modern cruise ship, you can find yourself sliding down on a monstrous water slide, scaling a simulated mountain wall, shooting skeet, golfing, jogging on a track, or working out in a gym to name just a few of the leisure options. Of course, when all goes right it’s an exhilarating experience you’ll never forget. Of course, when things go wrong, it can also be an experience you won’t be able to get out of your mind. The chances of falling while you’re engaged in these leisure activities is greatly increased when you add the movement of the ocean and the alcoholic beverages many people enjoy on vacation. As a result of the falls, you’ll see knee injuries, shoulder injuries, herniated discs, lacerations, and even closed head injuries. Most cruise ships also have very modern medical care available, but of course they are no match for a state of the art hospital. The inability to receive immediate medical care that is available on land in major metropolitan areas can greatly complicate injuries and illnesses of all sorts.
Because of the increased hazards at sea, you obviously want to do whatever you can to reduce your risk of accident. Wear proper shoes, utilize hand railings, watch out for water on the deck, and generally act responsibly. You may have rights of recovery if you are injured due to somebody else’s negligence but the better outcome is to avoid injury altogether if you can.
Cruise ships are also subject to widespread illnesses. When you’re in a relatively small space with several thousand people, the chances of contracting an illness like Norovirus are greatly increased. Also, with many people eating the same food often in cafeteria settings, food poisoning is a real possibility for cruise passengers and crew alike.
Other common illnesses and injuries on cruise ships include Legionnaire’s Disease, toxic chemical exposure, fire related injuries, drownings and violent crimes. And when you’re on a shore excursion, anything is possible.
If you are injured on a cruise, your rights are going to be different. First of all, your ticket for the cruise includes a contract that defines and limits what you can sue for and how you go about it. There are also very specific federal laws that apply to cruise line lawsuits. Further, depending on the particular facts of your case and where you’re injured, your lawsuit may not be against the cruise line at all. When you’re at a port of call, the rights that you have are going to be determined by the state or country in which you are docked.
A cruise ship and its various ports of call are not the only water hazards in a state like Florida. Every weekend, even every day, people sustain serious injuries while boating in Florida. The likelihood of accidents is greatly increased by a variety of factors. For example, unlike road traffic, there are no lanes on a lake. This issue is magnified by the large number of relatively inexperienced people who are piloting their weekend crafts. Some people, despite all warnings are going to be impaired by alcohol or drugs. Others just won’t be giving the helm the constant attention it deserves. When two boats collide, people aren’t wearing seat belts and the orthopedic injuries can be severe. Boat accidents also frequently lead to burns or drowning.
No less dangerous than a large cabin cruiser are jet skis. Although highly maneuverable, many people on these specialized craft are renting them for short periods of time and will have little or no expertise in how to handle them. Some areas can become extremely congested with jet skis and other watercraft, so that the proximity itself becomes a real danger. Concussions, broken wrists and ankles and spinal cord injuries are all possible Jet Ski injuries. You can sustain these and other injuries by running into another Jet Ski or boat, hitting a stationary object, or being thrown violently off the Jet Ski while plowing through choppy waters at high speeds.
If you are hurt while working on the navigable waters of the United States, your rights to file a claim are going to be determined by essentially two bodies of federal legislation. The first applies to an injured worker who qualifies as a “seaman”. A seaman is somebody who spends a significant amount of time working as either the captain or the crew of a vessel. If you are in this capacity, you don’t receive state workers’ comp benefits. As a injured “seaman”, you have a claim for negligence against your employer that is governed by the Jones Act. You may also have a separate case against them the person or company that owns the vessel for its lack of seaworthiness. And even if nobody is negligent as an injured worker, you are entitled to certain living expenses and medical care while recuperating from an injury. These benefits are commonly referred to as “maintenance and cure”.
If there is negligence by the owner or employer in a Jones Act case, then there are additional damages available to the injured seaman. This is true even if the percentage of fault for the owner or employer is very small.
Other people who work on or near navigable waters, who are not crew of a vessel, are going to often be entitled to benefits under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Act. Like the Jones Act, the Longshore benefits are in place of and not in addition to state workers’ comp benefits. People covered under the Longshore Act include longshoremen and other loading/unloading assistants, ship repairman, shipbuilders, even those working on trucks that offload ships. Obviously with the large and heavy machinery involved in these jobs, the injuries can be catastrophic and even deadly. Not everyone who works at the shipyard is going to be entitled to these benefits. A secretary working in a marina office is an example of somebody who wouldn’t be covered by Longshore Act.
Also, you don’t really have to be on the water to be qualified for Longshore benefits. If you are near to or adjacent to the water, you might very well be covered by the Longshore Act. Modern shipyards and terminals can be huge, and a shipbuilder injured in office may find that he is entitled to benefits that somebody who normally works in that office is not entitled to.
Because of the variety of ways that one can suffer a maritime injury, it is difficult to imagine an injury that absolutely wouldn’t possibly be governed by maritime law. Maritime law can include all sorts of vehicle collisions, slips and falls, chemical exposures, burns, electric shocks, lacerations, amputations and even death. If it can happen on land, it can also probably happen at sea. The injuries may be very similar, but your rights of recovery may be very different depending on your status at the time you were injured and where you were injured. In order to determine what law governs your rights to recover for your injury, it is important to contact a lawyer who can steer you in the right direction.
At Trial Pro, our traffic collision attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis. That means we cover the costs of investigating, constructing, negotiating and litigating your lawsuit. We do not bill you anything unless we recover compensation on your behalf. If we do not win your case, you will owe us nothing.
Our Orlando injury attorneys also offer potential clients no cost evaluations to discuss the details of their claim and determine if you have a suit. Schedule a Free Consultation
If you or somebody else you love has been impaired due to someone else's negligence or neglectfulness, you need a renowned attorney by your side who is familiar with the statutes and regulations in Florida.
Our Orlando injury attorneys are experts in personal injury lawsuits and have been acknowledged by our peers for our success. Several of our lawyers have been mentioned as Super Lawyers and distinguished litigators for their success on behalf of our clients.
We have recovered favorable judgments and settlements that contributed in assisting personal injury victims recoup from their injuries, pain and suffering and medical bills, or the loss of a loved one. Let us help you recover the max amount of compensation you are entitled to for your personal injuries.
With more than a century of collective legal experience and a commitment to hard work, excellence, and integrity, we have recovered millions of dollars in damages on behalf of our clients. Our goal is to enable our clients to sit back and focus on their recovery, knowing that the team at Trial Pro, P.A. has the experience and resources to effectively handle all of the legal details involved in their case.
Our goal is to make the process as easy as possible for you. You don't even have to come into our office if you are unable to travel or adjust your schedule to make it to us. We're more than happy to come to you!
In addition to traveling directly to our clients, the team at Trial Pro, P.A. also pledges to provide clear advice and regular client communication. We know how important regular contact with our clients is - we never leave you hanging or delay our responses.
Annually millions of americans are injured, in many instances fatally, in car accidents. In 2011 only, more than 2.2 million people were hurt in the estimated 5,338,000 police-reported car accidents and 32,367 killed in traffic accidents involving automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, pedestrians, and bicycles.
Our legal team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to answer your questions and offer expert advice. Our friendly staff is always accessible to meet or speak with you 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. If you or a loved one has been injured, please call Trial Pro immediately to speak with one of our Florida attorneys today. Remember, don't just hire any attorney, hire a Trial Pro!
Each Trial Pro attorney and staff member is determined to see your case as far along as necessary to get you every cent that you deserve. Our friendly staff is always accessible to meet or speak with you 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. If you or a loved one has been injured, please call Trial Pro immediately to speak with one of our Florida attorneys today. Remember, don't just hire any attorney, hire a Trial Pro!
Piercy Stakelum, originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, is the senior attorney at Trial Pro., P.A. Mr. Stakelum carries a zealous nature and his motor is fighting for those who have been compromised. Ask him what his heart yearns for and he’ll summarize it in one word: justice.
Andy Rariden is a leading civil trial lawyer that adds to the collective legal expertise at Trial Pro, P.A. Although he is originally from Charleston, S.C., Mr. Rariden was raised in Florida. He carries over 20 years of civil trial experience and is committed to defending each of his clients.
Mr. Davis has built up over two decades of extensive experience trying and disputing cases for clients. Over time, the proficient lawyer has handled a wide range of cases, obtaining successes in lawsuits involving car accidents, medical malpractice, and more.
A native of Orlando, Don Williams has provided commitment and dedicated legal representation to clients throughout the area. The proficient attorney has a keen heart for helping others which is one among many attributes that distinguish him as a leader.
Born in Ohio, Tyler Nicoll is a dedicated personal injury attorney and an integral part of the Trial Pro, P.A. team. Mr. Nicoll was raised in Coral Springs, Florida. Mr. Nicoll's primary areas of practice include personal injury accidents, overtime disputes and other related matters.
Mike Davis holds over twenty years of professional legal experience under his belt and he is always ready to utilize it in favor of his clients. He is an established professional in the industry, uniquely qualified to provide legal counsel to individuals who have been compromised.
At the beginning of Steve Johnson's legal career, he advocated for clients such as General Motors and Ford Company. As time went by, the attorney realized he held a special interest for insurance disputes and decided to join the team of Trial Pro law professionals.
Marc Williams is an invaluable member of Trial Pro. P.A., dedicated to handling first party insurance claims arising out of Southwest Florida. He has been recognized as a professional in the field, becoming a recipient of the Florida Academy of Trial Lawyers Bronze Eagle Award.
Former Trial Pro, P.A. clients constantly testify of how happy they were when we resolved their case. This is our main priority – to go above and beyond their expectations. Yes, we measure our success by the number of court victories we’ve attained. However, we also measure effectiveness by our clients’ satisfaction and experience with Trial Pro, P.A. Most of them come from other firms feeling ignored and rejected. When they transfer over to us, we work hard to radically change their situation and win their litigation case.
If you are in one of these former clients’ shoes and find yourself strongly dissatisfied with your current car accident attorney or firm, we want to represent you!
Our injury attorneys are always happy to answer any questions you may have and inform you about the experience we provide.
I would definitely come back to Trial Pro, because I can't even tell you the great experience I had. The comfort and the sense of the putting me at peace is priceless.
I never really felt uneducated, or out of the loop which was key for me because I wanted to know it was going the right way, and it was.
When we switched over to Trial Pro, I felt as if my voice was heard. I felt as if the person who was taking care of my case really understood me, and understood my needs.
The Trial Pro, P.A. reputable attorneys genuinely care about their clients. They don’t see them as just another number or face. Neither are they more interested in money than obtaining quality results. Our attorneys are honest, compassionate and work hard to go above and beyond expectations.
I was hesitant to bring my case to an attorney. Trial Pro, P.A. showed me nothing but integrity and professionalism.
Trial Pro, P.A. guided me carefully through my case and constantly kept me informed. I was astounded by the attorneys’ aggressive way of fighting.
I’ve partnered with this reputable law firm for legal representation two times and both instances were victorious. Trial Pro P.A’s chief attorney, Piercy Stakelum, always took the time to sit with me and provide undivided attention.
I didn’t have to wait on return phone calls. As soon as I left a message, they were waiting for me on the other line.
All of the attorneys were truly attentive to my needs and the representation they provided surpassed my expectations. It was top-notch.
At no point I felt nervous for no reason my attorney was there all the time to suppoert me. Thank You Trial Pro, P.A.
The transition was beautiful! I didn't have to do anything just sign and Trial Pro took care of everything for me.
When we switched over to Trial Pro, I felt as if my voice was heard. I felt as if the person who was taking care of my case really understood me, and understood my needs.
A car accident can be scary and frustrating. When you experience a personal injury accident, the last thing you need on your plate is a law firm that can’t rightfully represent you.
If your attorney’s firm is too small and consequently, it is getting pushed around, it’s time to reconsider your choice of legal representation. On the other hand, you do not want to have a fully loaded firm that is too busy to give you a call. The trial attorney’s at Trial Pro, P.A. carry credibility and reputation. We don’t ignore our clients or skip phone calls. Neither are we controlled by insurance companies.
Our law firm fights aggressively -- always determined to win your case.
Take a moment to look at our Trial Pro, P.A. blog and read about issues related to car accidents, truck accidents, workers’ comp, insurance, slip-and-fall, trip-and-fall and more. Our attorneys not only strive to professionally represent their clients in litigation, but they are also strongly committed to educate them. At Trial Pro, P.A., we don’t withhold our personal injury knowledge. We are more than happy to share it with you.
When you need expert legal counsel for your case, turn to the firm that has more than a century of collective legal experience and insight. At Trial Pro, P.A., we have put that experience to good use, advocating for thousands of clients over the years. In that time, our team has obtained millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements. As seasoned Florida personal injury lawyers and wage and hour attorneys, we know how to handle a comprehensive range of legal matters.
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Ever since 2001, the practice has held an exceedingly significant track record of successes. Every year, our reputable law firm is awarded for its impressive mark in the legal field. Trial Pro, P.A. has been recognized by Lawyers of Distinction, Florida Justice Association, Better Business Bureau (BBB) and more. Chief attorney Piercy Stakelum is a proud member of The National Trial Lawyers Top 100, an invitation-only organization compromised of highly regarded and credible lawyers. Trial Pro, P.A. has also been acknowledged by Super Lawyers. They recognize outstanding lawyers who have acquired exceptional professional achievement.
Trial Pro, P.A. is a proud advocate for personal injury clients throughout the State of Florida. The DNA and foundation of our law firm is passion. While we are passionate about the law, we are even more zealous about fighting for those who have been hurt due to the negligence of others. Our trial attorneys fully embrace authenticity and integrity. With over 100+ years of collective legal experience, our reputable law firm has become a trusted choice for injured individuals. Trial Pro, P.A. has a remarkable reputation for winning. After experiencing a car accident, the last thing you desire is to have an attorney that doesn't know how to adequately represent you. You want a trustworthy and reliable law firm that will walk you through every step of your case. You want a group of attorneys that will pursue justice on your behalf and acquire the maximum compensation. At Trial Pro, P.A., we don't see you as just another case number on our list. We don't turn our backs on you half-way throughout the process. Our former clients can testify that they've truly experienced the Trial Pro, P.A. difference. Quite frankly, most of them have pursued our representation because of others that have recommended us. There are a handful of characteristics that distinguish us from other lawyers but our credibility is the best one amongst all.
We put into action our knowledge and legal abilities to assist you, not only to attain a positive outcome, but ease the legal stress from your shoulders simultaneously. Trial Pro, P.A. holds a reputation for achieving real success for clients. Leave it to us to fight wisely but aggressively.
You shouldn't have to beg for a call back from your attorney. You shouldn't have to beg for an update on your case. At Trial Pro, P.A., we don't operate in that manner. We constantly call our clients to give them updates on their claim. If we miss a call, we promise to always return it.