# Searcy Law > Attorneys Taking Time to Care ## Practice Areas - [SUV Accidents](https://www.searcylaw.com/car-accidents/suv-accidents/): Florida SUV Accident Lawyer If you’ve been seriously injured in an SUV accident in Florida, understanding and protecting your legal... - [Lyft Accidents](https://www.searcylaw.com/car-accidents/rideshare-accidents/lyft-accidents/): Injured in a Collision? Discuss Your Legal Rights with a Florida Lyft Accident Lawyer If you’ve been injured in a... - [Uber Accidents](https://www.searcylaw.com/car-accidents/rideshare-accidents/uber-accidents/): Get the Legal Help You Need from an Experienced Florida Uber Accident Lawyer Uber accidents are becoming increasingly common. If... - [Warning Signs of Intracranial Meningioma](https://www.searcylaw.com/mass-torts/dangerous-drugs/increased-risk-intracranial-meningioma-women-using-depo-provera/warning-signs-intracranial-meningioma/): Recent studies have linked Depo-Provera injections to an increased risk of intracranial meningioma. This is a potentially serious type of... - [Depo-Provera FAQs](https://www.searcylaw.com/mass-torts/dangerous-drugs/increased-risk-intracranial-meningioma-women-using-depo-provera/faqs/): Learn What You Need to Know About Hiring a Lawyer to File a Depo-Provera Lawsuit If you have questions about... - [Drug Recalls](https://www.searcylaw.com/dangerous-drug-lawyer/drug-recalls/): Drug recalls are alarmingly common. If you or a loved one has been harmed by a drug that has been... - [Trade Secret Litigation](https://www.searcylaw.com/commercial-litigation/commercial-business-litigation/trade-secret-litigation/): Protect Your Company’s Interests with the Help of a Florida Business Litigation Attorney Experienced in Trade Secret Litigation Trade secrets... - [Appellate Litigation](https://www.searcylaw.com/commercial-litigation/commercial-business-litigation/appellate-litigation/): Discuss Your Company’s Case with a Florida Business Litigation Attorney Experienced in Appellate Litigation Successfully pursuing or defending against an... - [Slip and Fall Accidents in Marinas](https://www.searcylaw.com/premises-liability/slip-and-fall-accidents/slip-and-falls-on-commercial-property/marinas/): Discuss Your Marina Slip and Fall Claim with a Florida Premises Liability Lawyer at Searcy Denney Marinas can be dangerous... - [Slip and Fall Accidents in Restaurants & Bars](https://www.searcylaw.com/premises-liability/slip-and-fall-accidents/slip-and-falls-on-commercial-property/restaurants-bars/): Injured in a Slip and Fall Accident? Get the Help You Need from an Experienced Florida Premises Liability Lawyer Slip... - [Slip and Fall Accidents in Retail Stores](https://www.searcylaw.com/premises-liability/slip-and-fall-accidents/slip-and-falls-on-commercial-property/retail-stores/): Learn About Your Legal Rights from an Experienced Florida Premises Liability Lawyer Slipping and falling while shopping is a very... - [Increased Risk of Intracranial Meningioma for Women Using Depo-Provera](https://www.searcylaw.com/mass-torts/dangerous-drugs/increased-risk-intracranial-meningioma-women-using-depo-provera/): Should You Take Part in a Depo-Provera Lawsuit? Contact Us to Find Out for Free A recent study has linked... - [Abuse in Foster Care and Other Child Welfare Settings](https://www.searcylaw.com/sexual-assault/sexual-abuse-victims/foster-care-abuse-cases/): Representation for Victims of Abuse in Foster Care and Other Child Welfare Settings If you or your child has been... - [Slip and Falls on Personal Property](https://www.searcylaw.com/premises-liability/slip-and-fall-accidents/slip-and-falls-on-personal-property/): Learn About Your Legal Rights if You Slipped and Fell at Someone’s Home in Florida If you slipped and fell... - [Slip and Falls on Commercial Property](https://www.searcylaw.com/premises-liability/slip-and-fall-accidents/slip-and-falls-on-commercial-property/): Get the Help You Need to Recover the Financial Compensation You Deserve Slip and falls can cause serious injuries. If... - [Exactech Shoulder Replacement Defects](https://www.searcylaw.com/mass-torts/defective-medical-devices/exactech-shoulder-replacement-defects/): Discuss Your Claim for Free Individuals who have been harmed by defective Exactech shoulder replacement systems may be entitled to... - [WanaBana Lead Poisoning Lawsuit](https://www.searcylaw.com/mass-torts/wanabana-lead-poisoning-lawsuit/): Families Affected by WanaBana USA’s Contaminated Applesauce Pouches May Be Entitled to Financial Compensation If your child has been diagnosed... - [Legal Rights & Options for Damages](https://www.searcylaw.com/mass-torts/chemical-hair-straightener-lawsuit/legal-rights-options-for-damages/): Learn About Your Legal Rights and Options if You Have Been Harmed by a Chemical Hair Straightener Chemical hair straighteners... - [Hair Relaxer Lawsuit Updates](https://www.searcylaw.com/mass-torts/chemical-hair-straightener-lawsuit/hair-relaxer-lawsuit-updates/): Learn the Current Status of the Lawsuits Targeting Chemical Hair Straightener Companies Nationwide Companies that sell chemical hair straightening products... - [Contaminated Eye Drops Lawsuits](https://www.searcylaw.com/mass-torts/contaminated-eye-drops-lawsuits/): Learn About Filing an Artificial Tears or EzriCare Eye Drops Infection Lawsuit Our law firm is handling lawsuits against EzriCare,... - [Youth Organization Sexual Abuse Cases](https://www.searcylaw.com/sexual-assault/sexual-abuse-victims/youth-organization-sexual-abuse-cases/): Florida Sexual Abuse Attorneys Assisting Children Who Have Been Victimized Youth organizations are meant to be a place for children... - [Video Voyeurism Cases](https://www.searcylaw.com/sexual-assault/sexual-abuse-victims/video-voyeurism-cases/): Florida Video Voyeurism Attorneys Assisting Those Who Have Been Recorded Without Permission Video voyeurism occurs when someone makes an intimate... - [Uber & Lyft Sexual Assault Cases](https://www.searcylaw.com/sexual-assault/sexual-abuse-victims/uber-lyft-sexual-assault-cases/): Bringing Suit Against Rideshare Companies For Sexual Assault Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft have revolutionized how we get... - [Sexual Harassment](https://www.searcylaw.com/sexual-assault/sexual-abuse-victims/sexual-harassment-claims/): Florida Lawyers Assisting Those Who Have Been Sexually Harassed In The Workplace Or Elsewhere People have a right to go... - [Revenge Porn](https://www.searcylaw.com/sexual-assault/sexual-abuse-victims/revenge-porn-cases/): Florida Revenge Porn Attorneys Representing Those Being Harassed By a Former Ex Many relationships end badly. While it is understandable... - [Religious Organization Sexual Abuse Cases](https://www.searcylaw.com/sexual-assault/sexual-abuse-victims/religious-organization-sexual-abuse-cases/): Florida Sex Abuse Lawyers Pursuing Claims For Those Abused by the Clergy Sexual predators often take the form of individuals... - [Human Trafficking Cases](https://www.searcylaw.com/sexual-assault/sexual-abuse-victims/human-trafficking-cases/): Florida Attorneys Assisting Those Who Have Been Subjected to Human Trafficking The idea of someone being taken against their will... - [High School Sexual Abuse Cases](https://www.searcylaw.com/sexual-assault/sexual-abuse-victims/high-school-sexual-abuse-cases/): Florida Sexual Abuse Lawyers Assisting High School Students and Their Families High school is a time when young people are... - [Forcible Rape Cases](https://www.searcylaw.com/sexual-assault/sexual-abuse-victims/forcible-rape-cases/): Florida Attorneys Assisting the Victims of Forcible Rape Few crimes are more horrific than forcible rape. The criminal justice system... - [Exposure of Sexual Organs Cases](https://www.searcylaw.com/sexual-assault/sexual-abuse-victims/exposure-of-sexual-organs-cases/): Sexual Organ Exposure Attorney Assisting Those Subjected To Indecent Exposure in Florida We all have a right to go into... - [Elementary School Sexual Abuse Cases](https://www.searcylaw.com/sexual-assault/sexual-abuse-victims/elementary-school-sexual-abuse-cases/): Elementary School Sexual Abuse Attorney Assisting Students and Their Families in Florida A school is meant to be a safe... - [Dating Apps & Website Sexual Assault Claims](https://www.searcylaw.com/sexual-assault/sexual-abuse-victims/dating-apps-website-sexual-assault-claims/): Florida Sexual Assault Attorneys Holding Dating Websites Accountable The desire to find a mate is a powerful one. This is... - [Cruise Ship Rape & Sexual Assault Cases](https://www.searcylaw.com/sexual-assault/sexual-abuse-victims/cruise-ship-rape-sexual-assault-claims/): Florida Cruise Ship Rape Attorney Assisting Those Who Have Been Raped or Sexually Assaulted on a Cruise Ship Going on... - [College Sexual Assault Cases](https://www.searcylaw.com/sexual-assault/sexual-abuse-victims/college-sexual-assault-cases/): Florida Sexual Assault Attorney Assisting Those Who Were Assaulted On a College Campus College is meant to be a time... - [Child Sex Abuse and Molestation Cases](https://www.searcylaw.com/sexual-assault/sexual-abuse-victims/child-sex-abuse-cases/): Florida Attorney Assisting Children Who Have Been the Victims of Sex Abuse and Molestation Nothing may be more traumatic for... - [Child Pornography Cases](https://www.searcylaw.com/sexual-assault/sexual-abuse-victims/child-pornography-cases/): Florida Child Pornography Attorney Assisting Victims Few things are as traumatic for children as being the subject of child pornography.... - [Athletic Organizations Sexual Abuse Claims](https://www.searcylaw.com/sexual-assault/sexual-abuse-victims/athletic-organization-sexual-abuse-claims/): Florida Sexual Abuse Attorney Assisting Those Harmed In Sports Organizations Athletic organizations are meant to provide an avenue for good-spirited... - [Sexual Abuse Victims](https://www.searcylaw.com/sexual-assault/sexual-abuse-victims/): Contact a Florida Sexual Abuse Attorney Helping Victims Obtain The Compensation They Deserve Many victims of sexual abuse are aware... - [Sexual Assault](https://www.searcylaw.com/sexual-assault/): The statistics on sexual assault are alarming. According to the U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “sexual... - [Medical Malpractice](https://www.searcylaw.com/medical-malpractice/): Attorney Insight From the Desk of Christian D. Searcy: What I’m Seeing in Florida Medical Malpractice Cases This Year Early... - [What Are Mass Torts?](https://www.searcylaw.com/mass-torts/what-are-mass-torts/): Our Mass Tort Litigation Lawyers Will Fight for Your Compensation A product liability mass tort encompasses anywhere from dozens all... - [Mass Torts](https://www.searcylaw.com/mass-torts/): HURT BY A BAD DRUG OR MEDICAL DEVICE – CALL US TODAY Products intended to help consumers should not hurt... - [Slip and Fall Accidents](https://www.searcylaw.com/premises-liability/slip-and-fall-accidents/): Have you been injured in a slip and fall accident in Florida? You might be entitled to sue and recover... - [Single Vehicle Accidents](https://www.searcylaw.com/car-accidents/single-vehicle-accidents/): When you are involved in a single-vehicle car accident, knowing what to do next can be a challenge. Are you... - [Auto Accident Injuries](https://www.searcylaw.com/car-accidents/auto-accident-injuries/): Our Attorneys Will Fight for You The forces involved in auto accidents can cause a wide range of traumatic injuries,... - [FDA Recalls Two More Brands of Eyedrops After a String of Industry Sterility Issues](https://www.searcylaw.com/recalled-eye-drop/): Eye drops are a common over-the-counter medication used to treat a variety of eye conditions such as dry eye, allergies,... - [Chemical Hair Straighteners](https://www.searcylaw.com/mass-torts/chemical-hair-straightener-lawsuit/): Our Attorneys Can Handle Chemical Hair Straightener Lawsuits For generations, black and Latina women have used a variety of chemical... - [Camp Lejeune Water Contamination](https://www.searcylaw.com/mass-torts/camp-lejeune-water-contamination-lawyers/): If you or a family member served or worked at the United States Marine Corps (USMC) Base Camp Lejeune in... - [Wrongful Death Claims Against Health Care Providers](https://www.searcylaw.com/wrongful-death/health-care-providers-wrongful-death/): Our Lawyers Represent Families in Wrongful Death Claims Against Nursing Homes, Hospitals and Other Health Care Providers When you seek... - [Toxic Similac Baby Formula](https://www.searcylaw.com/toxic-similac-baby-formula-lawyers/): FDA Issues Warning: Certain Powdered Baby Formulas May Contain Bacteria Very recently, the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)... - [Exactech Knee Replacement Lawsuit](https://www.searcylaw.com/exactech-knee-replacement-lawsuit/): In February 2022, Exactech recalled hundreds of thousands of knee and ankle replacement devices that were implanted into patients between... - [Exactech Hip Implant Lawsuit](https://www.searcylaw.com/exactech-hip-implant-recall/): Many patients have undergone total hip replacement surgery and, as a result, received Exactech Connexion GXL liners. Recent evidence suggests... - [Allergan Breast Implant Recall](https://www.searcylaw.com/mass-torts/defective-medical-devices/allergan-breast-implant-recall/): Providing Representation to Injured Victims Breast implants have been on the market for decades, but not all implants are alike.... - [Carbon Monoxide Poisoning](https://www.searcylaw.com/premises-liability/carbon-monoxide-poisoning/): If You or a Family Member Suffered Carbon Monoxide Poisoning on Someone Else’s Premises, You May Be Entitled to Financial... - [Brake Failure Accidents](https://www.searcylaw.com/car-accidents/brake-failure-accidents/): Speak with Our Florida Brake Failure Accident Attorney Team You expect your car’s brakes to function properly—and when they don’t,... - [Head Injuries and Concussions](https://www.searcylaw.com/personal-injury/head-injuries-and-concussions/): At first, you may believe the blow to your head is no big deal. You may feel no or only... - [Hearing Loss Injuries](https://www.searcylaw.com/personal-injury/hearing-loss-injuries/): Hearing loss is among the most common injuries resulting from head trauma. While most people associate hearing loss with prolonged... - [Amputation Injuries](https://www.searcylaw.com/personal-injury/amputation-injuries/): Until it happens, it is hard to imagine losing a digit or limb to amputation. But, while this is unthinkable... - [Hip Fractures and Related Injuries](https://www.searcylaw.com/personal-injury/hip-fractures-and-related-injuries/): A broken hip is among the most serious injuries you can suffer in an accident. Not only do hip fractures... - [Eye Injuries and Vision Loss](https://www.searcylaw.com/personal-injury/eye-injuries-and-vision-loss/): If you have suffered an eye injury or vision loss in an accident, seeking just compensation will be an important... - [Scarring and Disfigurement](https://www.searcylaw.com/personal-injury/scarring-and-disfigurement/): Scarring and disfigurement can not only be extremely painful, but they can also cause significant psychological trauma. Many accident victims... - [Restaurant Accidents and Negligence](https://www.searcylaw.com/premises-liability/restaurant-accidents-and-negligence/): Restaurants present a variety of risks for injury. From spills to overcrowding, and from torn carpeting to drunk patrons, several... - [Fractures and Broken Bones](https://www.searcylaw.com/personal-injury/fractures-and-broken-bones/): Broken bones are among the most severe injuries individuals can sustain in vehicle collisions, falls, and other accidents. They are... - [Roundup Glyphosate Non Hodgkins Lymphoma](https://www.searcylaw.com/product-liability/unsafe-products/roundup-glyphosate-non-hodgkins-lymphoma/): Searcy Denney is representing clients diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL) after being exposed to the active ingredient found in Monsanto’s... - [Defective Medical Devices](https://www.searcylaw.com/defective-medical-devices/): Tens of millions of Americans live with medical devices implanted in their bodies, from artificial joint and heart defibrillators to... - [Ethicon Surgical Stapler](https://www.searcylaw.com/defective-medical-devices/ethicon-surgical-stapler/): Thousands of American medical patients are coming forward with complaints about surgical stapler injuries. In particular, Ethicon (a subsidiary of... - [Hypersensitivity Reactions to Medication](https://www.searcylaw.com/dangerous-drug-lawyer/hypersensitivity-reactions/): More than 100 drugs have been associated with severe, life-threatening hypersensitivity reactions, including Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis... - [Dangerous Drug Claims](https://www.searcylaw.com/dangerous-drug-lawyer/): After a Prescription Drug Injury, You Need Searcy Denney Most people in the United States take at least one prescription... - [3M Earplugs](https://www.searcylaw.com/mass-torts/3m-earplugs/): UPDATE: On July 24, 2020, a judge denied 3M’s attempt to hide behind a government contractor defense, allowing thousands of... - [Defective Drugs](https://www.searcylaw.com/defective-drug-lawyer/): Prescription drugs have helped advance medicine and extended the lives of millions of people. However, far too often than not,... - [Pharmaceutical Litigation](https://www.searcylaw.com/pharmaceutical-lawyer/): Searcy Denney: Leading Pharmaceutical Lawyers for Every Aspect of Litigation The pharmaceutical industry never stops booming. With countless television commercials... - [Mass Tort vs Class Action](https://www.searcylaw.com/mass-torts/mass-tort-vs-class-action/): You may have heard the term “class action lawsuit” before. But are you familiar with what is called a “mass... - [Child Injury Claims](https://www.searcylaw.com/personal-injury/florida-child-injury-lawyer/): Was Your Child Involved in an Accident? Discuss Your Family’s Rights and Options As a parent, there is no worse... - [Breach of Warranty Claims](https://www.searcylaw.com/product-liability/breach-of-warranty-claims/): Any time you buy a product, that product comes with certain warranties. While companies will often provide written (or “express”)... - [Hotels and Resort Negligence](https://www.searcylaw.com/personal-injury/personal-injury-claims/florida-hotel-injury-lawyer/): Florida Hotel Negligence Lawyer for Premises Liability and Other Injury Claims Against Resorts and Other Properties When you stay at... - [Wrongful Death Claims After a Crime](https://www.searcylaw.com/wrongful-death/wrongful-death-claims-after-crime/): If You Have Lost a Loved One to Violence or Other Criminal Conduct, You Should Speak with a Lawyer about... - [Paraquat Herbicide Exposure](https://www.searcylaw.com/product-liability/unsafe-products/paraquat-herbicide/): Fighting for Compensation After Exposure to Paraquat Paraquat is a non-selective herbicide widely used in commercial farming. In the United... - [Special Circumstances in Premises Liability Cases](https://www.searcylaw.com/premises-liability/special-circumstances-in-premises-liability-cases/): As a Florida premises liability law firm, we have represented clients in cases involving a broad range of circumstances. While... - [Cruise Ship Accidents and Illnesses](https://www.searcylaw.com/personal-injury/personal-injury-claims/cruise-ship-accidents-and-illnesses/): Getting injured or sick on a cruise ship or shore excursion can do much more than ruin your vacation. Injuries... - [Elevator and Escalator Accidents](https://www.searcylaw.com/personal-injury/personal-injury-claims/elevator-and-escalator-accidents/): Most of us use elevators and escalators daily without giving it a second thought. They save time, they offer a... - [Tow Truck Accidents](https://www.searcylaw.com/truck-accidents/tow-truck-accidents/): Tow trucks are large, complex vehicles that provide limited visibility, and they can be dangerous if they are not properly... - [Reckless and Aggressive Driving Accidents](https://www.searcylaw.com/car-accidents/reckless-and-aggressive-driving-accidents/): Different people have different perceptions of the task of driving. While some view it merely as a necessary means of... - [Rental Car Accidents](https://www.searcylaw.com/car-accidents/rental-car-accidents/): In Florida, rental cars are everywhere. Tourists and business travelers come from across the country and worldwide to visit our... - [Tanker Truck Accidents](https://www.searcylaw.com/truck-accidents/tanker-truck-accidents/): Tanker trucks carrying fuel, oil, water, industrial chemicals and other liquids present hazards on Florida’s roads. From highways to city... - [Garbage Truck Accidents](https://www.searcylaw.com/truck-accidents/garbage-truck-accidents/): Garbage trucks are indispensable, and they are a common sight on roads throughout Florida seven days a week. But, while... - [Jackknife Truck Accidents](https://www.searcylaw.com/truck-accidents/jackknife-truck-accidents/): When you are driving, few sights are more frightening than seeing a tractor-trailer jackknife on the road in front of... - [Road Hazards and Dangerous Roads](https://www.searcylaw.com/car-accidents/road-hazards-and-dangerous-roads/): Florida has some of the most dangerous roadways in the country, causing hundreds of thousands of crashes to occur each... - [Bus Accidents](https://www.searcylaw.com/car-accidents/bus-accidents/): Our Lawyers Can Manage Your Bus Accident Claim While buses provide an essential mode of transportation for individuals who either... - [Drowsy and Fatigued Driving Accidents](https://www.searcylaw.com/car-accidents/drowsy-and-fatigued-driving-accidents/): Did you know that driving while fatigued could be equally as dangerous if not more so than drunk driving? In... - [Back and Spinal Cord Injuries](https://www.searcylaw.com/personal-injury/back-and-spinal-cord-injuries/): If you have suffered a back injury in an accident, it is important that you speak with a personal injury... - [Rear End Collisions](https://www.searcylaw.com/practice-areas/car-accidents/rear-end-collisions/): An Experienced Attorney Team Each year, there are more than 100,000 rear end collisions in Florida. In fact, more than... - [Burn Injuries](https://www.searcylaw.com/personal-injury/burn-injuries/): We Help Victims Recover from the Traumatic and Lifelong Effects of Severe Burn Injuries If you have suffered severe burn... - [Catastrophic Injuries](https://www.searcylaw.com/personal-injury/catastrophic-injuries/): A Catastrophic Injury Can Change Your Life Forever. Our Lawyers Can Help You Recover. When you are involved in a... - [Swimming Pool Accidents](https://www.searcylaw.com/personal-injury/personal-injury-claims/swimming-pool-accidents/): Our Lawyers Help Individuals and Families Recover After Pool Accidents in Florida Florida has more than its fair share of... - [Pedestrian Accidents](https://www.searcylaw.com/personal-injury/pedestrian-accidents/): If You Were Hit by a Car While Walking or Running, Our Lawyers Can Help You Pedestrians have clear legal... - [Dog Bites](https://www.searcylaw.com/personal-injury/dog-bites/): Dog attacks can happen suddenly, with the dog’s aggression seeming to come out of nowhere. Even well-trained dogs can be... - [Vehicle Rollover](https://www.searcylaw.com/car-accidents/vehicle-rollovers/): Rollover accidents may be dangerous, but they are avoidable. Drivers must exercise reasonable care when inspecting, loading, and operating their... - [Boat Accidents Caused by Reckless Boating](https://www.searcylaw.com/personal-injury/boat-accidents/reckless-boating/): Every boat and vessel operator in Florida has a legal obligation to avoid operating in a careless or reckless manner.... - [Rideshare Accidents](https://www.searcylaw.com/car-accidents/rideshare-accidents/): Although rideshare arrangements can help cut down on other types of accidents such as alcohol-related crashes by making arranging for... - [Railroad Accidents](https://www.searcylaw.com/personal-injury/railroad-accidents/): Your Florida Railroad Disasters Law Firm Railroad companies have an obligation to keep passengers and the public safe from harm.... - [Auto Property Damage Claims](https://www.searcylaw.com/car-accidents/auto-property-damage-claims/): Car Crash Property Loss in Florida: Know Your Rights Many car accident victims, especially those who suffered significant injuries, are... ## Pages - [Current Cases](https://www.searcylaw.com/results-that-matter/current-cases/): Learn About How We Are Helping Victims and Families Fight for Just Compensation Searcy Denney is a Florida law firm... - [Disclaimer](https://www.searcylaw.com/disclaimer/): Legal Disclaimer The following is the legal and privacy policy of Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley, P. A. ,... - [Medical Malpractice](https://www.searcylaw.com/must-have-resources/medical-malpractice/): What is a Medical Malpractice Claim? While medical malpractice has long been a concern for patients and families, it came... - [Defective Drugs and Other Products](https://www.searcylaw.com/must-have-resources/defective-drugs-and-other-products/): Risks of Defective Drugs and Products When you buy a product, you expect it to work as advertised. You expect... - [Car Accidents](https://www.searcylaw.com/must-have-resources/car-accidents/): Car Accident Must-Have Resources Car accidents are an everyday occurrence in the United States. In fact, there are more than... - [Pensacola](https://www.searcylaw.com/areas-served/pensacola/): Injured in the Florida Panhandle? Discuss Your Legal Rights with a Pensacola Personal Injury Lawyer Today Injuries can happen under... - [Fort Walton Beach](https://www.searcylaw.com/areas-served/fort-walton-beach/): For more than 45 years, the personal injury attorneys at Searcy Denney have been helping accident victims in Fort Walton... - [Welcome New Florida Residents](https://www.searcylaw.com/welcome-new-florida-residents/) - [Home](https://www.searcylaw.com/): At Searcy Denney, we are committed to righting wrongs for accidents, negligence, and social injustice victims. When a Florida accident... - [Jacksonville](https://www.searcylaw.com/areas-served/jacksonville/): Personal Injury, Mass Tort, Medical Malpractice and Wrongful Death Lawyers Serving Jacksonville, FL An accident can change everything. Whether you... - [Miami](https://www.searcylaw.com/areas-served/miami/): Miami Lawyers for Individuals and Families in Need of Just Compensation There are lots of reasons why someone might need... - [Key West](https://www.searcylaw.com/key-west/): Key West Injury Lawyers with Billions of Dollars Recovered Serving Residents and Tourist Are you entitled to financial compensation? While... - [Naples](https://www.searcylaw.com/areas-served/naples-injury-lawyer/): Our Naples Injury Law Firm Help Individuals and Families Recover Just Compensation Dealing with the aftermath of a serious or... - [Orlando](https://www.searcylaw.com/areas-served/orlando-injury-lawyer/): Orlando Lawyers for Cases Involving Personal Injuries, Product Defects, Mass Torts, Medical Malpractice and More We are a Florida law... - [Lakeland](https://www.searcylaw.com/areas-served/lakeland-injury-lawyer/): Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice, Mass Tort and Wrongful Death Lawyers Serving Lakeland, FL When something beyond your control changes your... - [Fort Lauderdale](https://www.searcylaw.com/areas-served/fort-lauderdale-injury-lawyer/): Need a Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale? Get a Free Injury Consultation 24/7 Recovering from an accident is never easy. But,... - [Areas Served](https://www.searcylaw.com/areas-served/): Winning Attorneys Throughout Florida and Nationwide At Searcy Denney, our skilled lawyers and litigators help clients throughout Florida in a... - [Of Counsel Newsletter](https://www.searcylaw.com/must-have-resources/of-counsel-newsletter/): sds oc 1-24-0424v2. indd - [Our Brochure](https://www.searcylaw.com/must-have-resources/brochure/): Searcy Brochure Updates May 2024 - [Florida Coronavirus Resources](https://www.searcylaw.com/how-we-care/covid-19-business-continuity-a-message-to-our-clients-community/florida-coronavirus-resources/): Florida Coronavirus Resources The Searcy Denney team has compiled a list of resources for our clients and the South Florida... - [Coronavirus Lawsuit FAQs](https://www.searcylaw.com/how-we-care/covid-19-business-continuity-a-message-to-our-clients-community/coronavirus-lawsuit-faqs/): Coronavirus Lawsuit FAQs As the coronavirus continues to spread throughout the country, Americans are becoming increasingly concerned about protecting their... - [COVID-19 Business Continuity: A Message to Our Clients & Community](https://www.searcylaw.com/how-we-care/covid-19-business-continuity-a-message-to-our-clients-community/): COVID-19 Business Continuity Access to legal services is of fundamental importance for an injured individual and their family – it... - [Submit Your Review](https://www.searcylaw.com/submit-your-review/) - [Testimonials](https://www.searcylaw.com/results-that-matter/testimonials/): Our Testimonials - [Sitemap](https://www.searcylaw.com/sitemap/) - [Contact Us](https://www.searcylaw.com/contact-us/): West Palm Beach 2139 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd. West Palm Beach, FL 33409-6601 Toll-free: (800) 780-8607 Phone: (561) 686-6300 En... - [Cases and Results](https://www.searcylaw.com/results-that-matter/cases/): The amounts listed for cases represent gross verdicts and settlements obtained on behalf of clients over the last 45 years,... - [Informational Videos](https://www.searcylaw.com/must-have-resources/topical-videos/): Videos to Help You Understand Florida Law - [Our Fee Promise](https://www.searcylaw.com/what-we-do-for-you/our-fee-promise/): Searcy Denney’s Fee Promise: No Recovery, You Owe Us Nothing In nearly every type of case, including personal injury claims,... - [Taking Time to Care](https://www.searcylaw.com/how-we-care/take-time-to-volunteer/): It’s not just the cash that counts. We make a living by what we get, we make a life by... - [Giving Back To Our Community](https://www.searcylaw.com/how-we-care/giving-back-to-our-community/): Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley is dedicated to giving back to our community. Our law firm is known for... - [Blog](https://www.searcylaw.com/blog/) - [Results That Matter](https://www.searcylaw.com/results-that-matter/): Our Results Our Florida personal injury lawyers have more than 45 years of experience representing victims of negligence in all... - [How We Care](https://www.searcylaw.com/how-we-care/) - [Meet The Team at Searcy Denney](https://www.searcylaw.com/who-we-are/): Our entire team of Florida personal injury lawyers, trained paralegals, thorough investigators, and other professionals works together to help build... - [What We Do](https://www.searcylaw.com/what-we-do-for-you/): Don’t Face Your Potential Claim Alone. Hire A Florida Injury Lawyer Who Cares At Searcy Denney, we bring decades of... - [Volunteer Opportunities](https://www.searcylaw.com/how-we-care/volunteer-opportunities/): Our Florida Volunteer Opportunities 1000 Friends of Florida 1000 Friends of Florida partners with citizens across the state to save... ## Posts - [What Happens When the At-Fault Driver Lies About How a Florida Car Accident Happened?](https://www.searcylaw.com/what-happens-when-the-at-fault-driver-lies-about-how-a-florida-car-accident-happened/): If you were injured in a car accident and the at-fault driver is lying about what happened, you may have... - [How Do You Prove That a Prescription Drug Caused an Injury Months or Years Later?](https://www.searcylaw.com/how-do-you-prove-that-a-prescription-drug-caused-an-injury-months-or-years-later/): Proving that a prescription drug is responsible for an injury diagnosed months or years after it was taken requires comprehensive... - [Who Is Liable When a Commercial Truck Causes a Multi-Vehicle Pileup in Florida?](https://www.searcylaw.com/who-is-liable-when-a-commercial-truck-causes-a-multi-vehicle-pileup-in-florida/): When a commercial truck causes a multi-vehicle pileup, determining who (or what company) is liable starts with understanding exactly why... - [What Happens to Your Individual Claim When Thousands of People Sue Over the Same Drug?](https://www.searcylaw.com/what-happens-to-your-individual-claim-when-thousands-of-people-sue-over-the-same-drug/): When thousands of people file lawsuits related to the same drug, this often results in a multi-district litigation (MDL) proceeding.... - [What If Your Injuries Don’t Appear Until Days After a Florida Car Accident?](https://www.searcylaw.com/what-if-your-injuries-dont-appear-until-days-after-a-florida-car-accident/): Traumatic injuries from car accidents don’t always have immediate symptoms. In some cases, victims won’t start to notice symptoms until... - [Can You Sue If an Accident Aggravates a Pre-Existing Injury in Florida?](https://www.searcylaw.com/can-you-sue-if-an-accident-aggravates-a-pre-existing-injury-in-florida/): In Florida, you can sue when an accident aggravates a pre-existing injury. If you incur medical expenses as a result... - [Truck Driver Fatigue Without an Hours-of-Service Violation: Can the Trucking Company Still Be Liable?](https://www.searcylaw.com/truck-driver-fatigue-without-an-hours-of-service-violation-can-the-trucking-company-still-be-liable/): Proof of an hours-of-service violation is not required to file a liability claim based on truck driver fatigue. Fatigued driving... - [Car Accidents on I-10 Near Tallahassee: What Makes Interstate Injury Claims Different?](https://www.searcylaw.com/car-accidents-on-i-10-near-tallahassee-what-makes-interstate-injury-claims-different/): Accidents on I-10 and other interstate highways are more complicated than other car accident cases because multiple drivers’ actions often... - [Why Tallahassee’s College Traffic Creates Unique Car Accident Risks for Drivers, Pedestrians, and Cyclists](https://www.searcylaw.com/why-tallahassees-college-traffic-creates-unique-car-accident-risks-for-drivers-pedestrians-and-cyclists/): The rush of students, visitors, rideshare drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and others competing for space on the roads around Tallahassee’s colleges... - [Can Vehicle Data Prove Who Caused a Car Accident in Florida?](https://www.searcylaw.com/can-vehicle-data-prove-who-caused-a-car-accident-in-florida/): Vehicle data can often prove who caused a car accident. Modern vehicles generate and store extraordinary amounts of data, and... - [My Medication Wasn’t Recalled—Can I Still File a Dangerous Drug Lawsuit?](https://www.searcylaw.com/my-medication-wasnt-recalled-can-i-still-file-a-dangerous-drug-lawsuit/): A recall isn’t necessary to file a dangerous drug lawsuit. If you took a dangerous medication—and if you suffered harm... - [How Do You Prove Future Medical Expenses After a Catastrophic Injury in Florida?](https://www.searcylaw.com/how-do-you-prove-future-medical-expenses-after-a-catastrophic-injury-in-florida/): Proving your future medical expenses after a catastrophic injury involves working with experts who can assess your long-term physical, psychological,... - [Injured While Visiting Tallahassee? What Out-of-Town Accident Victims Need to Know](https://www.searcylaw.com/injured-while-visiting-tallahassee-what-out-of-town-accident-victims-need-to-know/): Whether you’re traveling to Tallahassee for business, attending an event at Florida State, or just visiting the area, your agenda... - [Who Is Responsible for a Crash Involving a Government Vehicle in Tallahassee?](https://www.searcylaw.com/who-is-responsible-for-a-crash-involving-a-government-vehicle-in-tallahassee/): A local or state agency may be responsible for damages in a collision involving one of its vehicles, but special... - [Can I Sue if I Need Revision Surgery Related to a Defective Medical Device?](https://www.searcylaw.com/can-i-sue-if-i-need-revision-surgery-related-to-a-defective-medical-device/): If you need revision surgery related to a defective medical device, you may be entitled to financial compensation. In this... - [Eleven Days of Profit](https://www.searcylaw.com/eleven-days-of-profit/): What Meta Knew, Why the Settlement is So Large — and Why Florida Was Right to Walk Away From It... - [Labeling Defects: When Can You Sue a Drug Company for "Failure to Warn"?](https://www.searcylaw.com/labeling-defects-when-can-you-sue-a-drug-company-for-failure-to-warn/): Drug companies are required to include warnings about known health risks on all prescription and over-the-counter medications. If you or... - [Which Medications Can Cause Cancer?](https://www.searcylaw.com/which-medications-can-cause-cancer/): Several medications have been linked to an increased risk of cancer. If a prescription or over-the-counter medication is to blame... - [Game Day Traffic and Rush Hour Hazards: How Can You Stay Safe When Driving Around Tallahassee?](https://www.searcylaw.com/tallahassee-game-day-traffic-and-rush-hour-safe-driving-tips/): By practicing defensive driving techniques and planning your route strategically, you can help avoid car accidents caused by distracted drivers,... - [Insurance Claim Tips from an Experienced Florida Car Accident Lawyer](https://www.searcylaw.com/insurance-claim-tips-from-an-experienced-florida-car-accident-lawyer/): Seeking just compensation after a car accident typically involves filing an insurance claim. However, the process is rarely as straightforward... - [Back Pain After a Car Accident: Potential Causes, Costs and Compensation](https://www.searcylaw.com/back-pain-after-a-car-accident-potential-causes-costs-and-compensation/): Back pain after a car accident can be symptomatic of various types of injuries. As a car accident victim, understanding... - [How Can Patients Sue for Harm Caused By Drugs and Medical Devices?](https://www.searcylaw.com/how-can-patients-sue-for-harm-caused-by-drugs-and-medical-devices/): Suing for harm caused by a dangerous drug or medical device often involves pursuing mass tort litigation. In mass tort... - [Forensic Evidence in Truck Accident Cases: Proving the Truck Driver Made a Mistake](https://www.searcylaw.com/forensic-evidence-in-truck-accident-cases-proving-truck-driver-error/): Driver negligence is a leading cause of serious and fatal truck accidents in Florida. As a result, when truck accident... - [How Do I Prove My Child's Birth Injury is Due to Malpractice?](https://www.searcylaw.com/how-do-i-prove-my-childs-birth-injury-is-due-to-malpractice/): Proving that a birth injury is due to malpractice involves gathering the family’s relevant medical records and hiring a medical... - [$15 Million Settlement Reached by Attorney F. Gregory Barnhart Before Trial in Child Drowning Case](https://www.searcylaw.com/15-million-settlement-reached-by-attorney-f-gregory-barnhart-before-trial-in-child-drowning-case/): West Palm Beach, FL –F. Gregory Barnhart, a senior partner in the Searcy, Denney, Scarola, Barnhart & Shipley, P. A.... - [How Do I Prove I Suffered an Injury in an Accident?](https://www.searcylaw.com/how-do-i-prove-i-suffered-an-injury-in-an-accident/): When you get injured in an accident, proving the cause of your injury is a key first step toward seeking... - [Why is It So Difficult to Recover Fair Compensation After an Accident with a Delivery Truck in Florida?](https://www.searcylaw.com/difficulty-to-recover-fair-compensation-after-an-accident-with-a-delivery-truck-in-florida/): Although delivery trucks in Florida operate on behalf of major corporations with extensive resources, it can be difficult for anyone... - [Is There a Difference Between a Personal Injury Claim and a Personal Injury Lawsuit?](https://www.searcylaw.com/difference-between-a-personal-injury-claim-and-a-personal-injury-lawsuit/): In most cases, seeking just compensation after an accident involves filing a personal injury claim with the at-fault party’s insurance... - [How Do I File a Personal Injury Claim in Florida?](https://www.searcylaw.com/how-do-i-file-a-personal-injury-claim-in-florida/): Filing a personal injury claim provides an opportunity to seek just compensation when you have been injured in an accident.... - [Beyond the Medical Bills: How Do Accident Attorneys Calculate the Full Value of Your Losses?](https://www.searcylaw.com/how-accident-attorneys-calculate-the-full-value-of-your-losses/): When you’ve been injured in an accident, your losses extend far beyond the medical expenses, so skilled accident attorneys investigate... - [Gas-X Extra Strength Softgels Subject to Nationwide Recall Due to Contamination Concerns](https://www.searcylaw.com/gas-x-extra-strength-softgels-subject-to-nationwide-recall-due-to-contamination-concerns/): Haleon, the manufacturer of Gas-X Extra Strength Softgels, has issued a voluntary recall for 120 count and 72 count bottles... - [5 Reasons You Should Always Talk to a Lawyer After a Truck Accident in Florida](https://www.searcylaw.com/5-reasons-you-should-always-talk-to-a-lawyer-after-a-truck-accident-in-florida/): If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, there are lots of important reasons to put an experienced lawyer on... - [Report: Baby and Children's Products Are the Most Likely to Be Recalled](https://www.searcylaw.com/report-baby-and-childrens-products-are-the-most-likely-to-be-recalled/): According to a recent report, products designed for babies and children are among the most likely to be recalled. This... - [Can You Still File an AFFF Lawsuit in 2026?](https://www.searcylaw.com/can-you-still-file-an-afff-lawsuit-in-2026/): Eligible individuals can still file aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) lawsuits in 2026. As of June 1, 2026, there were more... - [What Documentation Do I Need to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Florida?](https://www.searcylaw.com/what-documentation-do-i-need-to-file-a-wrongful-death-claim-in-florida/): Filing a wrongful death claim requires several forms of documentation. This includes documentation of the cause of your loved one’s... - [How Much Does a Birth Injury Cost?](https://www.searcylaw.com/how-much-does-a-birth-injury-cost/): For many families, the cost of a birth injury runs between $1-5 million over the course of decades to meet... - [Crash Concerns in Leon County: What Should You Watch for When Driving, Walking, or Riding?](https://www.searcylaw.com/crash-concerns-in-leon-county-what-should-you-watch-for-when-driving-walking-or-riding/): It is essential to take extra precautions when driving, walking, or riding through Leon County’s high-risk zones and to be... - [Is It Worth Hiring an Attorney After a Car Accident in Florida?](https://www.searcylaw.com/is-it-worth-hiring-an-attorney-after-a-car-accident-in-florida/): If you have been injured in a car accident in Florida, it is well worth hiring an experienced attorney to... - [When Can Car Accident Victims Seek Compensation for Emotional Distress in Florida?](https://www.searcylaw.com/when-can-car-accident-victims-seek-compensation-for-emotional-distress-in-florida/): Florida law allows car accident victims to seek compensation for their emotional distress when they suffered significant or permanent injuries... - [What Are the Top 5 Mistakes People Make After Auto Accidents in Florida?](https://www.searcylaw.com/what-are-the-top-5-mistakes-people-make-after-auto-accidents-in-florida/): What’s the most painful thing after an auto accident? Knowing that you made matters worse by failing to get a... - [FDA Launches Investigation Related to Moringa Leaf Powder Supplements Recall Following Reported Salmonella Infections](https://www.searcylaw.com/fda-launches-investigation-related-to-moringa-leaf-powder-supplements-recall-following-reported-salmonella-infections/): The U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning U. S. consumers not to consume recalled dietary supplements containing... - [Will I Take Home More if I Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer to Represent Me?](https://www.searcylaw.com/will-i-take-home-more-if-i-hire-a-personal-injury-lawyer-to-represent-me/): Even if you have clear grounds to file a personal injury claim, there is no guarantee that you will receive... - [How Much Do Florida Personal Injury Lawyers Charge?](https://www.searcylaw.com/how-much-do-florida-personal-injury-lawyers-charge/): Florida personal injury lawyers generally set their own rates, and different lawyers may charge different rates based on their experience,... - [If a Drug is Dangerous, Does It Matter if It is "Defective?"](https://www.searcylaw.com/if-a-drug-is-dangerous-does-it-matter-if-it-is-defective/): A drug does not necessarily have to be “defective” to warrant legal action. Manufacturers that sell dangerous drugs can also... - [What Evidence Does It Take to Prove that a Drug is Defective?](https://www.searcylaw.com/what-evidence-does-it-take-to-prove-that-a-drug-is-defective/): Patients who have been harmed by defective drugs have clear legal rights. Family members can file defective drug claims in... - [What Does it Mean if a Medical Device is Subject to a Class I FDA Recall?](https://www.searcylaw.com/what-does-it-mean-if-a-medical-device-is-subject-to-a-class-i-fda-recall/): A Class I recall is the most serious type of recall for medical devices. Medical devices that are subject to... - [Do You Have a Lawsuit for Your Child's Use of Roblox or Discord?](https://www.searcylaw.com/do-you-have-a-lawsuit-for-your-childs-use-of-roblox-or-discord/): The companies behind Roblox and Discord are facing lawsuits from parents across the United States. These lawsuits allege that Roblox... - [How Many Hours Can Truck Drivers Spend Behind the Wheel?](https://www.searcylaw.com/how-many-hours-can-truck-drivers-spend-behind-the-wheel/): The federal hours-of-service (HOS) regulations limit the number of hours commercial truck drivers can spend behind the wheel. Unfortunately, violations... - [How Do You File a Claim for a Fire Caused By a Defective Product?](https://www.searcylaw.com/how-do-you-file-a-claim-for-a-fire-caused-by-a-defective-product/): Fires are among several potential safety risks associated with various types of defective products. If you or a loved one... - [Despite Safety Improvements, Car Accidents Are Still a Leading Cause of Death in the U.S.](https://www.searcylaw.com/despite-safety-improvements-car-accidents-are-still-a-leading-cause-of-death-in-the-u-s/): Even though cars, trucks, and SUVs are getting safer, car accidents are still a leading cause of death in the... - [The Driver Who Hit Me Was Working at the Time of the Accident—What Are My Rights?](https://www.searcylaw.com/the-driver-who-hit-me-was-working-at-the-time-of-the-accident-what-are-my-rights/): If you got hit by a driver who was working at the time of the accident, you could have a... - [Highway Accidents: What Florida Residents Need to Know About Seeking Just Compensation](https://www.searcylaw.com/highway-accidents-what-florida-residents-need-to-know-about-seeking-just-compensation/): If you were injured in a car accident on the highway, your legal rights depend on the severity of your... - [The Hidden Danger in Your Next Rideshare: How Florida’s TNC Statute Puts Passengers at Risk](https://www.searcylaw.com/the-hidden-danger-in-your-next-rideshare-how-floridas-tnc-statute-puts-passengers-at-risk/): When you request a rideshare after a late night out, you probably believe you are making the safest choice. You... - [When Can Building Owners Be Held Responsible for Residents' Slips, Trips and Falls?](https://www.searcylaw.com/when-can-building-owners-be-held-responsible-for-residents-slips-trips-and-falls/): Apartment and condo residents in Florida can sue their buildings’ owners for slips, trips and falls in various circumstances. Most... - [Top 5 Biggest Mistakes People Make After an Accident](https://www.searcylaw.com/top-5-biggest-mistakes-people-make-after-an-accident/): After an accident or injury, most people are not thinking about legal strategy. They are focused on their health, bills,... - [When Can You File a Personal Injury Claim Against Your HOA in Florida?](https://www.searcylaw.com/when-can-you-file-a-personal-injury-claim-against-your-hoa-in-florida/): In Florida, neighborhood residents can file personal injury claims against their homeowners’ association (HOA) when their HOA is responsible for... - [What is "Loss of Consortium" in an Injury Case?](https://www.searcylaw.com/what-is-loss-of-consortium-in-an-injury-case/): When someone in Florida is injured in a car accident or due to a medical mistake or some other situation... - [Staying Safe When Your Car Won't Run After an Accident or Breakdown](https://www.searcylaw.com/staying-safe-when-your-car-wont-run-after-an-accident-or-breakdown/): Imagine you’re driving along I-10 when a big chunk of tire tread comes off a tractor-trailer in front of you.... - [Brachial Plexus and Erb’s Palsy: Seeking Justice for Nerve Damage](https://www.searcylaw.com/brachial-plexus-and-erbs-palsy-seeking-justice-for-nerve-damage/): Erb’s palsy is not always immediately obvious in newborns, and it may not be mentioned by doctors. If they do... - [Attorneys Andrea Lewis and David P. Vitale Jr. Achieve Board Certification in Civil Trial Law](https://www.searcylaw.com/attorneys-andrea-lewis-and-david-p-vitale-jr-achieve-board-certification-in-civil-trial-law/): Prestigious distinction from The Florida Bar earned by only 2% of eligible Florida attorneys West Palm Beach, Florida – June... - [10 Important Tips for Protecting Your Legal Rights After an Accident in Florida](https://www.searcylaw.com/10-important-tips-for-protecting-your-legal-rights-after-an-accident-in-florida/): If you were injured in an accident in Florida, protecting your legal rights should be among your top priorities. Learn... - [Why You Should Always Talk to a Lawyer After Suffering Injuries in a Car Accident](https://www.searcylaw.com/why-you-should-always-talk-to-a-lawyer-after-suffering-injuries-in-a-car-accident/): If you’re like most people who have been injured in a car accident, you have lots of questions. One of... - [Of Counsel Volume: 26 No. 1](https://www.searcylaw.com/of-counsel-volume-26-no-1/): PRESS_sds oc 2-26_revised-2 - [Freight Broker Liability After Montgomery v. Caribe Transport: A Definitive Guide for Plaintiff's Attorneys](https://www.searcylaw.com/freight-broker-liability-after-montgomery-v-caribe-transport-a-definitive-guide-for-plaintiffs-attorneys/): The difference between a $1 million recovery and a full recovery for your client may be one phone call. On... - [I-95 Named the Deadliest Road in America: What Florida Truck Crash Victims Should Know](https://www.searcylaw.com/i-95-named-the-deadliest-road-in-america/): What the Study Found The fatality data drawn from roughly two decades of federal crash records, summarized in early May... - [Tabletop Fire Pits and the Flame Jetting Crisis: What Every Consumer Needs to Know](https://www.searcylaw.com/tabletop-fire-pits-and-the-flame-jetting-crisis-what-every-consumer-needs-to-know/): A small ceramic bowl sits on a coffee table. A soft blue flame flickers above it. Someone reaches for the... - [My Prescription Medication was Recalled. What Should I Do?](https://www.searcylaw.com/my-prescription-medication-was-recalled-what-should-i-do/): Pharmaceutical companies recall dozens of prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications each year. While pharmaceutical companies have a legal obligation to... - [I Received a Notice that My Medical Implant May Be Defective. What Should I Do?](https://www.searcylaw.com/i-received-a-notice-that-my-medical-implant-may-be-defective-what-should-i-do/): When you undergo a surgical procedure to receive a medical implant, the last thing you expect is for your medical... - [Birth Injuries Resulting from Oxygen Deprivation: When New Parents Can (and Should) Take Legal Action](https://www.searcylaw.com/birth-injuries-resulting-from-oxygen-deprivation-when-new-parents-can-and-should-take-legal-action/): Oxygen deprivation is a leading cause of birth injuries occurring during delivery. While some medical emergencies during delivery are unpredictable,... - [Personal Injury Claims Involving Brain Trauma: 5 Key Considerations for Patients and Families in Florida](https://www.searcylaw.com/personal-injury-claims-involving-brain-trauma-5-key-considerations-for-patients-and-families-in-florida/): Brain trauma is a serious risk associated with all types of accidents. While brain trauma can have life-altering effects for... - [Filing a Claim for a Truck Accident Involving Loss of Cargo in Florida](https://www.searcylaw.com/filing-a-claim-for-a-truck-accident-involving-loss-of-cargo-in-florida/): Cargo-related issues are a common factor in all types of commercial trucking accidents. From shifting cargo to lost loads, various... - [Understanding Your Auto Accident Claim: Key Terms You'll Need to Know](https://www.searcylaw.com/understanding-your-auto-accident-claim-key-terms-youll-need-to-know/): If you have been seriously injured in an auto accident, understanding your legal rights is important. This starts with understanding... - [Why Social Media Silence is So Important if You've Been Injured](https://www.searcylaw.com/why-social-media-silence-is-so-important-if-youve-been-injured/): Social media has become a standard way to communicate with friends and family. It provides a connection to others at... - [If the Driver Who Hit Me Got a Ticket, Does This Mean I'm Entitled to Compensation?](https://www.searcylaw.com/if-the-driver-who-hit-me-got-a-ticket-does-this-mean-im-entitled-to-compensation/): Driver negligence is the leading cause of auto accidents in Florida. Driver negligence can take many forms, and some constitute... - [Injured in a Car Accident on Vacation in Florida? Here's What You Need to Know](https://www.searcylaw.com/injured-in-a-car-accident-on-vacation-in-florida-heres-what-you-need-to-know/): As a car accident victim in Florida, you have clear legal rights. This is true regardless of whether you are... - [Mass Tort Lawsuits vs. Product Liability Lawsuits: Understanding the Differences](https://www.searcylaw.com/mass-tort-lawsuits-vs-product-liability-lawsuits-understanding-the-differences/): If you have been harmed by a dangerous product, you deserve to be fully compensated for your losses. The same... - [The Most Common Misdiagnosed Conditions in Florida](https://www.searcylaw.com/the-most-common-misdiagnosed-conditions-in-florida/): The American Medical Association reports that nearly 800,000 patients are killed or permanently disabled every year because of diagnostic errors... - [What the Recent Jury Verdicts in the Social Media Addiction Cases Mean for Teens and Their Families](https://www.searcylaw.com/what-the-recent-jury-verdicts-in-the-social-media-addiction-cases-mean-for-teens-and-their-families/): Meta (which owns Facebook and Instagram) and Google (which owns YouTube) were recently held liable for $3 million each in... - [Accident Statistics: The Trends to Be Aware of in Leon County](https://www.searcylaw.com/accident-statistics-the-trends-to-be-aware-of-in-leon-county/): Preliminary data from the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Department reveal some encouraging accident trends in Leon County and... - [What Does It Take to File a Successful Medical Malpractice Claim in Florida?](https://www.searcylaw.com/what-does-it-take-to-file-a-successful-medical-malpractice-claim-in-florida/): Medical malpractice is alarmingly common, and mistakes in all types of medical settings can have drastic consequences for patients and... - [Do You Know About the No-Zone for Trucks? Preventing Deadly Truck Accidents](https://www.searcylaw.com/do-you-know-about-the-no-zone-for-trucks-preventing-deadly-truck-accidents/): Reports from the Florida Department of Transportation indicate that traffic in our region has been steadily increasing, including heavy commercial... - [Medical Device Complications: Should You Sue Your Doctor or the Manufacturer?](https://www.searcylaw.com/medical-device-complications-should-you-sue-your-doctor-or-the-manufacturer/): When you receive a medical device implant, you expect it to work as promised. You expect it to help you... - [Where Can You Find FDA Warnings About Defective Drugs?](https://www.searcylaw.com/where-can-you-find-fda-warnings-about-defective-drugs/): Defective drugs are, unfortunately, a very real concern for patients across the United States. While pharmaceutical companies have an obligation... - [FDA Launches New Tool to Help Identify Dangerous Drugs](https://www.searcylaw.com/fda-launches-new-tool-to-help-identify-dangerous-drugs/): The U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently launched a new tool designed to help patients, family members and... - [Social Media Harm: Is Your Family Eligible to Join a Mass Tort Lawsuit?](https://www.searcylaw.com/social-media-harm-is-your-family-eligible-to-join-a-mass-tort-lawsuit/): Lawsuits against Meta and other social media companies have recently made national headlines. But, while the plaintiffs in these cases... - [Pitocin and Uterine Hyperstimulation: A Preventable Birth Danger](https://www.searcylaw.com/pitocin-and-uterine-hyperstimulation-a-preventable-birth-danger/): Pitocin is so commonly used in labor and delivery situations that many parents do not question the necessity or the... - [Delivery Truck Accidents: How to Hold Companies Like Amazon and UPS Accountable](https://www.searcylaw.com/delivery-truck-accidents-how-to-hold-companies-like-amazon-and-ups-accountable/): Next-day and same-day delivery services have made delivery trucks an everyday presence on major roads and neighborhood streets throughout Florida.... - [Who Is Eligible to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Florida?](https://www.searcylaw.com/who-is-eligible-to-file-a-wrongful-death-claim-in-florida/): Wrongful death claims are subject to strict rules and requirements under Florida law. If your family needs to file a... - [Why "Black Box" Data Often Plays a Key Role in Truck Accident Cases](https://www.searcylaw.com/why-black-box-data-often-plays-a-key-role-in-truck-accident-cases/): When you need to seek financial compensation for a truck accident, proving why the accident happened is a key step... - [How Does Partial Fault Impact a Personal Injury Claim in Florida?](https://www.searcylaw.com/how-does-partial-fault-impact-a-personal-injury-claim-in-florida/): When the insurance companies respond to personal injury claims, they do so with their own best interests in mind. They... - [Florida’s Pharmacy Technician Laws: Who is Really Filling Your Prescription?](https://www.searcylaw.com/floridas-pharmacy-technician-laws-who-is-really-filling-your-prescription/): Medication errors cause significant injuries every day in Florida. Sometimes, the mistakes are made by patients. But a frighteningly large... - [Understanding the Deadlines in Florida Medical Malpractice Cases](https://www.searcylaw.com/understanding-the-deadlines-in-florida-medical-malpractice-cases/): In Florida, medical malpractice claims are subject to strict deadlines. There are also steps that patients and families are legally... - [Soft Tissue Injuries: Costs, Complications and Compensation](https://www.searcylaw.com/soft-tissue-injuries-costs-complications-and-compensation/): Soft tissue injuries are among the most common types of traumatic injuries suffered in vehicle collisions and other accidents. While... - [Why Should I Hire an Attorney After a Car Accident in Florida?](https://www.searcylaw.com/why-should-i-hire-an-attorney-after-a-car-accident-in-florida/): If you have been injured in a car accident in Florida, the decisions you make now could impact your life... - [Securing Recovery for Personal Injuries That are Hard to Prove](https://www.searcylaw.com/securing-recovery-for-personal-injuries-that-are-hard-to-prove/): When you’ve been in a car or truck accident and you suffer a broken leg, the bone damage is revealed... - [Spinal Cord Injuries from Traumatic Accidents: Claims, Complications & Compensation](https://www.searcylaw.com/spinal-cord-injuries-from-traumatic-accidents-claims-complications-compensation/): Spinal cord injuries from traumatic accidents can have devastating consequences. They can lead to chronic pain and permanent disabilities, and... - [Do You Have a PFAS Lawsuit?](https://www.searcylaw.com/do-you-have-a-pfas-lawsuit/): Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are chemicals that have been used for decades in an extremely wide range of consumer,... - [Asleep at the Wheel: When Driver Fatigue Leads to a Serious or Fatal Truck Accident](https://www.searcylaw.com/asleep-at-the-wheel-when-driver-fatigue-leads-to-a-serious-or-fatal-truck-accident/): Truck drivers often spend long hours on the road. Federal trucking regulations allow truck drivers to log up to 60... - [When Are (and Aren't) Pharmaceutical Companies Liable for Serious Side Effects and Complications?](https://www.searcylaw.com/when-are-and-arent-pharmaceutical-companies-liable-for-serious-side-effects-and-complications/): Like all companies, pharmaceutical companies are required to ensure that their products are safe for use as intended. However, when... - [Filing a Claim for a Fatal Auto Accident: What Spouses, Parents & Other Family Members Need to Know](https://www.searcylaw.com/filing-a-claim-for-a-fatal-auto-accident-what-spouses-parents-other-family-members-need-to-know/): If your family is coping with a fatal auto accident, finding out if your family has a claim will be... - [10 Facts Most People Don't Know About Filing a Personal Injury Claim in Florida](https://www.searcylaw.com/10-facts-most-people-dont-know-about-filing-a-personal-injury-claim-in-florida/): If you have been seriously injured in an accident, filing a personal injury claim could be critical for your recovery... ## Attorneys - [Amber J. Sanders](https://www.searcylaw.com/attorneys/amber-j-sanders/): Amber J. Sanders is an Associate Attorney with Searcy, Denney, Scarola, Barnhart & Shipley, P. A. and a proud South... - [Natalie Lanz](https://www.searcylaw.com/attorneys/natalie-lanz/): NATALIE LANZ brings a unique combination of legal education and extensive paralegal experience to her practice at Searcy Denney Scarola... - [F. Stephanie Barnhart](https://www.searcylaw.com/attorneys/forrest-stephanie-stephanie-barnhart/): Forrest Stephanie “Stephanie” Barnhart worked with a prestigious international law firm in New York and clerked for Judges Robert M.... - [Victoria Mesa-Estrada](https://www.searcylaw.com/attorneys/victoria-mesa-estrada/): VICTORIA MESA-ESTRADA is an experienced trial attorney, who has litigated cases throughout the state of Florida and other states. She... - [Brian Patrick Sullivan](https://www.searcylaw.com/attorneys/brian-patrick-sullivan/): BRIAN PATRICK SULLIVAN has provided counsel and support to clients throughout Florida who have suffered serious injuries or lost loved... - [Gaetano Murphy](https://www.searcylaw.com/attorneys/gaetano-murphy/): GAETANO “GUY” MURPHY is a Jupiter, Florida native who joined Searcy Denney in 2021. He focuses on representing victims and... - [Clell C. Warriner IV](https://www.searcylaw.com/attorneys/clell-calvin-warriner-iv/): CLELL CALVIN WARRINER IV works with Chris Searcy’s team, representing victims of catastrophic personal injury, products liability, wrongful death, medical... - [Joseph R. Johnson](https://www.searcylaw.com/attorneys/joseph-r-johnson/): JOSEPH JOHNSON is a Florida Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer with extensive experience litigating difficult and complex cases. Over the... - [Juan C. Diaz Avila](https://www.searcylaw.com/attorneys/juan-c-diaz-avila/): JUAN C. DIAZ AVILA has devoted his legal career to the litigation of personal injury, premises liability, wrongful death, negligent... - [Lindsay M. Reinhart](https://www.searcylaw.com/attorneys/lindsay-m-reinhart/): LINDSAY M. REINHART has concentrated her practice on tobacco litigation, first as a law clerk in Searcy Denney’s tobacco litigation... - [Jordan A. Dulcie](https://www.searcylaw.com/attorneys/jordan-a-dulcie/): JORDAN A. DULCIE has personally secured for clients over $50 Million dollars in settlements and trial verdicts in his career.... - [David P. Vitale, Jr.](https://www.searcylaw.com/attorneys/david-p-vitale-jr/): DAVID P. VITALE JR. is a Florida Bar Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer, shareholder at Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart &... - [Carter W. Scott](https://www.searcylaw.com/attorneys/carter-w-scott/): CARTER W. SCOTT is licensed to practice in both Florida and Georgia and has been admitted pro hac vice to... - [Andrea A. Lewis](https://www.searcylaw.com/attorneys/andrea-a-lewis/): Andrea A. Lewis is a Board-Certified Civil Trial Lawyer, nationally-recognized media legal analyst, and industry leader known for fearlessly taking... - [C. Calvin Warriner III](https://www.searcylaw.com/attorneys/c-calvin-warriner-iii/): CALVIN WARRINER III (Cal) has been with the firm for 32 years and has been a Shareholder since 1991. He... - [Donald J. Ward III](https://www.searcylaw.com/attorneys/donald-j-ward-iii/): DONALD J. “D. J. ” WARD III is a graduate of the University of Virginia and the University of Notre... - [Karen E. Terry](https://www.searcylaw.com/attorneys/karen-e-terry/): KAREN E. TERRY is a Shareholder at Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley, P. A. in West Palm Beach and... - [Christopher K. Speed](https://www.searcylaw.com/attorneys/christopher-k-speed/): CHRISTOPHER K. SPEED joined the firm as a Shareholder in 1994 after representing plaintiffs in Virginia for 20 years. He... - [Matthew K. Schwencke](https://www.searcylaw.com/attorneys/matthew-k-schwencke/): MATTHEW K. SCHWENCKE earned his law degree from Stetson University College of Law, where he was a member of Stetson’s... - [Edward V. Ricci](https://www.searcylaw.com/attorneys/edward-v-ricci/): EDWARD V. RICCI was born and raised in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. He is a graduate of The Benjamin School... - [William B. King](https://www.searcylaw.com/attorneys/william-b-king/): WILLIAM B. KING is Of Counsel with Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley, PA. Mr. King is a member of... - [Cameron M. Kennedy](https://www.searcylaw.com/attorneys/cameron-m-kennedy/): CAMERON M. KENNEDY is a Shareholder with Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley, P. A. Throughout his career, he has... - [Jack P. Hill](https://www.searcylaw.com/attorneys/jack-p-hill/): JACK P. HILL played football at Yale University, earned all-Ivy and all-American academic honors, and served as a felony prosecutor... - [Adam S. Hecht](https://www.searcylaw.com/attorneys/adam-s-hecht/): ADAM HECHT, is a shareholder and trial attorney at Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart and Shipley. Mr. Hecht is a Palm... - [Mara Ritchie Poncy Hatfield](https://www.searcylaw.com/attorneys/mara-ritchie-poncy-hatfield/): MARA RITCHIE PONCY HATFIELD, who holds dual degrees in environmental law, began consulting with Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley... - [James W. Gustafson, Jr.](https://www.searcylaw.com/attorneys/james-w-gustafson-jr/): JAMES W. GUSTAFSON, JR. is a shareholder with Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley PA, a member of the firm’s... - [Mariano Garcia](https://www.searcylaw.com/attorneys/mariano-garcia/): MARIANO GARCIA is a Florida Bar Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer known for his unwavering dedication to his clients. With... - [Brenda S. Fulmer](https://www.searcylaw.com/attorneys/brenda-s-fulmer/): BRENDA S. FULMER is a Partner and Shareholder with the law firm of Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley, P.... - [Brian R. Denney](https://www.searcylaw.com/attorneys/brian-r-denney/): BRIAN R. DENNEY is a powerhouse litigator and fierce advocate for his clients. A Shareholder at Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart... - [Laurie J. Briggs](https://www.searcylaw.com/attorneys/laurie-j-briggs/): Laurie Briggs is a partner at Searcy Law where she is a fearless advocate for her clients who have been... - [T. Hardee Bass III](https://www.searcylaw.com/attorneys/t-hardee-bass-iii/): T. HARDEE BASS III has been with Searcy Denney since 2008 and became a Shareholder in 2021. He practices exclusively... - [Rosalyn Sia Baker-Barnes](https://www.searcylaw.com/attorneys/rosalyn-sia-baker-barnes/): Rosalyn “Sia” Baker-Barnes is a Shareholder at Searcy Law and serves on the firm’s Executive Committee. A Board-Certified Civil Trial... - [John A. Shipley III](https://www.searcylaw.com/attorneys/john-shipley-iii/): JOHN A. SHIPLEY III is Of Counsel with Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley, PA. He is a Florida Bar... - [F. Gregory Barnhart](https://www.searcylaw.com/attorneys/f-gregory-barnhart/): GREGORY BARNHART, a senior partner at Searcy Denney Scarola, Barnhart & Shipley, P. A. , is recognized as one of... - [John (Jack) Scarola](https://www.searcylaw.com/attorneys/john-scarola/): JOHN (JACK) SCAROLA graduated with honors from Georgetown University in 1969 and from Georgetown Law Center in 1973. Before joining... - [Christian D. Searcy](https://www.searcylaw.com/attorneys/christian-d-searcy/): CHRISTIAN D. SEARCY is president and CEO of Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley, P. A. and writes and lectures... ## Offices - [Scarring and Disfigurement](https://www.searcylaw.com/tallahassee/personal-injury/scarring-disfigurement/): Tallahassee Injury Lawyers Fight for Just Compensation Every look in the mirror is a painful reminder of your loss if... - [Traumatic Brain Injuries](https://www.searcylaw.com/tallahassee/personal-injury/traumatic-brain-injuries/): Securing the Future for TBI Victims Suffering a traumatic brain injury or TBI often results in cruel and heartbreaking losses... - [Motorcycle Accidents](https://www.searcylaw.com/tallahassee/tallahassee-motorcycle-accidents/): Talk to a Tallahassee Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today While the weather brings bikers to Florida all year round, the beautiful... - [Severe Burns](https://www.searcylaw.com/tallahassee/personal-injury/severe-burns/): Getting the Right Recovery for Burn Injuries Unfortunately, if there’s one thing we’ve learned in decades of helping accident victims,... - [Loss of Digits and Limbs](https://www.searcylaw.com/tallahassee/personal-injury/loss-digits-limbs/): We Fight for Maximum Compensation for Amputation Victims Losing an arm, leg, or any part of your hand or foot... - [Inhalation and Exposure](https://www.searcylaw.com/tallahassee/personal-injury/inhalation-exposure/): Maximum Compensation When Exposure to Toxic Chemicals Causes Injuries Businesses are relying on an increasingly complex array of chemicals to... - [Ear, Eye, and Facial Injuries](https://www.searcylaw.com/tallahassee/personal-injury/ear-eye-facial-injuries/): Get the Compensation You Deserve for Facial Trauma or Loss of Hearing or Eyesight Accidents involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, and... - [Head-On Collisions](https://www.searcylaw.com/tallahassee/tallahassee-car-accident-lawyer/head-on-collisions/): Of all the car accidents our team has investigated over the years, head-on collisions have been the most devastating. Victims... - [Rear-End Collisions](https://www.searcylaw.com/tallahassee/tallahassee-car-accident-lawyer/rear-end-collisions/): Rear-end collisions are one of the common types of car accidents reported in the Tallahassee area, and people often underestimate... - [Uninsured Motorist Accidents](https://www.searcylaw.com/tallahassee/tallahassee-car-accident-lawyer/uninsured-motorist-accidents/): Our Tallahassee Auto Accident Lawyer Can Help You Recover As if being in an auto accident is not bad enough,... - [Broken Bones](https://www.searcylaw.com/tallahassee/personal-injury/broken-bones/): Many people think of broken bones as minor injuries that heal with no detrimental effects. While that may be true... - [Back and Spinal Cord Injuries](https://www.searcylaw.com/tallahassee/personal-injury/back-and-spinal-cord-injuries/): Are You Entitled to Financial Compensation for Your Back or Spinal Cord Injury? Find Out for Free Back and spinal... - [Cement Mixers](https://www.searcylaw.com/tallahassee/tallahassee-truck-accidents/cement-mixers/): Although accidents involving cement mixers frequently result in serious injuries, the commercial enterprises who own and operate these trucks work... - [Dump Trucks](https://www.searcylaw.com/tallahassee/tallahassee-truck-accidents/dump-trucks/): Dump truck accidents often cause very serious injuries in the Tallahassee area. With all the construction and repair work in... - [Garbage Trucks](https://www.searcylaw.com/tallahassee/tallahassee-truck-accidents/garbage-trucks/): Although garbage trucks are not as large and heavy as tractor-trailers, they are considered among the most dangerous vehicles on... - [Utility Trucks and Vans](https://www.searcylaw.com/tallahassee/tallahassee-truck-accidents/utility-trucks-and-vans/): While utilities are vital for the functions of modern life around Tallahassee, the process of maintaining utility infrastructure often puts... - [Flatbed Trucks and Vehicle Transport Trailers](https://www.searcylaw.com/tallahassee/tallahassee-truck-accidents/flatbed-trucks-and-vehicle-transport-trailers/): Accidents involving flatbed trucks and vehicle transport trailers often involve unique circumstances that can add to the severity of injuries... - [Tanker Trucks](https://www.searcylaw.com/tallahassee/tallahassee-truck-accidents/tanker-trucks/): Many of the most dangerous liquid substances on the planet are transported on our highways every day by ordinary tanker... - [Delivery Trucks and Vans](https://www.searcylaw.com/tallahassee/tallahassee-truck-accidents/delivery-trucks-and-vans/): A Tallahassee Delivery Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help Online shopping steadily increased over time until the pandemic shifted the trend... - [18-Wheelers, Tractor-Trailers, and Semi-Trucks](https://www.searcylaw.com/tallahassee/tallahassee-truck-accidents/18-wheelers-tractor-trailers-and-semi-trucks/): Tractor trailers and other types of commercial trucks on the road in Florida can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. The... - [Steps to Take to Strengthen Your Birth Injury Malpractice Case](https://www.searcylaw.com/tallahassee/medical-malpractice/birth-injuries/steps-to-take-to-strengthen-your-birth-injury-malpractice-case/): Of all the cases that injury attorneys handle, birth injuries often seem like the most heartbreaking and unfair. A child... - [Steps to Take After a Car Accident](https://www.searcylaw.com/tallahassee/tallahassee-car-accident-lawyer/steps-to-take-after-a-car-accident/): Learn How to Protect Your Legal Rights from an Experienced Tallahassee Car Accident Lawyer If you’ve been injured in a... - [Statute of Limitations](https://www.searcylaw.com/tallahassee/tallahassee-car-accident-lawyer/statute-of-limitations/): Find Out How Long You Have to Hire a Tallahassee Car Accident Lawyer When you get injured in a car... - [Car Accident Injuries](https://www.searcylaw.com/tallahassee/tallahassee-car-accident-lawyer/car-accident-injuries/): Injured in a Collision? Get Help from an Experienced Tallahassee Car Accident Lawyer Car accidents are dangerous. Serious accidents can... - [Causes of Car Accidents](https://www.searcylaw.com/tallahassee/tallahassee-car-accident-lawyer/causes-of-car-accidents/): Hire a Tallahassee Car Accident Lawyer to Prove Your Claim When you suffer serious injuries in a car accident that... - [Types of Car Accidents](https://www.searcylaw.com/tallahassee/tallahassee-car-accident-lawyer/types-of-car-accidents/): Get Help with Your Claim from an Experienced Tallahassee Car Accident Lawyer All types of car accidents can result in... - [Product Liability](https://www.searcylaw.com/tallahassee/product-liability/): Our Tallahassee Product Liability Lawyers Win Billions of Dollars of Compensation for Our Clients. From vehicle components to medical devices,... - [Catastrophic Injury Claims](https://www.searcylaw.com/tallahassee/personal-injury/catastrophic-injury-claims/): Tallahassee Catastrophic Injury Lawyer Fights for Full Recovery for Those Suffering Tragic Injuries When you or a loved one suffers... - [Dog Bite Injuries](https://www.searcylaw.com/tallahassee/personal-injury/dog-bite-injuries/): Dog Bite Injuries Can Be Costly and Entitle You to Compensation According to data published by the CDC, over 4.... - [Personal Injury](https://www.searcylaw.com/tallahassee/personal-injury/): If you have been injured in an accident, your choice of legal representation matters. Not only do you need a... - [Tallahassee Cancer Misdiagnosis Lawyer](https://www.searcylaw.com/tallahassee/medical-malpractice/hospital-and-er-negligence/tallahassee-cancer-misdiagnosis-lawyer/): A Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis Could Be Catastrophic. Let a Tallahassee Cancer Attorney Help. A cancer diagnosis can be a... - [Pharmacy Errors](https://www.searcylaw.com/tallahassee/medical-malpractice/hospital-and-er-negligence/pharmacy-errors/): Tallahassee Pharmacy Error Attorneys for Prescription Mix-Ups and Other Mistakes Each year, an estimated 1. 5 million people suffer harm... - [Medication Errors](https://www.searcylaw.com/tallahassee/medical-malpractice/hospital-and-er-negligence/medication-errors/): Contact Our Tallahassee Medication Error Attorneys if Your Health Suffered as a Result of a Mistake Medication errors can occur... - [Medical Misdiagnosis](https://www.searcylaw.com/tallahassee/medical-malpractice/hospital-and-er-negligence/medical-misdiagnosis/): Misdiagnosis is the Most-Common Form of Medical Malpractice. Let a Tallahassee Misdiagnosis Lawyer Help. What if you went to the... - [Hospital and ER Negligence](https://www.searcylaw.com/tallahassee/medical-malpractice/hospital-and-er-negligence/): Decide If You Wish to File a Claim After a Free, First Meeting with a Tallahassee Hospital Negligence Attorney Hospitals... - [Delivery and Neonatal (NICU) Malpractice](https://www.searcylaw.com/tallahassee/medical-malpractice/birth-injuries/delivery-and-neonatal-nicu-malpractice/): Talk to a Tallahassee NICU Injury Lawyer about Your Family’s Legal Rights Following a Birth Injury Diagnosis Welcoming a new... - [Tallahassee Cerebral Palsy Lawyer](https://www.searcylaw.com/tallahassee/medical-malpractice/birth-injuries/tallahassee-cerebral-palsy-lawyer/): The disorders grouped under the term cerebral palsy (CP) affect a child’s ability to control muscle movements, making it difficult... - [Birth Injuries](https://www.searcylaw.com/tallahassee/medical-malpractice/birth-injuries/): Our Tallahassee Birth Injury Attorneys are Committed to Helping Families Recover Just Compensation. With today’s medical knowledge and technology, most... - [Medical Malpractice](https://www.searcylaw.com/tallahassee/medical-malpractice/): Speak with a Tallahassee Medical Malpractice Lawyer Today No one expects their doctor to make a mistake. No one expects... - [What Makes Another Driver Negligent?](https://www.searcylaw.com/tallahassee/tallahassee-car-accident-lawyer/what-makes-another-driver-negligent/): Injured in an Accident? Find Out if You are Entitled to Compensation from a Tallahassee Car Crash Lawyer When you... - [Towle House History & Tour](https://www.searcylaw.com/tallahassee/towle-house-history-tour/): A Tallahassee Injury Law Firm in a Building Filled with History and Charm When Searcy Denney decided to establish a... - [Car Accidents](https://www.searcylaw.com/offices/west-palm-beach/help-after-west-palm-beach-car-accidents/): There are lots of reasons to live in West Palm Beach. From easy access to some of Florida’s best beaches... - [Mass Tort Claims](https://www.searcylaw.com/offices/west-palm-beach/west-palm-beach-mass-tort-lawyers/): All companies have corporate responsibilities. These include responsibilities to sell products that are safe for their intended use and to... - [Mass Torts Claims](https://www.searcylaw.com/offices/tampa/mass-torts-claims-in-tampa/): If you have been injured by a dangerous or defective product, there is a good chance you are not alone.... - [Pedestrian Accidents](https://www.searcylaw.com/offices/west-palm-beach/west-palm-beach-pedestrian-accident-lawyer/): Car accidents are part of the risk that comes with getting in a vehicle, whether you are behind the wheel... - [Negligent Security Claims](https://www.searcylaw.com/offices/west-palm-beach/west-palm-beach-negligent-security-attorney/): Businesses and other property owners have a legal obligation to help protect the safety of people who lawfully visit their... - [Product Liability & Defective Products](https://www.searcylaw.com/offices/west-palm-beach/west-palm-beach-product-liability-lawyer/): Some of the most common and frequently used products are also some of the most dangerous. Whether it is a... - [Swimming Pool Accidents & Drownings](https://www.searcylaw.com/offices/west-palm-beach/west-palm-beach-swimming-pool-accident-lawyer/): A fun and relaxing day at the pool can turn tragic in an instant. From a slip and fall on... - [Boat and Watercraft Accidents](https://www.searcylaw.com/offices/west-palm-beach/west-palm-beach-boat-accident-lawyer/): Boating is a popular activity in West Palm Beach, thanks to its location along the Intracoastal waterway, access to the... - [Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect](https://www.searcylaw.com/offices/west-palm-beach/west-palm-beach-nursing-home-abuse-lawyer-fighting-for-you/): The decision to move a loved one to a nursing home — and the choice between various facilities — is... - [Bicycle Accidents and Collisions](https://www.searcylaw.com/offices/west-palm-beach/west-palm-beach-bicycle-accident-lawyer-representing-cyclists/): Bicycles are an increasingly popular form of exercise and transportation in South Florida, where the weather makes it possible to... - [Catastrophic Injury Claims](https://www.searcylaw.com/offices/west-palm-beach/west-palm-beach-catastrophic-injury-lawyer/): When accidents happen, they can cause a wide range of injuries that span from relatively minor bumps and bruises to... - [Child Injury Attorney](https://www.searcylaw.com/offices/west-palm-beach/west-palm-beach-child-injury-attorney/): Accidents are a part of life for parents and their children, whether they happen on the playground or in the... - [Premises Liability](https://www.searcylaw.com/offices/west-palm-beach/west-palm-beach-premises-liability-lawyer/): Accidents are a part of life, whether it is a slip and fall on a slick grocery store aisle or... - [Medical Malpractice & Negligence](https://www.searcylaw.com/offices/west-palm-beach/west-palm-beach-medical-malpractice-attorney/): Individuals and families put a tremendous amount of faith and trust into medical professionals. Unfortunately, doctors and other health care... - [Motorcycle Accident Claims](https://www.searcylaw.com/offices/west-palm-beach/west-palm-beach-motorcycle-accident-lawyer/): There is nothing quite like seeing the Sunshine State on two wheels. The freedom and enjoyment that comes with hitting... - [Slip and Fall Injuries](https://www.searcylaw.com/offices/west-palm-beach/slip-and-fall-injuries/): Slips and falls are a category of accident that refers to a wide range of mishaps that can cause serious... - [Dog Bites and Animal Attacks](https://www.searcylaw.com/offices/west-palm-beach/dog-bites/): Dogs may be “man’s best friend,” but they have also been known to turn on people in vicious attacks that... - [Types of Truck Accident Claims](https://www.searcylaw.com/offices/west-palm-beach/truck-accidents-in-west-palm-beach/types-of-truck-accident-claims/): West Palm Beach truck accidents happen in many different ways, caused by a variety of factors and involving a wide... - [Wrongful Death](https://www.searcylaw.com/tallahassee/tallahassee-wrongful-death-lawyers/): Have You Lost a Loved One Unexpectedly? When you lose a loved one unexpectedly and believe that another person or... - [Wrongful Death Lawsuits](https://www.searcylaw.com/offices/west-palm-beach/west-palm-beach-wrongful-death-attorney/): If you have lost a loved one unexpectedly, it will be important for you to learn about your family’s legal... - [Wrongful Death Claims](https://www.searcylaw.com/offices/tampa/tampa-wrongful-death-lawyer/): Coping with the loss of a loved one presents unique and unimaginable challenges. Your family faces a long and difficult... - [Truck Accidents in Tampa](https://www.searcylaw.com/offices/tampa/truck-accidents-in-tampa/): Truck accidents cause serious and fatal injuries at disproportionately high rates. Large commercial trucks are bigger, heavier and harder to... - [Car Accidents](https://www.searcylaw.com/offices/tampa/tampa-car-accident-attorneys/): As Florida’s third-largest city, Tampa also has some of the busiest roads in the state. Accidents on I-4, I-75 and... - [Tampa](https://www.searcylaw.com/offices/tampa/): Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley PA is a Florida personal injury law firm that represents individuals who have been... - [Car Accident Claims](https://www.searcylaw.com/tallahassee/tallahassee-car-accident-lawyer/): As both the geographic and cultural center of the Florida Panhandle, Tallahassee sees more than its fair share of car... - [Truck Accidents](https://www.searcylaw.com/tallahassee/tallahassee-truck-accidents/): Collisions involving large trucks cause a disproportionate number of severe injuries and deaths, and it is not hard to see... - [Truck Accidents in West Palm Beach](https://www.searcylaw.com/offices/west-palm-beach/truck-accidents-in-west-palm-beach/): If you or someone you care about has been involved in a serious accident with a large commercial vehicle, you... - [West Palm Beach](https://www.searcylaw.com/offices/west-palm-beach/): Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley PA Phone: 561-686-6300 2139 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd. West Palm Beach, FL 33409-6601 The... - [Tallahassee](https://www.searcylaw.com/tallahassee/): Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley’s Tallahassee personal injury attorneys represent victims hurt in accidents stemming from negligence, including aviation... ## Paralegals - [Ivi Vazquez](https://www.searcylaw.com/paralegals/ivi-vazquez/): Ivi Vazquez serves as the Director of Client Intakes at Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley, P. A. Since joining... - [Ada Alvarez](https://www.searcylaw.com/paralegals/ada-alvarez/): Ada Alvarez is a Senior Paralegal/Investigator for attorney Matthew Schwencke and the Schwencke Team at Searcy Denney. With over 30... - [Tammy Manning](https://www.searcylaw.com/paralegals/tammy-manning/): Tammy Manning is a paralegal/investigator for attorney F. Gregory Barnhart and the Barnhart team, drawing upon more than 36 years... - [Sidey Munoz](https://www.searcylaw.com/paralegals/sidey-munoz/): SIDEY MUNOZ, FRP, MBA, began her career with Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley, P. A. in 2012 and currently... - [Michael E. Gauger](https://www.searcylaw.com/paralegals/michael-e-gauger/): MICHAEL E. GAUGER brings to Searcy Denney a unique combination of law enforcement, social service and education experience. His work... - [Lazaro D. Becerra](https://www.searcylaw.com/paralegals/lazaro-d-becerra/): LAZARO D. BECERRA joined the Searcy Denney firm in 2021 as a senior paralegal/investigator. He works out of the firm’s... - [Helem Diaz](https://www.searcylaw.com/paralegals/helem-diaz/): Helem Diaz, ACP, FRP is an experienced Advanced Certified Paralegal in Personal Injury law, nationally certified by the National Association... - [Nydia B. Serrano](https://www.searcylaw.com/paralegals/nydia-b-serrano/): NYDIA BENITEZ SERRANO is a paralegal/investigator for attorney Jack Scarola and the Scarola team, drawing upon more than 21 years... - [Leslie A. McCown](https://www.searcylaw.com/paralegals/leslie-a-mccown/): LESLIE A. MC COWN joined Searcy Denney after 27 years as a legal assistant and paralegal working with plaintiff personal... - [Chris R. Rodgers](https://www.searcylaw.com/paralegals/chris-rodgers/): CHRIS R. RODGERS joined the Searcy Denney firm in 2015, working primarily with attorney Jack Scarola’s team on commercial litigation... - [Nick DeBellis](https://www.searcylaw.com/paralegals/nick-debellis/): NICK DEBELLIS brings to Searcy Denney nearly 25 years’ experience with State Farm Insurance, where he handled dozens of jury... - [Bonnie S. Stark](https://www.searcylaw.com/paralegals/bonnie-s-stark/): BONNIE SUE STARK is the paralegal/legal investigator for the Tallahassee office of Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley, P. A.... - [Vincent L. Leonard, Jr.](https://www.searcylaw.com/paralegals/vincent-l-leonard-jr/): VINCENT L. LEONARD, JR. was raised in Hicksville, New York until he relocated to Florida in 1977. He attended the... - [John C. Hopkins](https://www.searcylaw.com/paralegals/john-c-hopkins/): JOHN C. HOPKINS has spent the last 45 years in the fields of insurance and law. Mr. Hopkins has worked... # # Detailed Content ## Practice Areas - Published: 2025-09-03 - Modified: 2026-09-02 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/car-accidents/suv-accidents/ Florida SUV Accident Lawyer If you’ve been seriously injured in an SUV accident in Florida, understanding and protecting your legal rights will be extremely important for your future. Not only could you be facing significant and long-term financial costs, but you could be facing various non-financial consequences as well. To ensure that you have the opportunity to seek the full financial compensation you deserve, you should speak with a Florida SUV accident lawyer as soon as possible. Similar to victims of other types of car accidents, victims of SUV accidents will be entitled to financial compensation in many cases. But, even if you are clearly entitled to financial compensation, recovering the compensation you deserve can be challenging. A Florida SUV accident lawyer at Searcy Denney can help. We have decades of experience recovering just compensation for accident victims and their families, and we handle all vehicle accident cases at no out-of-pocket cost to our clients. Common Causes of SUV Accidents in Florida When you need to seek just compensation for an SUV accident in Florida, filing a claim starts with determining why the accident happened. This will allow you to determine who (or what company) was at fault, and this will allow you to determine where you need to seek just compensation. Some of the leading causes of SUV accidents in Florida include: Distracted Driving – Distracted driving is alarmingly common. If you were hit or forced off of the road in your SUV by a driver who was distracted behind the wheel, you may have clear grounds to seek just compensation for your losses. Careless Driving – Carless driving is alarmingly common as well. Despite the dangers of making mistakes behind the wheel, many people simply don’t prioritize other drivers’ safety on Florida’s roads. Inadvertently running red lights and stop signs, turning or merging without looking, and braking unnecessarily and without warning are all careless mistakes that can have serious consequences. Reckless Driving – Reckless driving is a common factor in all types of vehicle accidents, SUV accidents included. If you got hit by a reckless driver, proving that the driver was speeding, weaving through traffic or otherwise driving dangerously could be the key to recovering the compensation you deserve. Aggressive Driving – Tailgating, intentionally running red lights and stop signs, and road rage are all common forms of aggressive driving that can (and do) lead to serious accidents. Aggressive driving is negligent driving, and all negligent drivers deserve to be held fully accountable for the consequences of their poor decisions. Impaired Driving – Impaired driving is another common cause of SUV accidents in Florida. If the driver who hit you was drunk or high behind the wheel, this should provide clear grounds for you to seek just compensation—as long as you can prove it. When you hire a Florida SUV accident lawyer at Searcy Denney to represent you, one of your lawyer’s first priorities will be to investigate the accident and collect evidence of liability before it disappears. With sufficient evidence in hand, your lawyer will be able to assess your legal rights, and then your lawyer will be able to begin the process of fighting for just compensation on your behalf. Common Types of SUV Accidents in Florida At Searcy Denney, we handle cases involving all types of SUV accidents. No matter what happened, and no matter who (or what company) is to blame, we have the experience and capabilities required to fight for just compensation on your behalf. This means that a Florida SUV accident lawyer at our firm can help you after any of the... - Published: 2025-07-15 - Modified: 2026-09-02 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/car-accidents/rideshare-accidents/lyft-accidents/ Injured in a Collision? Discuss Your Legal Rights with a Florida Lyft Accident Lawyer If you’ve been injured in a Lyft accident, you have clear legal rights. You are entitled to find out who (or what company) is responsible for your injuries, and you are entitled to seek the financial compensation you deserve. However, protecting your legal rights is not easy, making it crucial to have an experienced Florida Lyft accident lawyer on your side. We Represent All Victims of Lyft Accidents in Florida At Searcy Denney, we represent all victims of Uber accidents in Florida. This includes: Lyft drivers Lyft passengers Drivers and passengers of other vehicles For all victims, the costs of being injured in a Lyft accident can add up very quickly. From medical bills and lost wages to emotional trauma and loss of enjoyment of life, you may be facing a variety of losses that a Lyft accident lawyer at our firm can fight to recover on your behalf. We Handle All Types of Lyft Accidents We handle all types of rideshare accidents—including Lyft accidents—for victims across Florida. If you have been injured in a Lyft accident, determining the cause (or causes) of the accident will be a critical first step toward seeking the financial compensation you deserve. Similar to other types of car accidents, most Lyft accidents are the result of driver negligence—either negligence on the part of the Lyft driver or negligence on the part of another driver involved in the collision. Common forms of driver negligence include: Distracted by the Lyft app Distracted by GPS directions Distracted by texting or social media Distracted by passengers Impaired by alcohol Impaired by marijuana or another drug Speeding Tailgating Running red lights and stop signs Failing to yield Turning or merging dangerously Weaving through traffic Road rage Driving while fatigued Falling asleep behind the wheel However, when dealing with the aftermath of a Lyft accident in Florida, it is also important to consider other possibilities. Brake failures, dangerous road construction zones and a variety of other non-driver-related issues can also lead to accidents—and, if one of these issues played a role in your accident, this will play a major role in determining what claim (or claims) a Florida Lyft accident lawyer at our firm can file on your behalf. We Help Our Clients Seek Maximum Compensation for Their Losses If you’ve been injured in a Lyft accident in Florida, do you need to hire a lawyer? Or, can you file a claim on your own? While you can file a claim on your own, this doesn’t mean that you should. Trying to handle your situation on your own after a serious Lyft accident can prove to be very costly. Practically speaking, if you want to seek the full compensation you deserve, you will need an experienced Lyft accident lawyer on your side. Here’s why: Your Lawyer Will Collect the Evidence Needed to Prove Liability Should you file a claim under the at-fault driver’s auto insurance policy? Should you file a claim against Lyft? Should you file a claim against another company that is legally responsible for your injuries? These are not easy questions to answer, but you must answer all of them correctly in order to seek the financial compensation you deserve. When you hire a Florida Lyft accident lawyer to represent you, your lawyer will collect the evidence needed to prove liability. This will allow your lawyer to determine which claim (or claims) he or she can file on your behalf. Your Lawyer Will Collect the Evidence Needed to Prove Your Losses Along with proving... - Published: 2025-07-15 - Modified: 2026-09-02 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/car-accidents/rideshare-accidents/uber-accidents/ Get the Legal Help You Need from an Experienced Florida Uber Accident Lawyer Uber accidents are becoming increasingly common. If you have been injured in an Uber accident in Florida, you have clear legal rights. However, protecting your legal rights can be challenging, making it crucial to have an experienced Uber accident lawyer on your side. We Represent All Victims of Uber Accidents in Florida At Searcy Denney, we represent all victims of Uber accidents in Florida. This includes: Uber drivers Uber passengers Drivers and passengers of other vehicles Regardless of what happened, if you are facing medical bills, pain and suffering, and other losses after a collision involving an Uber, UberX, Uber XL, Uber Green, Uber Black, or any other type of Uber vehicle, we can help you. A Florida Uber accident lawyer at our firm can provide a free, no-obligation assessment of your legal rights. If you are entitled to financial compensation, we will fight for just compensation on your behalf. Common Causes of Uber Accidents Similar to other types of car accidents, Uber accidents can have a variety of different causes. When you are dealing with the aftermath of a collision, determining the cause (or causes) of the collision is the first step toward holding the at-fault party (or parties) accountable. Common causes of Uber accidents include: Distracted driving (including following GPS directions and using the Uber app) Fatigued driving (including due to spending long hours providing rideshares) Aggressive driving (including speeding, running red lights and stop signs, and weaving through traffic) Careless driving (including merging without looking, turning without looking, and failing to brake in time to avoid a collision) Impaired driving (including driving under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs) While these are among the most common causes of Uber accidents in Florida, rideshare accidents can result from other factors as well. When you choose Searcy Denney to represent you, an Uber accident lawyer at our firm will examine all possible causes of your accident to ensure that we can fight to hold all responsible parties accountable. How a Florida Uber Accident Lawyer at Searcy Denney Can Help If you were injured in an Uber accident, it is important that you do not try to handle your situation on your own. You could be facing substantial losses, and, without an experienced lawyer representing you, there is a very good chance that you will end up with far less than you deserve. Here are just some of the ways an experienced Uber accident lawyer at Searcy Denney can help: 1. Investigating Your Uber Accident Filing a successful claim after an Uber accident requires proof of what happened and who (or what company) is responsible. This makes it critical to conduct an investigation right away. When you hire an Uber accident lawyer at our firm to represent you, your lawyer will work quickly to collect the evidence needed to prove your legal rights. While any photos or videos you took with your phone at the scene of the accident will be helpful, this is far from all of the evidence that is needed to file a successful claim. In many cases, in addition to gathering forensic evidence at the scene of the accident, it will be necessary to obtain drivers’ phone records, internal corporate records from Uber, and other forms of documentation as well. 2. Calculating the Losses You Are Entitled to Recover Filing a successful claim after an Uber accident in Florida also requires proof of the losses you are entitled to recover. This includes not only your medical bills and repair bills, but... - Published: 2025-05-08 - Modified: 2025-05-08 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/mass-torts/dangerous-drugs/increased-risk-intracranial-meningioma-women-using-depo-provera/warning-signs-intracranial-meningioma/ Recent studies have linked Depo-Provera injections to an increased risk of intracranial meningioma. This is a potentially serious type of tumor that develops in the skull. It tends to develop slowly; and, as a result, it can be difficult to diagnose before it leads to serious complications. With this in mind, if you have concerns for any reason after receiving Depo-Provera injections, you should consult with a doctor promptly. This is true even if it has been years (or even decades) since your last injection. If you receive an intracranial meningioma diagnosis, you will also want to consult with a lawyer about your legal rights. You may be eligible to file a Depo-Provera lawsuit—and, if so, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation. 10 Potential Signs of Intracranial Meningioma Caused by Depo-Provera Here are 10 potential warning signs of intracranial meningioma caused by Depo-Provera: Dizziness Dizziness is a potential sign of intracranial meningioma (though it can potentially be a sign of a wide range of other medical conditions as well). As Brigham and Women’s Hospital explains, “cause of the tight space in the back of the brain, growth of these tumors can cause elevated pressure in the brain, leading to meningioma headaches, unsteadiness, or dizziness. ” Headaches Headaches are a potential sign of intracranial meningioma (among other health conditions) as well. If you are experiencing severe or persistent headaches after receiving Depo-Provera injections, this could be symptomatic of a meningioma that has developed and is now applying pressure to the back of your brain. Since headaches can have so many different causes, when you see a doctor about your headaches, you should describe them with as much detail as possible. You should also tell your doctor about any other symptoms you are experiencing as well as your specific concerns about an intracranial meningioma caused by Depo-Provera. Hearing Loss or Impairment Depo-Provera patients who develop an intracranial meningioma may also experience hearing loss or hearing impairment. This can result from compression of the auditory nerve caused by development of the tumor within the skull or damage to the cochlea or vestibulocochlear nerve. While hearing loss and hearing impairments can be treated in some cases, it is also possible for the damage that results in hearing loss or a hearing impairment to be permanent. Hyperreflexia Hyperreflexia, or overactive or hyperresponsive reflexes, can also be caused by an intracranial meningioma applying pressure to the brain at the back of the skull. This pressure can disrupt the normal flow of neurological signals from the brain to other parts of the body, potentially causing hyperreflexia and other physical effects. Memory Loss Memory loss is a significant concern for many patients diagnosed with intracranial meningiomas after receiving Depo-Provera injections. According to a research paper published in 2016: “Study results suggest that most ... meningioma patients are faced with cognitive deficits in several cognitive domains prior to surgery. Following surgery, most of these patients seem to improve in cognitive functioning. However, they still have impairments in a wide range of cognitive functions compared to healthy . ” According to the authors of the research paper, these cognitive deficits include memory loss. Being unable to remember significant information or events can have significant consequences in all aspects of your daily life; and, if you have grounds to file a Depo-Provera lawsuit, these consequences could be a major factor in determining the value of your claim. Muscle Weakness Muscle weakness, particularly in the arms and legs, can also be a warning sign of intracranial meningioma. As noted by the Mayo Clinic, muscle weakness can also be a long-term... - Published: 2025-05-08 - Modified: 2025-05-08 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/mass-torts/dangerous-drugs/increased-risk-intracranial-meningioma-women-using-depo-provera/faqs/ Learn What You Need to Know About Hiring a Lawyer to File a Depo-Provera Lawsuit If you have questions about filing a Depo-Provera lawsuit, you are not alone. Women and families across the United States are struggling with the effects of intracranial meningiomas linked to Depo-Provera, and many have begun taking action to assert their legal rights. Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions (FAQs) from the Depo-Provera lawyers at Searcy Denney. Answers to FAQs: Filing a Depo-Provera Lawsuit What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Depo-Provera Lawsuit? The statute of limitations for a Depo-Provera lawsuit depends on where you live or perhaps where you will need to file your lawsuit. In many statutes, the statute of limitations for dangerous drug claims is two or three years from the date of diagnosis. However, you could have less time (or more), and there are also circumstances that can “toll” the statute of limitations in some cases. With that said, the sooner you take legal action, the better. There is no reason to wait, and waiting could prove costly. Our lawyers can determine if you are eligible to file a Depo-Provera lawsuit, and if you need additional information before you can file, we can explain everything you need to know. Is There a Depo-Provera Settlement? Pfizer Inc. entered into a $2 million class action lawsuit settlement in Canada in 2021 related to the company’s warning label for Depo-Provera. This settlement is unrelated to the pending Depo-Provera lawsuits. To date, we are not aware of any of these Depo-Provera product liability lawsuits settling. If you think you may be entitled to a Depo-Provera settlement for intracranial meningioma, the first step will be to speak with a lawyer about your legal rights. How Much is a Depo-Provera Claim Worth? If you have a claim for intracranial meningioma caused by Depo-Provera, the value of your claim will be determined by your individual circumstances. Unlike plaintiffs in class action lawsuits, individuals who have Depo-Provera cancer lawsuits against Pfizer Inc. can seek full compensation for their present and future losses. With this in mind, to determine how much your Depo-Provera claim is worth, you will need to work closely with an experienced lawyer to calculate just compensation for your current and future medical bills, loss of income, pain and suffering, and other losses. These losses could be substantial—and you do not want to leave any money on the table. How Do I File a Depo-Provera Lawsuit? The first step toward filing a Depo-Provera lawsuit is to discuss your situation with a lawyer who has experience handling dangerous drug cases against major drug companies like Pfizer Inc. At Searcy Denney, this is a core aspect of our practice. We have decades of experience and have helped our clients recover billions of dollars in financial compensation. If you have a Depo-Provera lawsuit, we can use our experience to fight for just compensation on your behalf. What Are the Allegations in the Depo-Provera Litigation? The Depo-Provera lawsuits filed to date allege that the popular contraceptive medication increases patients’ risk of developing an intracranial meningioma, a type of tumor that grows inside of the skull. While not technically a brain tumor, an intracranial meningioma can “press on the nearby brain, nerves and vessels,” which can have consequences similar to those of a brain tumor. These consequences include vision impairments, speech impairments, memory loss, hearing loss and seizures, among others. What Is the Current Status of the Depo-Provera Litigation? Depo-Provera lawsuits are currently being consolidated in a multidistrict litigation (MDL) proceeding in the U. S. District Court for the... - Published: 2025-02-26 - Modified: 2025-05-21 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/dangerous-drug-lawyer/drug-recalls/ Drug recalls are alarmingly common. If you or a loved one has been harmed by a drug that has been recalled by its manufacturer, you may be entitled to financial compensation, and you will want to speak with a lawyer about your legal rights as soon as possible. Our drug recall lawyers represent patients and families nationwide, and we have a long record of success securing settlements and verdicts for our clients. What Patients Should Know About Drug Recalls As a patient (or family member), what should you know about drug recalls? Here are five important facts about manufacturer recalls involving dangerous drugs: Recalls Don’t Necessarily Involve Drugs Being Taken Off of Pharmacy Shelves While some recalls involve drugs being removed from the market, others simply involve updates to drugs’ warning labels. However, all drug recalls can potentially signify issues that entitle patients and their families to just compensation. Recalls Usually Come Only After Patients Have Experienced Issues In most cases, drug recalls are triggered by complaints from patients, families and healthcare providers. As a result, if you have concerns related to a drug that has not been recalled, you should not ignore them. Instead, you should see your doctor and consult with a lawyer as soon as possible. It Is Up to Pharmaceutical Companies to Issue Drug Recalls While the FDA can request drug recalls, it generally cannot force pharmaceutical companies to recall their products. As a result, it is up to pharmaceutical companies to decide when (and if) they are willing to recall a potentially dangerous drug. Understanding the Reason for a Drug Recall is Important If you or a loved one has taken (or is currently taking) a drug that has been recalled, understanding the reason for the recall will be important. This will determine both the risks that you (or your loved one) is facing and whether our defective drug lawyers can take legal action on your behalf. Drug Recalls Lead to Dangerous Drug Lawsuits in Many Cases Due to the serious health risks that dangerous drugs can present, drug recalls will lead to lawsuits against the pharmaceutical companies in many cases. Oftentimes, these lawsuits will involve multi-district litigation (MDL) in which hundreds or thousands of plaintiffs pursue similar claims. What Patients Should Know About Drug Recall Lawsuits Let’s say that you or a loved one has been harmed by a dangerous drug. What do you need to know about filing a drug recall lawsuit? The most important thing to know is that it costs nothing to learn about your legal rights. It also costs nothing out-of-pocket to hire our defective drug lawyers if you have a claim. We handle all drug recall lawsuits on a contingency-fee basis, which means that our legal fees (if any) are calculated as a percentage of the financial compensation we help our clients recover. Filing a drug recall lawsuit is not something you want to try to handle on your own. It also is not something that you want to entrust to inexperienced legal counsel. The pharmaceutical companies fight these lawsuits by all means available, so you need to choose a law firm that has a proven record of success securing just compensation for its clients. Examples of Recent Drug Recalls The U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) maintains a list of active drug recalls on its website. Here are some of the drugs that are currently (or have recently been) subject to recalls in the United States: Adrenalin Chloride Solution (EPINEPHrine nasal solution) Alvogen (fentanyl transdermal system) AVpak (Atovaquone oral suspension) Astellas (Tacrolimus and Tacrolimus extended-Release capsules) B... - Published: 2025-02-25 - Modified: 2025-05-21 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/commercial-litigation/commercial-business-litigation/trade-secret-litigation/ Protect Your Company’s Interests with the Help of a Florida Business Litigation Attorney Experienced in Trade Secret Litigation Trade secrets are among many companies’ most valuable assets. While trade secrets are not eligible for registration in the United States, companies can protect their trade secrets through other means—and they can pursue litigation to protect these assets in court when necessary. We represent companies in trade secret litigation statewide, and a Florida business litigation attorney at our firm can help protect your company’s interests by all means available. Depending on the circumstances, this may include seeking emergency relief. While there are limited exceptions, as a general rule, trade secrets derive their value from their secrecy. As a result, once a trade secret has been misappropriated, taking legal action immediately can be critical for preserving the owner’s exclusive rights. Trade Secret Protections Under State and Federal Law In Florida, trade secrets are protected under both state and federal law. At the state level, the Florida Uniform Trade Secrets Act (FUTSA) gives trade secret owners exclusive rights—and it gives them the ability to pursue legal action when necessary. The FUTSA defines a “trade secret” as follows: “’Trade secret’ means information, including a formula, pattern, compilation, program, device, method, technique, or process that: (a) Derives independent economic value, actual or potential, from not being generally known to, and not being readily ascertainable by proper means by, other persons who can obtain economic value from its disclosure or use; and (b) Is the subject of efforts that are reasonable under the circumstances to maintain its secrecy. ” The FUTSA includes provisions for both injunctive relief and damages. Damages can include, “both the actual loss caused by misappropriation and the unjust enrichment caused by misappropriation that is not taken into account in computing actual loss. ” The FUTSA also entitles trade secret owners to exemplary (or punitive) damages in cases involving “willful and malicious appropriation,” and it entitles trade secret owners to recover their attorneys’ fees in certain circumstances as well. The Defend Trade Secrets Act (DTSA), 18 U. S. C. § 1836 et seq. , establishes a cause of action for trade secret misappropriation in federal court—and it provides for remedies similar to those available under the FUTSA. While the federal definition of a trade secret is not identical to the definition under Florida law, the concepts are similar, and a Florida business litigation attorney at our firm can help you decide which type of claim it makes the most sense for your business to pursue. When Can Trade Secret Owners Pursue Claims for Misappropriation? Both the FUTSA and the DTSA provide trade secret owners with the right to file claims for misappropriation. So, what constitutes “misappropriation” of a trade secret? 1. Acquisition Under Section 688. 002(2)(a) of the FUTSA, a claim for trade secret misappropriation can be based on, “cquisition of a trade secret of another by a person who knows or has reason to know that the trade secret was acquired by improper means. ” Claims under Section 688. 002(2)(a) can be used to pursue trade secret litigation against current and former employees, vendors, contractors, competitors, and other parties that have gained unauthorized access to (or unauthorized control over) trade secrets without proof of further disclosure or use. 2. Disclosure or Use Under Section 688. 002(2)(b) of the FUTSA, trade secret owners can pursue claims based on disclosure or use as well. Unauthorized disclosure or use of a trade secret constitutes misappropriation if the party involved: “Used improper means to acquire knowledge of the trade secret; or “At the time of disclosure or... - Published: 2025-02-25 - Modified: 2025-05-22 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/commercial-litigation/commercial-business-litigation/appellate-litigation/ Discuss Your Company’s Case with a Florida Business Litigation Attorney Experienced in Appellate Litigation Successfully pursuing or defending against an appeal requires experienced legal representation. At Searcy Denney, we represent companies at all levels of appeal in state and federal court. Each Florida business litigation attorney in our appellate practice group has extensive relevant experience, and we rely on this experience to achieve favorable results for our clients. While the requirements for filing an appeal vary depending on the jurisdiction and the specific circumstances involved, strict deadlines frequently apply. These deadlines can be extremely short—as short as 30 days in some cases. With this in mind, if you think that your company may need to file an appeal, we strongly encourage you to speak with a business litigation attorney at Searcy Denney right away. Types of Appeals We Handle Our firm handles all types of appeals involving business disputes in Florida. This includes business disputes resolved through litigation in state court, litigation in federal court and arbitration. Some examples of the types of cases we handle for our clients on appeal include: Arbitration Awards Commercial Disputes Employment Disputes Financial Disputes Non-Compete Litigation Partner, Shareholder and Member Disputes Trade Secret Litigation One of the most important points to understand about appellate litigation is that an appeal is not a retrial of the parties’ case. Instead, appeals generally focus on seeking an alternative outcome based on a specific issue with the previous proceedings. If an appeal is successful, this may result in the case being reversed, but it may also result in the case being remanded for further proceedings consistent with the appellate court’s decision. While a significant portion of our appellate practice involves representing clients that we represented at the lower level, we also regularly represent companies that are seeking new outside counsel for appeals. Many law firms do not handle appellate litigation, and we regularly receive referrals from other law firms whose clients need appellate representation. If you are in search of a team of highly experienced appellate attorneys, we invite you to contact us to discuss what we can do to help. When Can (and Should) You Consider an Appeal? Not all unfavorable arbitration awards and trial-level decisions are appealable. However, many are, and if your company has grounds to appeal a decision, taking action promptly could be essential. Here are five examples of circumstances in which an appeal may be warranted: Final Orders Final orders rendered by state and federal courts are generally subject to appeal. A “final order” is a decision that completely disposes of (or resolves) a case, such as an order granting a motion to dismiss, an order granting summary judgment, or a verdict at the conclusion of a trial. Certain Interlocutory (Non-Final) Orders Certain interlocutory (non-final) orders are subject to appeal as well. Depending on the circumstances involved, these can include orders resolving motions concerning venue, motions concerning the parties’ obligation to arbitrate, motions concerning injunctions, and motions concerning the appointment of a receiver, among others. Writs of Certiorari Even if an appeal is not permitted under the Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure or the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure (i. e. , if the appeal does not address a relevant interlocutory order), it may still be possible to pursue an appeal through a writ of certiorari. In Florida, for example, the appellate courts will consider an appeal involving a non-final order if: The order “departs from the essential requirements of law;” The order is likely to cause “material injury for the remainder of the case;” and, A post-judgment appeal (i. e. , an... - Published: 2025-02-25 - Modified: 2025-05-22 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/premises-liability/slip-and-fall-accidents/slip-and-falls-on-commercial-property/marinas/ Discuss Your Marina Slip and Fall Claim with a Florida Premises Liability Lawyer at Searcy Denney Marinas can be dangerous places. While walking through a busy marina can present a variety of risks, some of the most common hazards are those that can cause slip and fall accidents. If you were injured in a slip and fall at a marina, a Florida slip and fall lawyer at Searcy Denney may be able to help you recover just compensation. This includes just compensation for your financial and non-financial losses. In slip and fall cases, we help our clients seek damages for their medical bills, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and all of the other consequences of their fall-related injuries. To find out how much you may be entitled to recover, schedule a free consultation with a Florida premises liability lawyer at Searcy Denney today. Cases We Handle We handle all types of slip and fall accident cases at marinas across Florida. Whether you fell on land, on a dock or into the water, we are prepared to fight for the financial compensation you deserve. Some examples of the types of cases our lawyers handle include: Slips and Falls on Docks and Fingers – From rainwater to seawater to slippery ropes and lines, various issues can lead to slip and fall accidents on marina docks and fingers. Like all businesses in Florida, marinas have a legal duty to ensure the safety of their premises, and this means that they can be held fully liable for accidents on their docks and fingers in many cases. Slips and Falls on Boat Decks – Boat decks can be dangerously slippery as well. Teak, cork, fiberglass and other common boat decking materials can all be extremely slippery when wet. In addition to handling premises liability claims, we also handle boat accident claims, and we can help you seek just compensation regardless of who (or what company) is responsible for your injuries. Slips and Falls in Marina Parking Lots – We also handle slip and fall cases involving accidents in marina parking lots. When you are visiting a marina, slip hazards in the parking lot may be among the least of your worries. But, these hazards are common as well, and they can (and frequently do) lead to sudden and unexpected falls that result in serious traumatic injuries. Slips and Falls at Marina Restaurants and Shops – Marina restaurants and shops have a duty to ensure the safety of their premises as well. Puddles, spills, recently cleaned floors and other slip hazards can all cause accidents that leave unexpecting victims facing significant (and, in some cases, long-term) losses. Regardless of the severity of your injuries, you are entitled to full compensation for your present and future losses if a marina restaurant or shop is to blame. Slips and Falls into the Water – A Florida slip and fall lawyer at Searcy Denney can also represent you if you slipped and fell into the water. For obvious reasons, these accidents can be extremely dangerous, and recovering after a fall into the water can be a long, difficult and expensive process. We handle cases involving physical injuries suffered during falls into the water, concussions, near-drowning injuries and all other forms of trauma. Again, these are just examples. From negligence claims against charter companies to product liability claims against boat manufacturers, we handle all other types of slip and fall accident claims as well. No matter what happened, we can help—but it is important that you contact us as soon as possible. Proving the Cause of a Slip and Fall... - Published: 2025-02-25 - Modified: 2025-06-06 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/premises-liability/slip-and-fall-accidents/slip-and-falls-on-commercial-property/restaurants-bars/ Injured in a Slip and Fall Accident? Get the Help You Need from an Experienced Florida Premises Liability Lawyer Slip and fall accidents in restaurants and bars can leave victims with painful injuries and expensive medical bills. In many cases, they can also force victims to miss time from work, and they can lead to various other financial and non-financial losses as well. If you are facing losses after a slip and fall accident in a restaurant or bar, you should speak with a Florida premises liability lawyer promptly. Why? Because restaurants, bars and other businesses can be held liable for slip and fall accidents in many cases. Under Florida law, all businesses owe a duty to protect their patrons and guests. If the restaurant or bar where you slipped and fell breached this duty, a Florida slip and fall lawyer can fight to recover just compensation for your losses on your behalf. Cases We Handle Our lawyers handle cases against all types of restaurants, bars and other establishments across Florida. From failing to clean up spills to failing to rope off recently cleaned areas, and from inadequate lighting to inadequate maintenance, numerous issues can justify premises liability claims against these businesses under Florida law. If you believe that you may have a claim against any of the following, we encourage you to contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation about your legal rights: Bakeries Bars, breweries and pubs Buffets Cafés and bistros Coffee shops Fast food restaurants Fine dining restaurants Food trucks Nightclubs Sit-down restaurants We handle slip and fall accident claims on behalf of victims, parents whose children have been injured, and family members whose aging loved ones have suffered serious injuries in falls. No matter what happened, if you have questions about your legal rights, a Florida premises liability lawyer at Searcy Denney can help you understand your legal rights and take appropriate legal action on your behalf. Understanding Your Legal Rights After a Slip and Fall Accident at a Bar, Restaurant or Other Establishment While fully understanding your legal rights requires an in-depth assessment of the facts of your case, there are some basics that it is important for you to know. If you have a slip and fall claim against a bar, restaurant or another establishment in Florida, your legal rights include: 1. The Right to Hold the Establishment Accountable By inviting patrons and customers onto their premises, restaurants and bars assume a legal duty to protect these individuals from premises-related injuries. Not only must bars and restaurants promptly address any slip and fall hazards that are brought to their attention, but they must actively monitor their premises for potential slip and fall hazards as well. If a bar or restaurant should have known about the issue that caused you to slip and fall, this is enough to establish accountability under Florida law. 2. The Right to Just Compensation for Your Financial and Non-Financial Losses When you have a slip and fall claim, you are entitled to just compensation for your financial and non-financial losses. This means that a Florida slip and fall lawyer can help you seek compensation for your: Medical bills and other out-of-pocket costs Loss of income and benefits (if your injuries prevent you from working) Pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and other non-financial losses But, no matter how much you are entitled to recover, you only get one opportunity to take legal action. As a result, it is critical to ensure that you have a comprehensive understanding of the lifetime costs of your injuries. If you are dealing with serious fall-related... - Published: 2025-02-25 - Modified: 2025-06-06 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/premises-liability/slip-and-fall-accidents/slip-and-falls-on-commercial-property/retail-stores/ Learn About Your Legal Rights from an Experienced Florida Premises Liability Lawyer Slipping and falling while shopping is a very real concern. While businesses in Florida have a legal duty to protect their customers’ safety, many retail stores fail to do what is necessary to prevent fall-related injuries. If you were injured in a fall while shopping, you may be entitled to financial compensation, and you should speak with a Florida slip and fall lawyer about your legal rights as soon as possible. Cases We Handle Our lawyers represent people who have been injured in slip and fall accidents at all types of retail stores in Florida. No matter where you got injured, if you fell while shopping, we strongly encourage you to contact us today. If a store is to blame for your injuries, it deserves to be held accountable, and you do not deserve to face the financial and non-financial burdens of an accident that the store could (and should) have prevented. Some examples of the types of retail stores that we can seek to hold accountable for injuries from slip and fall accidents include: Big box stores (i. e. , Costco, Target and Walmart) Clothing stores Cosmetics stores Dollar stores and convenience stores Electronics stores Furniture stores Grocery stores and supermarkets Home goods stores Home improvement stores Retail stores Shopping centers Sporting goods stores From specialty marine and hunting stores to stores that sell pet products and animal feed, we handle claims against all other types of retail stores as well. When it comes to premises liability in Florida, global retailers, regional chains, and local businesses are all held to the same standards—and, in most cases, seeking just compensation involves dealing with the store’s insurance company. A Florida premises liability lawyer at Searcy Denney can provide a straightforward assessment of your legal rights; and, if it appears that you have a claim, we can handle your claim at no out-of-pocket cost to you. Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in Retail Stores When can (and should) you file a claim for a slip and fall accident at a retail store in Florida? Like all businesses, retail stores can be held liable for slip and fall accidents involving a wide range of hazards. Some examples of the types of hazards we most frequently see in these cases include: Rainwater Puddles Rainwater puddles are a common cause of slip and fall accidents both inside and outside of retail stores. When we get stormy weather, rainwater can accumulate in depressions in parking lots and sidewalks, and customers can carry water into stores on their shoes. If you aren’t prepared, stepping in a puddle inside or outside of a store can result in a sudden and painful slip and fall. Spilled Food and Drinks Spilled food and drinks are common causes of slip and fall accidents in retail stores as well. This is of particular concern at shopping centers and malls where people can eat and drink as they shop. But, many other types of stores sell food and drinks as well, and it only takes one spill to cause a slip and fall accident that leads to expensive medical bills, time missed from work, and other financial and non-financial losses. Spilled Merchandise Along with spilled food and drinks, spilled merchandise can also create slip hazards. This includes everything from eggs and yogurt in grocery stores to building materials and supplies in home improvement stores. Crucially, even when a customer is responsible for spilling merchandise, the store still has a legal obligation to monitor for potential slip hazards and remedy... - Published: 2025-01-16 - Modified: 2025-05-22 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/mass-torts/dangerous-drugs/increased-risk-intracranial-meningioma-women-using-depo-provera/ Should You Take Part in a Depo-Provera Lawsuit? Contact Us to Find Out for Free A recent study has linked the use of the contraceptive medication Depo-Provera to an increased risk of intracranial meningioma. This, in turn, has triggered what is expected to be a wave of lawsuits against Depo-Provera’s manufacturer, Pfizer Inc. If you or a loved one has taken Depo-Provera, what do you need to know? The study’s conclusion is clear: “Prolonged use of ... medroxyprogesterone acetate ... was found to increase the risk of intracranial meningioma. The increased risk associated with the use of injectable medroxyprogesterone acetate, a widely used contraceptive ... important new finding. ” Medroxyprogesterone acetate is the generic name for Depo-Provera. Given this conclusion, anyone who has concerns about intracranial meningioma after taking Depo-Provera should consult with their doctor promptly, and anyone who receives an intracranial meningioma diagnosis after taking the contraceptive should talk to a Depo-Provera lawsuit attorney about their legal rights. You may have grounds to file a Depo-Provera lawsuit. Latest Updates on the Depo-Provera Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) In February 2025, the U. S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) consolidated more than 70 pending Depo-Provera lawsuits into a single multidistrict litigation (MDL) proceeding. This is a significant development that has important implications for both current and prospective plaintiffs. Under the February 7, 2025 consolidation order, the Depo-Provera MDL will take place in the U. S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida. Why is this significant? Here are some key facts that patients and their families need to know about the newly formed Depo-Provera MDL: In MDL proceedings, plaintiffs (and their lawyers) are able to share the evidence they obtain from the defendants, streamlining the process of proving their claims. Unlike class action lawsuits, in MDL cases, all plaintiffs retain the ability to seek full compensation for their specific financial and non-financial losses. While successful MDL cases often result in global settlements, individual plaintiffs can generally decide whether to participate in a global settlement or continue fighting for additional compensation. Additionally, when facing MDL proceedings, defendants will often feel enhanced pressure to settle—as a single plaintiff-friendly verdict could expose them to substantial liability. So, while there are no guarantees, the fact that there is now a Depo-Provera MDL is good news for patients and families who are thinking about asserting their legal rights. Since forming the Depo-Provera MDL in February 2025, the judge presiding over the litigation has issued some other important orders as well. For example, while plaintiffs will often need to file lawsuits in state court and then have their cases transferred into an MDL proceeding, the judge presiding over the Depo-Provera MDL has stated that plaintiffs can file their lawsuits directly in the Northern District of Florida. With offices in Tallahassee, our lawyers are available to represent clients nationwide in Depo-Provera lawsuits against Pfizer Inc. Additionally, on March 29, 2025, the judge issued an order that will make it much easier for many women and families to pursue Depo-Provera claims against Pfizer Inc. This order makes it easier for plaintiffs to collect the documentation they need to prove their claims, particularly when they (or their loved one’s) received Depo-Provera injections years or decades ago. Importantly, however, this order also establishes some additional filing requirements. For example, the order states that plaintiffs must file a “Plaintiff Proof of Use/Injury Questionnaire” within 120 days of filing their lawsuits. Since failing to meet these types of filing requirements can result in plaintiffs’ lawsuits being dismissed, it is imperative that all potential plaintiffs engage an experienced attorney to represent them throughout... - Published: 2025-01-08 - Modified: 2025-05-22 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/sexual-assault/sexual-abuse-victims/foster-care-abuse-cases/ Representation for Victims of Abuse in Foster Care and Other Child Welfare Settings If you or your child has been abused while living in foster care, it is important to understand your legal rights. It is also important to understand that you are not alone. Sadly, the statistics show that sexual abuse in foster care is alarmingly common, with one study finding that 81 percent of girls living in foster care have experienced sexual abuse at least once. Boys living in foster care frequently fall victim to sexual abuse as well, and regardless of a child’s age or gender, there are no excuses for sexual abuse under any circumstances. Our foster care sexual abuse lawyer helps children and families who are struggling to cope with the effects of sexual abuse in foster care and other child welfare settings. Our practice in this area is led by Adam Hecht, a former Assistant State Attorney who now dedicates his career to helping victims secure justice. Mr. Hecht has extensive experience handling cases involving sexual abuse in foster care and he can use his experience to fight for the outcome you or your child deserves. Understanding What Constitutes Sexual Abuse Sexual abuse can take many different forms. While many cases of sexual abuse involve clear instances of harassment or assault, more subtle acts can constitute sexual abuse as well—and they can have equally serious consequences for children who have been abused. We strongly encourage you to speak with a Florida foster home sexual abuse lawyer if you have experienced (or if you have concerns about) any of the following: Coerced Sexual Acts – Any type of coerced sexual act constitutes sexual abuse. This is true not only in the foster care setting but in all other settings as well. Coerced touching, oral sex, sexual intercourse, and sexual speech are all forms of sexual abuse. If you felt pressured to do anything against your will, we strongly encourage you to speak with a lawyer at Searcy Denney. Exposure to Sexual Content (i. e. , Pornography) – Exposure to pornography or other sexually explicit content also constitutes sexual abuse in the foster care setting. Children should not be forced to view sexual videos, photos or other content under any circumstances. Inappropriate Touching – Inappropriate touching also constitutes sexual abuse. While this includes fondling of children’s private parts, it can include other forms of unwanted touching (such as massaging) as well. Rape – Rape is a serious crime under all circumstances, and it can have serious and long-term psychological consequences for victims. If you or your child has been raped in a foster home or other setting, we can assist you with seeking help, and we can take all appropriate legal action on your behalf. Sexual Exploitation or Sex Trafficking – Children living in foster care may also experience abuse in the form of sexual exploitation or sex trafficking. Being forced to engage in sexual activities with anyone of any age is a serious form of sexual abuse for which children can (and should) seek protection and other appropriate remedies. Verbal Sexual Harassment or Abuse – Verbal sexual harassment or abuse can involve making sexually explicit or suggestive comments, requesting sexual acts, or making a child feel uncomfortable about his or her appearance or refusal to engage in sexual conduct. These are just examples, and to take action, you do not have to have experienced unwanted sexual conduct or sexual acts. If you have received requests or threats, if you have escaped an attempted rape or sexual assault, or if you need help for any other... - Published: 2024-08-15 - Modified: 2025-06-06 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/premises-liability/slip-and-fall-accidents/slip-and-falls-on-personal-property/ Learn About Your Legal Rights if You Slipped and Fell at Someone’s Home in Florida If you slipped and fell on someone else’s personal property in Florida, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. All property owners in Florida have a duty to ensure that their premises are reasonably safe for visitors and guests; and, when property owners fail to meet this duty, victims can hire a Florida injury attorney to help them seek just compensation. Whether you slipped and fell while visiting a friend or family member, or you were injured while making deliveries or working at a customer’s home, you owe it to yourself to speak with a Florida injury attorney about your legal rights. The costs of fall-related injuries can be substantial; and, if you have a premises liability claim, hiring an attorney to help you file a claim will allow you to recover these costs as efficiently as possible. Filing a Slip and Fall Claim Against a Homeowner’s Insurance Company In most cases, seeking just compensation for a slip and fall on personal property involves dealing with the homeowner’s insurance company. Most homeowners in Florida have insurance; and, while this insurance covers damage to their homes, it also covers third-party claims for premises-related accidents. To file a claim under a homeowner’s insurance policy after a slip and fall accident, you must be able to prove that the homeowner failed to meet his or her duty of care. As we mentioned above, all homeowners have a duty to ensure that their premises are reasonably safe for visitors and guests. While homeowners’ duties vary depending on why a visitor or guest is on their property, generally speaking, homeowners must take reasonable measures to prevent falls due to hazards such as: Slippery driveways, sidewalks or floors Slippery floor coverings Slippery pool decks Dangerous stairs Other slip hazards such as sand, leaves or gravel If you believe that a personal property owner is responsible for your slip and fall accident for any reason, you should schedule a consultation with a Florida injury attorney. This costs you nothing, and it will allow you to make informed decisions about how to deal with the costs of your injuries. Who Can File a Claim for a Slip and Fall on Personal Property? Who can file a claim for a slip and fall on personal property in Florida? While there are a few exceptions, most people will have the right to seek just compensation (by filing a homeowner’s insurance claim) if they slip and fall on personal property. Here are the rules that apply: Invited Guests – Personal property owners owe the highest duty to their invited guests. If you were injured in a slip and fall at a meetup, party or other gathering where you were an invited guest, you will want to speak with a Florida injury attorney about asserting your legal rights. Delivery Drivers – Delivery drivers can also generally file claims when they slip and fall due to hazards on homeowners’ property. While homeowners don’t necessarily need to address all slip hazards, they must take appropriate steps to remedy hazards of which they are aware. Contractors and Subcontractors – If you were injured in a slip and fall while working at someone’s home, you may have a claim in this scenario as well. Here, too, you will want to speak with a Florida injury attorney about your legal rights to ensure that you take appropriate legal action. Salespeople – Salespeople have the same rights as contractors and subcontractors when... - Published: 2024-08-15 - Modified: 2025-06-06 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/premises-liability/slip-and-fall-accidents/slip-and-falls-on-commercial-property/ Get the Help You Need to Recover the Financial Compensation You Deserve Slip and falls can cause serious injuries. If you slipped and fell on commercial property in Florida, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries’ financial and non-financial costs. Our Florida injury lawyers handle slip and fall cases involving commercial properties statewide. If you have a claim, we can accurately calculate the compensation you are entitled to recover, and we can work to hold the commercial property owner accountable on your behalf. This, of course, assumes that you contact us in time. When you have a slip and fall claim involving a commercial property, time is of the essence. You need to document the cause of your accident before the evidence disappears. When you contact us, our Florida injury lawyers will get to work immediately, and we will do everything we can to help ensure that you receive the full compensation you deserve. Common Slip and Fall Risks at Businesses Slip and falls on commercial property are common. This is because there are several common slip and fall risks at businesses. The following are all common causes of slip and fall injuries—and they can all provide grounds to file a premises liability claim against a business in Florida: Recently Cleaned Floors While businesses need to keep their floors clean, they also need to make sure that they do not create slip hazards for their customers. Recently cleaned floors can be extremely slippery, and they are a common cause of slip and falls on commercial property. Sand and Gravel Thin layers of sand and gravel on top of smooth walking surfaces can be extremely slippery as well. If you slipped and fell in a parking lot, on a sidewalk or boardwalk, or anywhere else that sand or gravel had been allowed to accumulate, you may have a claim for just compensation. Spills and Puddles Spills and puddles are among the most common causes of slip and falls on commercial property. From spilled drinks at restaurants and stadiums to puddles at marinas and resorts, it doesn’t take much to cause a serious accident that results in painful and debilitating injuries. Slippery Walking Surfaces While water, sand and gravel can make walking surfaces slippery, some walking surfaces are slippery on their own. Tiles, wood and resurfaced asphalt are three examples of walking surfaces that can be responsible for slip and falls, even in clear and calm conditions. Unmarked Slip Hazards Businesses in Florida have a duty to identify known slip hazards. As a result, if you slipped and fell on an unmarked hazard that was not open and obvious, you may have a clear claim for financial compensation. Types of Businesses that Can Be Held Liable for Slip and Falls All types of businesses can be held liable for slip and falls on their property under Florida law. At Searcy Denney, our Florida injury lawyers are available to help accident victims seek just compensation from businesses including (but not limited to): Amusement parks Automotive dealerships and repair shops Bars, restaurants, coffee shops and nightclubs Doctor’s offices, dentists’ offices, pharmacies, hospitals and clinics Gyms and fitness centers Hotels, motels and resorts Marinas Retail stores (including grocery stores, clothing stores, electronics stores and home improvement stores) Sports and entertainment venues Whether you are a full-time Florida resident, a snowbird or a vacationer, we can handle your claim for you from start to finish. We can gather the evidence needed to prove that the business is liable, we can calculate your financial and non-financial losses, and we can fight to recover just compensation... - Published: 2024-01-22 - Modified: 2025-05-22 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/mass-torts/defective-medical-devices/exactech-shoulder-replacement-defects/ Discuss Your Claim for Free Individuals who have been harmed by defective Exactech shoulder replacement systems may be entitled to financial compensation. Exactech has a long history of selling defective medical devices, and the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning about the company’s Equinoxe Shoulder System joint replacement devices on January 16, 2024. According to the FDA, Exactech incorrectly packaged its Equinoxe Shoulder System joint replacement devices. The packaging from the company failed to include a crucial oxygen barrier layer necessary to protect devices from oxidation, which degrades plastic components over time. Device oxidation leads to accelerated wear or failure while resulting in component cracks or fractures. The damage from oxidation might require patients with the Equinoxe Shoulder System to undergo further surgical procedures for replacement or correction. Lawyers at Searcy Denney are actively representing individuals in Exactech shoulder replacement defect lawsuits. We have filed claims related to Exactech’s other defective medical devices many times before. If you have a claim, we can help you assert your legal rights. To learn more, schedule a free consultation today. About Exactech’s Defective Equinoxe Shoulder System Implants Exactech markets its Equinoxe Shoulder System implants as a form of treatment for several medical conditions. It touts several benefits on its website, which focuses on convincing surgeons that they should choose the Equinoxe Shoulder System over other medical devices. According to Exactech, its Equinoxe Shoulder System joint replacement devices can be used to treat conditions including: Osteoarthritis Osteonecrosis Rheumatoid arthritis Loss of normal structure and function Failed shoulder joint replacement devices However, due to issues with Exactech’s packaging, the materials in its Equinoxe Shoulder System implants are prone to breaking down prematurely. As noted by the FDA, oxidation caused by Exactech’s improper packaging can cause its Equinoxe Shoulder System implants to wear faster than they should, to crack and to fail. These issues present serious risks for patients, who may face complications including infections, bone loss, joint failures and fractures—in addition to the need for a second surgery to replace their defective shoulder implant. Exactech’s History of Marketing and Selling Defective Medical Implant Devices This isn’t the first time there have been issues with Exactech medical implant devices. We began warning about issues with Exactech’s shoulder replacement systems last year, and we covered some of the most common failure-related injuries in detail. Exactech has also faced lawsuits—including lawsuits filed by Searcy Denney lawyers—related to its defective knee and hip implants. These lawsuits have also focused on the company’s improper packaging, which causes oxidation resulting in premature degradation and failure. While the company’s knee and hip implants were both subject to widespread recalls, the FDA has not yet issued a recall for its Equinoxe Shoulder System joint replacement devices. However, the FDA is currently assessing the need for a recall, and one may be coming in the future. In any case, a recall is not necessary for patients who have been harmed by Exactech’s Equinoxe Shoulder System implants to come forward. Our lawyers have already filed multiple lawsuits against Exactech related to its defective shoulder implants, and we are actively taking new cases nationwide. The FDA’s Recommendations for Patients and Healthcare Providers While the FDA has not yet issued a recall of Exactech’s Equinoxe Shoulder System joint replacement devices, it has issued strong warnings to both patients and healthcare providers. For patients, the FDA suggests that if you notice any new or worsening pain or swelling, inability to move your arm, grinding noises or other sounds, or weakness near your Equinoxe Shoulder System implant, you should reach out to your health care... - Published: 2023-12-22 - Modified: 2025-06-20 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/mass-torts/wanabana-lead-poisoning-lawsuit/ Families Affected by WanaBana USA’s Contaminated Applesauce Pouches May Be Entitled to Financial Compensation If your child has been diagnosed with lead toxicity after consuming a recalled WanaBana applesauce pouch, we would be happy to talk with you about your potential legal options. WanaBana —the company that sells WanaBana cinnamon applesauce pouches at retailers including Dollar Tree, Sam’s Club, and Amazon —announced a nationwide recall on November 9, 2023, and it is currently facing lawsuits alleging personal injuries suffered by children who consumed the recalled products, as well as class action lawsuits related to its recalled pouches. Eligible families may be able to seek just compensation for their children’s medical expenses and other losses. If you have questions about your family’s legal rights, you should speak with a WanaBana recall attorney as soon as possible. Searcy Denney partner Jack Scarola and attorney Katherine Kiziah are representing individuals and serving as co-counsel in the class action against WanaBana USA, and we are available to represent families nationwide. Are You Eligible to Join the WanaBana Lead Poisoning Lawsuit? On October 28, 2023, the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it had been made aware of four children in North Carolina being diagnosed with elevated levels of lead in their blood. An investigation revealed WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches as a potential source of the children’s exposure, and subsequent testing concerned “extremely high concentrations of lead” in WanaBana applesauce pouches. WanaBana USA announced a voluntary recall less than two weeks later, on November 9, 2023. In its recall notice, WanaBana USA acknowledged that “rotecting children from exposure to lead is important to lifelong good health” and also acknowledged that exposure through ingestion and other means can cause weight loss, irritability, fatigue, abdominal discomfort, difficulty concentrating and other potentially serious effects. The pouches that are subject to the recall include: WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree 2. 5oz pouches Schnucks Apple Sauce 90g pouches Weis Cinnamon Apple Sauce 90g pouches According to WanaBana USA and the FDA, contaminated products were sold by retailers including (but not limited to): Amazon Dollar Tree Eatwell Markets Sam’s Club Schnucks Grocery Stores Weis Grocery Stores On November 13, 2023, the FDA announced that it had received a total of 22 reports of illnesses potentially linked to recalled WanaBana, Schnucks and Weis applesauce pouches. This number increased to 34 three days later and surpassed 50 by November 22, 2023. As awareness of the lead-related risks associated with WanaBana USA’s recalled applesauce pouches continues to grow, we expect this number to grow significantly throughout 2024. If your child has been diagnosed with a Wanabana lead poisoning injury or illness, developmental disability or other health condition linked to lead toxicity, should you file a claim against WanaBana USA? All parents who have been affected by WanaBana USA’s contaminated applesauce pouches should speak with an attorney about their legal rights. The costs of lead contamination can be substantial—and they can be lifelong in some cases. If your family is entitled to financial compensation from WanaBana USA, speaking with an attorney will be the first step on the road to financial recovery. Talking to a WanaBana recall lawyer costs nothing and class action plaintiffs do not have to pay any out-of-pocket costs or fees. What Should You Do if Your Child Has Been Diagnosed with Lead Contamination? If your child has been diagnosed with lead contamination after consuming a WanaBana, Schnucks or Weis applesauce pouch, there are some steps you will want to take promptly. If you have concerns about your child’s health and have not yet obtained a diagnosis,... - Published: 2023-11-20 - Modified: 2025-06-05 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/mass-torts/chemical-hair-straightener-lawsuit/legal-rights-options-for-damages/ Learn About Your Legal Rights and Options if You Have Been Harmed by a Chemical Hair Straightener Chemical hair straighteners sold by several major companies have been linked to ovarian cancer, uterine cancer and other serious health risks. As a result, many customers who purchased and used these products are now taking legal action. If you have been diagnosed with cancer or another medical condition that was potentially caused by a chemical hair relaxing product, you may have a claim, and you should consult with a lawyer promptly. What You Should Know About Filing a Chemical Hair Straightener Lawsuit With chemical hair straightener lawsuits garnering mainstream media attention, there is now a lot of information about these lawsuits online. Unfortunately, not all of this information is accurate. If you think you may have a claim, here is an overview of what you need to know: 1. What Are Your Legal Rights If You Used a Chemical Hair Straightener? Companies that sell consumer products have a legal duty to ensure that their products are safe for their intended use. This is a fundamental consumer protection that applies to all consumer products sold in the United States. When companies sell products that aren’t safe for their intended use, these companies can—and should—be held accountable. Dangerous products can cause substantial harm to consumers; and, in many cases, they can leave consumers facing a lifetime of consequences. One of the most important aspects of companies’ liability for harm caused by dangerous products is that proof of negligence is not required. As a result, even if a chemical hair straightener company had no reason to suspect that its products were dangerous (although studies suggest that this isn’t the case), it can still be held liable for putting dangerous products on retailers’ shelves. With this in mind, individuals across the country who have been diagnosed with cancers and other medical conditions after using hair relaxing products potentially have grounds to file a chemical hair relaxer lawsuit. If you are one of these individuals, we strongly encourage you to speak with one of our lawyers about your legal rights—which include: The Right to Find Out What Happened – If you have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, uterine cancer or any other medical condition after using a chemical hair straightener, you have the right to find out what happened. You have the right to find out if the product’s manufacturer is responsible for your diagnosis, and you have the right to find out if it knew (or should have known) that its products were dangerous. The Right to Go to Court – Victims of dangerous chemical hair straighteners have the right to take their claims to court. Many have gone to court already. When you file a lawsuit, the manufacturer is obligated to respond; and, if it doesn’t, you are entitled to a default judgment. The Right to Receive Just Compensation for Your Diagnosis – All victims of dangerous chemical hair straighteners have the right to receive just compensation for their diagnoses. As we discuss in greater detail below, this includes just compensation for their financial and non-financial losses. The Right to Hire a Lawyer at No Out-of-Pocket Cost – When filing a chemical hair straightener lawsuit, you have the right to hire a lawyer at no out-of-pocket cost. We represent all of our clients on a contingency-fee basis, which means our clients pay absolutely nothing unless they win. The Right to Make Smart Decisions that Protect You and Your Family – Finally, and most importantly, you have the right to make smart decisions that protect you and... - Published: 2023-11-20 - Modified: 2025-05-21 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/mass-torts/chemical-hair-straightener-lawsuit/hair-relaxer-lawsuit-updates/ Learn the Current Status of the Lawsuits Targeting Chemical Hair Straightener Companies Nationwide Companies that sell chemical hair straightening products are facing lawsuits from consumers across the country. These lawsuits allege that chemical hair straighteners sold by Revlon, L’Oréal and other companies cause ovarian cancer, uterine cancer and other serious medical conditions even when used properly. More victims are coming forward every day, and the litigation targeting these companies is growing rapidly. The Latest Updates on the Chemical Hair Relaxer Lawsuits Pending Across the United States Here are the latest updates from the chemical hair straightener lawsuit lawyers at Searcy Denney: October 2023 Update As of the middle of October, nearly 6,000 chemical hair straightener lawsuits have been filed in jurisdictions across the country. These lawsuits are continuing to be consolidated in multidistrict litigation (MDL) against Revlon, L’Oréal and other companies. As a result of Revlon’s bankruptcy filing earlier in the year, the judge overseeing the MDL has advised lawyers that they should file claims against the company as soon as possible in order to preserve their clients’ ability to recover. Another important development in October was the MDL judge’s ruling on the defendants’ discovery objections. Discovery is a key stage in the litigation process during which the parties have the right to obtain certain information from one another. While the defendants asserted broad objections to the plaintiffs’ discovery requests, the MDL judge ruled in favor of the plaintiffs on nearly all of the defendants’ arguments. As a result, the defendants now have a November 23, 2023 deadline to comply with the plaintiffs’ requests for internal communications, chemical engineering reports and other potentially key pieces of information. September 2023 Update In September 2023, it was reported that approximately 2,000 individual plaintiffs’ lawsuits had been added to the pending MDL over the past three months. This represented a significant uptick, which was anticipated based on growing awareness of the link between chemical hair straighteners and various health problems, including multiple forms of cancer. Also in September, one of the primary defendants in the pending MDL, Dabur International, filed a notice of change of counsel. Dabur International, which owns several subsidiaries in the U. S. and other countries, replaced its lawyers from Kirkland & Ellis LLC with lawyers from Baker & McKenzie LLP. Both firms are among the largest in the world; and, notably, Kirkland & Ellis LLC had previously served as lead counsel in the 3M earplug litigation. Perhaps coincidentally, and perhaps not, 3M agreed to settle its litigation in August for more than $6 billion. August 2023 Update In August 2023, the MDL litigation involving chemical hair straighteners really began to take shape. The judge overseeing the litigation approved a Short Form Complaint that new plaintiffs can use to join the litigation—and, as discussed in the more-recent updates above—this helped to facilitate a dramatic increase in the number of lawsuits filed. A short time later, the plaintiffs’ master complaint was filed as well. At more than 400 pages long, the master complaint includes 145 counts, and it provides a comprehensive overview of the allegations underlying the plaintiffs’ claims for damages. By the end of August, there were hundreds of plaintiffs involved in the MDL. As noted above, the total number of plaintiffs would increase more than tenfold over the next few months. August was also when the defendants filed their discovery objections, which would ultimately prove almost entirely unsuccessful. July 2023 Update In July 2023, the number of plaintiffs joining the chemical hair straightener litigation saw its first major uptick—although this number would quickly be surpassed in the months to... - Published: 2023-08-17 - Modified: 2025-05-22 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/mass-torts/contaminated-eye-drops-lawsuits/ Learn About Filing an Artificial Tears or EzriCare Eye Drops Infection Lawsuit Our law firm is handling lawsuits against EzriCare, LLC and Delsam Pharma LLC, involving the companies’ sale of contaminated eye drops. These companies’ eye drops (or labeled as Artificial Tears and Artificial Eye Ointment) have been discovered to contain dangerous bacteria that have caused vision loss, total blindness and even death in some cases. If you or a loved one has suffered from an infection caused by contaminated eye drops sold by EzriCare or Delsam Pharma, you should speak with a lawyer promptly. You or your family may be entitled to significant financial compensation. It costs nothing to learn about your legal rights, and, if you have a claim, you will pay nothing out-of-pocket for your legal representation. What Eye Drops are Being Recalled? EzriCare and Delsam Pharma have recalled their Artificial Tears and Artificial Eye Ointment eye drops following multiple consumer warnings from the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and other health authorities. Both companies are under the umbrella of Global Pharma, which first initiated a recall of the companies’ Artificial Tears eye drops on February 2, 2023. In its recall statement, Global Phara wrote: “The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) alerted FDA to an investigation of a multi-state cluster of Verona Integron-mediated Metallo-β-lactamase (VIM)- and Guiana-Extended Spectrum-β-Lactamase (GES)- producing carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (VIM-GES-CRPA) infections possibly associated with the use of the artificial tears manufactured by Global Pharma Healthcare. To date, there are 55 reports of adverse events, including eye infections, permanent loss of vision, and death with a bloodstream infection. ” Since then, the recall has expanded to include Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Eye Ointment. The FDA issued a warning to consumers and healthcare professionals not to use Artificial Eye Ointment on February 21, 2023, and Global Pharma agreed to issue a recall for Artificial Eye Ointment the following day. Currently, the Delsam Pharma and EzriCare eye drop that are subject to recalls are: Artificial Tears (carboxymethylcellulose sodium) Lubricant Eye Drops, 10 mg in 1 mL, ½ fl oz (15 ml) bottle (Ezricare NDC 79503-0101-15, UPC 3 79503 10115 7) Artificial Tears (carboxymethylcellulose sodium) Lubricant Eye Drops, 10 mg in 1 mL, ½ fl oz (15 ml) bottle (Delsam Pharma’s NDC 72570-121-15, UPC 3 72570 12115 8) Artificial Eye Ointment (mineral oil 15%, white petrolatum 83%, 3. 5 grams / 1/8 oz. ) (Delsam Pharma’s NDC 72570-122-35, UPC 3 72570 12235 3) Due to the risks involved, the FDA recommends that consumers immediately stop use of these products, and it is advising healthcare providers not to use these eye drops with their patients. The CDC describes the current situation as an “outbreak” and has identified 81 patients in 18 states who were diagnosed with “a rare strain of extensively drug-resistant P. aeruginosa” caused by VIM-GES-CRPA infections from Artificial Tears, Artificial Eye Ointment, and other eye drops as of May 15, 2023. The recalls apply to eye drops distributed through health care providers and pharmacies as well as those sold in retail stores and over the Internet. This includes those sold at Walmart and on Amazon. How Were the Eye Drops Contaminated? According to the CDC, it is currently unclear whether EzriCare and Delsam Pharma’s eye drops were contaminated during the manufacturing process or became contaminated after opening. This lack of clarity is due in large part to the fact that Global Pharma did not adequately test its products for bacterial contamination before selling them to healthcare providers, pharmacies and retailers. The CDC also found that Global... - Published: 2023-06-21 - Modified: 2025-05-22 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/sexual-assault/sexual-abuse-victims/youth-organization-sexual-abuse-cases/ Florida Sexual Abuse Attorneys Assisting Children Who Have Been Victimized Youth organizations are meant to be a place for children to interact with their peers and learn valuable lessons about life. Unfortunately, the volunteers, employees, and administrators of such groups sometimes use the organization as an opportunity to preying on children. The criminal justice system will often result in the perpetrators going to prison. The law also protects the victims by allowing them to recover damages through the civil justice system. If your son or daughter has been the victim of a crime, then contact us today to speak with a Florida youth group sexual abuse attorney. Youth Organizations Can Be Held Responsible for the Acts of Administrators, Volunteers, and Employees Youth organizations are charged with ensuring the safety of any children in their care. Such organizations can include the clubs, athletic leagues, churches, camps geared towards children and more. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for a child or children to be sexually abused while in such organizations. Examples of such conduct include: Sexual abuse by athletic coaches Abuse by staff at a Boys & Girls Club, the YMCA, or a similar organization Sexual abuse by members or a religious organization Sexual abuse by teachers or school personnel Examples of how the larger organization can be liable for such conduct can include failing to properly screen employees who turned out to be threats to children, not following up on “red flags” when concerns are reported by others, and not reporting known incidents of abuse. In addition to the larger organization, liability may also extend to supervisors, other employees, and other third parties. If your son or daughter has been abused then they and your family may be entitled to damages. These damages would include the cost of medical bills, financial losses (such as those stemming from missed time at work), payment for emotional distress, pain and suffering, and possible punitive damages. Immediately Report Sexual Abuse Within a Youth Organization If your son or daughter has been the victim of abuse, then it is crucial that you report the situation to law enforcement immediately. Unfortunately, such incidents often go unreported. This can be due to the child not telling their family about what has happened or out of fear of retribution from the youth organization. It is important to remember that if you do not take action, then there will be no justice for your child. Furthermore, similar acts may happen to other children in the future. Contact Our Florida Youth Group Sexual Abuse Attorneys if Your Child Was Victimized by a Youth Organization If your son or daughter has been victimized by a youth organization, then contact our office today to speak with a Florida youth group sexual abuse attorney. We understand that this is a difficult time for your family. We will be here to guide you through the legal process. We pride ourselves on providing quality service and we are ready to assist you. Contact us online or by email at lewisteam@searcylaw. com. We can also be reached by calling 800-780-8607. We look forward to scheduling your initial consultation and being of assistance. - Published: 2023-06-21 - Modified: 2025-06-06 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/sexual-assault/sexual-abuse-victims/video-voyeurism-cases/ Florida Video Voyeurism Attorneys Assisting Those Who Have Been Recorded Without Permission Video voyeurism occurs when someone makes an intimate recording of you without having your permission to do so. Perpetrators often engage in such recordings to satisfy their own sexual interests or, in some situations, to obtain video or images which they intend to resell. When this conduct occurs, it is not uncommon for it to have taken place in schools, places of business, hotels, or other similar locations. In such instances, it may be possible to bring a claim against the school district, the owner of the business, or parties beyond the perpetrator themselves. If you have been the victim of video voyeurism, then contact our office today to speak with a Florida video voyeurism attorney. Multiple Parties Face Liability if You Were Recorded Without Permission It is a crime in the state of Florida for someone to secretly record you while you are in an intimate state and with an expectation of privacy. This can include recording you, without your knowledge, during sexual activity, while you are changing clothes in a private area, or while using the restroom. These types of acts often occur in gyms, locker rooms, theater dressing rooms, hotels, and other such venues. If an employee or someone else in an organization abuses their position and uses it to gain video and images of others, then the organization may face liability. If a company or organization fails to adequately screen or supervise their employees, then they may be liable if an individual engages in video voyeurism. Examples of conduct that can result in liability include, but are not limited to: A gym employee who places secret cameras in one of the locker rooms A school employee who secretly records students in the restroom or gym locker room Employees or personnel who secretly record performers while changing in a dressing room An apartment manager or maintenance worker who secretly places a camera inside of a unit An office manager or employee who places hidden cameras in a company restroom An individual and/or company that hacks into a homeowner’s private surveillance camera system Etc. Damages in such a case can include compensation for emotional distress as well as the pain and suffering the victim endures. Punitive damages may also be appropriate if the evidence shows that an employer or organization had reason to believe the conduct was occurring. Also, if the victim incurs expenses, such as therapy/medical bills, as a result of the conduct, then they will be able to file a claim to recoup them. Our Attorneys Assist Florida Residents Who Have Been the Victim of Video Voyeurism If you have been the victim of video voyeurism, then you have been violated. It is strongly suggested that you report the incident to law enforcement immediately. The next step is to contact an attorney to ensure that your rights are protected. Our Florida video voyeurism attorneys understand that you have been the victim of another’s conduct and we are here to help. Contact us online, by email at lewisteam@searcylaw. com, or by telephone at 800-780-8607 to schedule your initial consultation immediately. We look forward to being of assistance. - Published: 2023-06-21 - Modified: 2025-06-06 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/sexual-assault/sexual-abuse-victims/uber-lyft-sexual-assault-cases/ Bringing Suit Against Rideshare Companies For Sexual Assault Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft have revolutionized how we get around. They have also provided other benefits to society, such as a reduction in DUI arrests. Unfortunately, it is too common for these services to fail to adequately screen those who drive for them. The result of this failure is that rideshare drivers have been known to sexually assault their passengers. If you have been sexually assaulted by a rideshare driver, then it is important that you immediately contact law enforcement. Your next step should be to contact an Uber & Lyft sexual assault attorney. Rideshare Companies May Be Responsible For Sexual Assaults Committed By Their Drivers Rideshare drivers are considered independent contractors in some situations. The companies who utilize such contractors are typically not responsible for intentional acts which these individuals commit, but there are exceptions. A company must, however, adequately screen and supervise those with whom it contracts. Also, Uber and Lyft have a duty to take reasonable steps to provide a safe environment for their passengers. If they fail to meet these obligations, and a sexual assault occurs as a result, then the company may be liable for damages. The amount which a victim would recover can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering as well as compensation for emotional distress, and possible punitive damages. There are a number of situations where a rideshare company will be liable for an assault by one of its drivers. These include: Failing to take action when “red flags” arise - If multiple passengers have complained of unwelcome sexual advances by a driver, and the rideshare company takes no action, then they may potentially be responsible if that driver sexually assaults a passenger. Failing to properly screen drivers before allowing them to ferry passengers Proving liability on the part of the rideshare company can be complicated. It is strongly suggested that you retain an experienced attorney to assist you. What To Do if You Are Sexually Assaulted by an Uber or Lyft Driver If you have been sexually assaulted by an Uber or Lyft driver, it is important that you contact law enforcement and report the incident as soon as possible. It is also crucial that you seek immediate medical care and contact an Uber & Lyft sexual assault attorney so that they may begin dealing with Uber or Lyft directly on your behalf. Our Sexual Assault Attorneys Assist Florida Residents Who Have Been Assaulted While Riding With Uber or Lyft If you have been sexually assaulted while riding with Uber or Lyft, then you have been through a terrible ordeal. It is important that you report the matter to law enforcement and that you obtain representation so that the responsible parties can be held accountable. Our Uber & Lyft sexual assault attorneys are here to assist you with cases involving assault or rape. Contact us online, by email at lewisteam@searcylaw. com, or over the phone at 800-780-8607, and we will schedule your initial consultation immediately. We look forward to being of assistance. - Published: 2023-06-21 - Modified: 2025-05-22 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/sexual-assault/sexual-abuse-victims/sexual-harassment-claims/ Florida Lawyers Assisting Those Who Have Been Sexually Harassed In The Workplace Or Elsewhere People have a right to go to work and be free from unwanted sexual advances. When someone sexually harasses you in the workplace, they may have violated your rights. Not reporting sexual harassment and “letting it go” can result in a hostile work environment, poor job performance, and sexual assault. Our Florida sexual harassment lawyer will assist you with your claim so that you may put an end to the situation now and recover the damages which you deserve. Understanding When Sexual Harassment Has Occurred in the Workplace Sexual harassment occurs when someone makes sexual advances that are clearly unwanted. It is not, for example, sexual harassment if someone asks you out on a date one time and you say “no. ” It can become harassment if that individual continues to ask you out even though you have rejected them. More extreme forms of sexual harassment can include: Unwanted touching Comments are statements related to your appearance, what you wear, etc. Regularly staring at you in a suggestive way Adding sexual innuendo to work-related communications Retaliation Additionally, harassment may lead to a supervisor or someone in an authority role demanding sexual favors. They may go as far as to indicate that your employment, promotions, or pay raises can depend on such favors. These types of threats do not have to be explicit to be considered “sexual harassment. ” Implied threats are enough. If a situation such as this is occurring, then you may very well have a claim against your supervisors as well as the company you work for. These damages are not simply limited to lost wages. You may be able to recover compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, job-search costs, and more. Report Sexual Harassment to the Proper People Immediately Most sexual harassment goes unreported. While the situation may be uncomfortable, it is important to remember that it is unlikely to stop unless you take action. The first step is to inform your supervisor of what is happening or, depending on the structure of our organization, human resources. If you are unsure of what steps to take next, it is strongly suggested that you speak with an attorney as soon as possible. Call Our Florida Sexual Harassment Lawyer If You Have Been Harassed In the Workplace If you are being sexually harassed at work, then it is understandable that you likely want the situation to simply “go away. ” You likely just want to be able to go to work in peace. Unfortunately, such situations often do not stop unless you take action. Our Florida sexual harassment lawyer is here to guide you through the process. We will assist you with filing any necessary claims and move your situation forward. Contact us online or by email at lewisteam@searcylaw. com. You can also call 800-780-8607 to schedule an initial consultation. We look forward to speaking with you. - Published: 2023-06-21 - Modified: 2025-05-22 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/sexual-assault/sexual-abuse-victims/revenge-porn-cases/ Florida Revenge Porn Attorneys Representing Those Being Harassed By a Former Ex Many relationships end badly. While it is understandable that your ex may be upset about the situation, there are some who take it too far. This can include making explicit images, videos, text messages, and other information public even though it was meant to remain private between the two of you. If your ex is engaging in “revenge porn” activities, then they can face penalties in the criminal justice system. You may also be able to recover damages against them civilly. Revenge Porn Can Lead To Criminal and Civil Liability Against the Offender Florida law provides people with a reasonable expectation that sexually explicit images or videos of you, taken by your ex with your consent, will remain private. If your ex then posts such materials on a website or transmits them by some other means, they may well have committed the crime of revenge porn. They will be considered as having committed this crime if they posted the materials with the intent to cause you emotional distress. If they have in fact committed a crime, then they may face charges for a first-degree misdemeanor. This can result in jail time for the offender as well as criminal fines. Florida law also provides civil remedies for the victims of revenge porn. Actual damages can include financial losses incurred as a result of revenge porn and other damages. Losing your job as a result of the incident, for example, would be a financial loss. A victim may also recover compensation for emotional pain and distress which have been caused by the conduct. If a civil judgment is entered against a defendant, then they will not be able to erase it through bankruptcy as it would stem from an intentional tort. It Is Important To Take Immediate Action if You Are the Victim of Revenge Porn It is important to take immediate action, as doing so can limit the damage being inflicted upon you. Law enforcement will begin to investigate the matter once you contact them. Furthermore, an attorney can seek an injunction to have any sensitive materials removed from the internet. The sooner you respond to the situation then the less likely it is to have long-lasting repercussions. Contact Our Florida Revenge Porn Lawyers If You Are Being Harassed and Victimized With Revenge Porn If you are being harassed and/or threatened, it is important that you contact law enforcement as soon as possible. It is also important that you immediately contact a lawyer so that counsel can begin taking steps to protect your interests. Our Florida revenge porn attorneys understand that time is of the essence in such situations and we will make your case a priority. Contact us online, by email at lewisteam@searcylaw. com, or over the phone at 800-780-8607 to schedule an initial consultation. We look forward to speaking with you. - Published: 2023-06-21 - Modified: 2025-08-11 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/sexual-assault/sexual-abuse-victims/religious-organization-sexual-abuse-cases/ Florida Sex Abuse Lawyers Pursuing Claims For Those Abused by the Clergy Sexual predators often take the form of individuals claiming to be of assistance. An unfortunate common example of this is individuals within various religious organizations. When a priest, pastor, or other such individual takes advantage of a member of their congregation, the broader institution may possibly be held liable. Unfortunately, such conduct often goes unreported. If you or a family member have been the victim of such abuse, then it is important that you report the situation to law enforcement immediately. It is also important that you speak with an attorney so that your rights remain protected. Churches and Religious Groups Owe a Duty of Care to Their Congregation A religious organization has a duty to ensure the safety of anyone who attends their services or otherwise interacts with the group. Such organizations may also have a fiduciary duty to their members due to the special relationship which exists between clergy and parishioners. This fiduciary duty means that religious groups have an obligation to prioritize the best interests of the parishioners. Common claims against a church or other institution can include: Breach of fiduciary duty for failing to protect the best interests of the victim The negligent hiring, retention, or supervision of clergy members or other personnel Failing to report known acts of sexual abuse Many of the offenses committed by clergy members involve the sexual abuse of children. Depending on when the abuse occurred, there is no statute of limitations in the State of Florida for actions against a religious institution if the child was under 16 years of age at the time of the incident. FL Stat. 95. 11(9). So, even if the abuse happened years ago, you still may be eligible to bring a claim. Report Sexual Abuse As Soon As Possible It is understandable that many acts of sexual abuse go unreported when religious institutions are involved. Victims and their families are often in shock at what has occurred and many simply do not want to believe that such a thing can happen. Furthermore, some may believe that reporting the incident would somehow violate their faith. It is important to understand, however, that not reporting the incident likely results in two things. First, such horrific acts will be inflicted upon others. Second, you will not be compensated for your damages. These are two reasons why it is important to contact law enforcement immediately. Contact Our Florida Sex Abuse Lawyers If You Were Victimized by a Religious Institution If you or a family member (including your child) have been preyed upon by a religious institution, it is crucial that you contact a lawyer immediately after contacting law enforcement. Our Florida sex abuse lawyers are well aware that the situation you are facing is difficult and is causing you grief. We will take the appropriate steps to protect your interests. We focus on this area of the law so that you may focus on moving your situation forward. Contact us online or by email at lewisteam@searcylaw. com. Also, feel free to call us at 800-780-8607. We look forward to speaking with you. - Published: 2023-06-21 - Modified: 2025-06-06 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/sexual-assault/sexual-abuse-victims/human-trafficking-cases/ Florida Attorneys Assisting Those Who Have Been Subjected to Human Trafficking The idea of someone being taken against their will for sexual purposes is truly horrifying. Quite often, those who commit such crimes are part of larger criminal syndicates. Surprisingly, such offenses are also committed by high-net-worth individuals. Examples of this include Jeffrey Epstein and multiple former NFL players. The criminal justice system is dedicated to ensuring that such individuals receive a just punishment. The civil justice system, by contrast, is dedicated to ensuring that victims receive compensation. Our Florida human trafficking attorneys are dedicated to protecting victims' rights in such situations. Contact us today to schedule an appointment. Individuals Who Engage In Sex Trafficking Can Be Liable For Damages to Their Victims High-net-worth individuals who engage in sex trafficking can be ordered to pay damages to their victim in a civil suit. In addition to the various torts involved in such a matter, a victim may also bring a claim under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA). The amount awarded will include the cost of medical expenses, financial losses, as well as compensation for the emotional distress and physical pain inflicted upon the victim. Furthermore, given the nature of such cases, punitive damages may well be awarded. Any award granted to a victim will be non-dischargeable in bankruptcy since they flow from intentional conduct by the defendant(s). In addition to the individuals in charge of such operations, those who assist them in facilitating human trafficking may also be held liable. Such individuals or businesses sometimes include: Hotels and motels Producers in the adult entertainment industry Individuals in the agriculture industry who prey on immigrants Individuals in the caregiving industry or in childcare facilities The owners of massage parlors Etc. Identifying the various entities to name in a lawsuit can become complicated. Retaining an experienced attorney can help to ensure that your case is handled correctly. Establishing Liability In Sex Trafficking Cases Through Criminal Convictions If an individual is convicted of sex trafficking, then the conviction may be entered as evidence in the civil proceedings. Given that criminal convictions require a higher standard of proof than a civil judgment, entering a conviction may well be enough to establish a defendant’s liability altogether. Given the potential impact of the criminal proceedings on your case, it will be important for your lawyer to closely monitor the corresponding criminal case. This will include obtaining copies of any evidence the prosecution uses and more. Our Florida Human Trafficking Attorneys Assist Victims and Families Who Have Suffered Due to Sex Trafficking If you or a member of your family have been the victim of sex trafficking, we would be happy to speak with you to see how we can help. While some lawyers devote their practice to protecting the rights of accused individuals, we believe in protecting victims' rights. Our Florida human trafficking attorneys understand that you need to get your life back on track and we are ready to assist you. Contact us online, by email at lewisteam@searcylaw. com, or by telephone at 870-780-8607. Call today for an initial consultation. - Published: 2023-06-21 - Modified: 2025-06-06 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/sexual-assault/sexual-abuse-victims/high-school-sexual-abuse-cases/ Florida Sexual Abuse Lawyers Assisting High School Students and Their Families High school is a time when young people are meant to transition into adulthood. Schools are meant to be a supportive environment in which this transition can occur. It is an unfortunate truth, however, that instead of receiving this support many high school students are subjected to sexual abuse. This abuse can come from teachers, school administrators, other school employees, and fellow students. When such a situation arises, it may be possible to hold the school district responsible for what has occurred. If your family is in need of assistance, then contact us today to speak with a Florida high school sexual abuse lawyer. Schools Can Be Held Responsible for the Sexual Abuse of a Student School districts have a duty to provide a safe environment for the children under their care. When they breach this duty and a child suffers harm, then the child and their family may be able to recover damages. Defendants in the case can include the perpetrator, teachers, administrators, coaches, and more. Common examples of such situations include: Teachers and coaches who take advantage of students - Teachers and coaches sometimes abuse their authority to take advantage of a student. This can include threatening a student with bad grades, a lack of playing time, etc. Administrators who abuse their authority - School principals, deans, and other administrators may have abused their authority by making threats against a student. They may also tell the student who is having problems at school that they can avoid suspension or otherwise stay out of trouble if they succumb to the administrator’s wishes. Other school personnel may abuse their positions - Other school employees, such as librarians, security staff, janitors, etc. may very well abuse their position and find a way to take advantage of a child. The failure to screen and supervise such employees may very well fall on the school district. Failing to protect a student from other students - A student may have reported that they were being harassed, threatened, or otherwise intimidated by one of their peers. If the school does nothing and allows this conduct to go on, then the school district may be liable when the conduct morphs into sexual abuse If your child has been the victim of sexual abuse at school, it is important that you report the incident(s) to law enforcement immediately. Crimes of a sexual nature often go unreported and this is true in the high school setting as well. No justice can be had for your child if the proper authorities are not made aware of what has happened. Our Florida Sexual Abuse Attorneys Assist Families Whose High School Student Has Been Harmed If your high school student has been the victim of rape, sexual assault, or other abuse, then it is important that you take immediate steps to protect their rights. One of these steps is to retain a lawyer who will get your child the compensation they deserve. While it is true that a financial award cannot erase what has happened, it can help your child in other areas of life so that they may get past this trying time. Our Florida high school sexual abuse lawyers understand the situation you are facing and we are ready to assist you. Contact us online or by email at lewisteam@searcylaw. com. You can also reach us by telephone at 800-780-8607. Call today for an initial consultation. - Published: 2023-06-21 - Modified: 2025-06-06 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/sexual-assault/sexual-abuse-victims/forcible-rape-cases/ Florida Attorneys Assisting the Victims of Forcible Rape Few crimes are more horrific than forcible rape. The criminal justice system has steps in place to ensure that those who commit such an act are brought to justice. While the criminal system is rightly focused on punishing the wrongdoer, the civil justice system allows for the victims of such a crime to recover damages. While these damages cannot undo the wrong that has been done, they can assist the victim with moving forward. If you have been the victim of rape, contact our office today to speak with a Florida forcible rape attorney. Rape Victims May Be Able to Sue Parties Other Than the Perpetrator When one has been the victim of rape or sexual assault, it goes without saying that one can bring a lawsuit against the perpetrator. It is quite possible, however, that the individual will be uncollectible. This would mean that the survivor would likely not recover the money they are owed. It may be possible, however, to name other defendants whose negligence created a dangerous situation which, in turn, allowed the crime to occur. Situations in which a third party may bear responsibility for rape can include: Rental property managers who fail to maintain adequate security - The managers of rental housing have a responsibility to ensure that the homes are reasonably safe. This can include, for example, the requirement to provide locking windows, functional door locks, and adequate security for the common areas of an apartment complex. If a property owner is negligent in regard to security, then they may be liable if rape occurs as a result. Bar and restaurant owners who fail to monitor their establishment - It is not uncommon for a victim to be taken advantage of after leaving a bar or a restaurant. If the owner or an employee of the establishment has reason to believe that an individual has drugged, or is attempting to follow, a patron then they may face liability if they do not properly report and respond to such conduct. Additionally, if the employees themselves rape a patron, there are many instances where their employer could face liability. Cruise ships or vacation settings that do not provide adequate security - The owners and managers of cruise ships, hotels, or other vacation settings have a responsibility to keep vacationers safe. If they fail to provide proper security, or to otherwise properly police their premises, then they may be found as having contributed to a rape that occurs. Spas and Massage Parlors - The owners must take reasonable measures to properly screen and supervise masseuses and those who provide massage services to clients and if they fail to do so and a client is raped, the employer may be liable. The question of whether a third party is responsible for rape can involve complicated legal issues. To understand whether you have a claim against a third party it is important to discuss your situation with a lawyer. Contact Our Florida Forcible Rape Attorneys If You Have Been Raped If you are a survivor of sexual assault, you have been through a horrible event. While some lawyers devote their practice to protecting the rights of criminals, we believe in standing up for the rights of victims. Our Florida forcible rape attorneys are here for you in this time of need, and we will make your case a priority. Contact us online, by email at lewisteam@searcylaw. com or by telephone at 800-780-8607. Call today for an initial consultation. - Published: 2023-06-21 - Modified: 2025-06-06 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/sexual-assault/sexual-abuse-victims/exposure-of-sexual-organs-cases/ Sexual Organ Exposure Attorney Assisting Those Subjected To Indecent Exposure in Florida We all have a right to go into public without being harassed or threatened by others. While issuing threats or harassing someone is bad enough, there are those who go beyond the pale and expose themselves to others in public. If someone exposes themselves to you in a public venue then, depending on the circumstances, the venue may be liable for damages. If you have been subjected to such a situation, contact us today to speak with a Florida sexual organ exposure attorney. Bringing Claims Against Venues Which Allow Indecent Exposures To Occur When the owner of a location or venue makes their space open to the public, then they must take steps to ensure the safety of their visitors. If they fail to take these steps, and someone is harmed as a result, then the owner or operator of the facility may be required to pay damages. One does not have to endure a physical injury to “suffer harm. ” The trauma of someone exposing their anatomy to you can inflict emotional distress which is compensable. Common venues in which there may be a civil suit due to indecent exposure can include bars, nightclubs, concert halls, sporting arenas, grocery and retail stores, etc. Examples of how a property operator may fail to keep the premises safe can include the following: Failing to properly monitor and secure the area - if an area is not monitored by either security personnel or cameras then the property owner may be creating a dangerous situation. They can be held liable if a bad actor takes advantage of this situation. Allowing bad actors to return - If the property owner has previously had to remove individuals from the premises, and they are allowed to return, then the owner is on notice of the potential problem. They can be held responsible for harm that the bad actors then cause. Failing to properly monitor patrons - If one operates a bar or a restaurant then it is important to monitor the patrons for observed intoxication levels. If someone is noticeably drunk and is allowed to remain, then they potentially become a risk to others. Failing to act on reports - If patrons of an establishment report that someone is becoming aggressive or belligerent, then the owner may be liable for actions they take after being allowed to stay. Whether an owner can actually be held liable for an indecent exposure that occurs on their property will always depend on the specifics of the situation. Our Sexual Organ Exposure Attorneys Assist With Claims Involving Indecent Exposure in Florida If you have been the victim of indecent exposure, it is suggested that you contact the police as soon as possible. Once you have contacted the police, it is strongly suggested that you contact a lawyer so that your rights are protected. Our Florida sexual organ exposure attorneys understand that you have been through a traumatic event and we will make your case a priority. Contact us online or by email at lewisteam@searcylaw. com. We can also be reached by telephone at 800-780-8607. Call today for an initial consultation. - Published: 2023-06-21 - Modified: 2025-06-06 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/sexual-assault/sexual-abuse-victims/elementary-school-sexual-abuse-cases/ Elementary School Sexual Abuse Attorney Assisting Students and Their Families in Florida A school is meant to be a safe place for children. Unfortunately, there are far too many instances where a child is raped or otherwise sexually abused. Such abuse can come at the hands of an administrator, a teacher, or another student. When these types of abuses arise, then the child and their parents may have a claim against the school’s staff as well as the school district itself. While financial compensation cannot undo the harm that has been done to your child, it can assist with preparing them for the rest of their life. Our Florida elementary school sexual abuse attorney handles such matters, and we are ready to assist you. School Districts Face Liability if They Fail to Adequately Protect a Child Schools owe a duty of care to the students whom they supervise. This duty requires a school district to take reasonable steps in ensuring that it is providing a safe environment. When a rape, other sexual assault, or some form of sexual abuse occurs due to the breach of this duty, then the school district may face liability. Common situations which result in a negligence claim against a school district can include the following: The negligent hiring and supervision of employees - School districts must take reasonable steps to screen their employees and ensure that they are not hiring someone who poses a risk. If a student is assaulted by an employee (such as a teacher or administrator), then the school district faces liability if there should have been reason to know the person was a risk. Failing to provide adequate security on campus - All schools must have proper security staffing or else the children’s safety cannot be ensured. If school security does not adequately monitor or inspect a given area, and a student is sexually assaulted in that area as a result, then a claim may exist against the school. Failing to investigate reported misconduct - If a school district or its employees are notified of potential risk involving a student, a teacher, or some other person then they have an obligation to investigate the matter. Failing to fully investigate the situation, and to take appropriate action, can create a dangerous situation. If such a situation leads to the assault of a child, you may have a claim against the school district. It is important to remember that all cases are fact specific and whether or not a school district and its employees are liable will depend on the specifics of the matter. Our Florida Attorneys Assist With Claims Involving Sexual Abuse in Elementary Schools If your child has been raped, sexually assaulted, or has suffered some other form of abuse, it is suggested that you contact the police as soon as possible. It is also important that you contact a lawyer so that their interests are protected. Our Florida elementary school sexual abuse attorneys understand the gravity of the situation, and we will make your case a priority. Contact us online or by email at lewisteam@searcylaw. com. You can also reach us by telephone at 800-780-8607. Call today for an initial consultation. - Published: 2023-06-21 - Modified: 2025-06-06 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/sexual-assault/sexual-abuse-victims/dating-apps-website-sexual-assault-claims/ Florida Sexual Assault Attorneys Holding Dating Websites Accountable The desire to find a mate is a powerful one. This is why, in today’s increasingly connected world, people are turning to dating websites in order to find a significant other. While these types of websites can yield great results, they can also result in the introduction of a dangerous individual. Typically the company which owns such a website or app will not be responsible for the conduct of its users. There are times, however, when it may be possible to show that the website allowed a dangerous condition to exist and, as a result, a victim was assaulted or otherwise harassed. If you have been the victim of sexual assault, you will need an experienced attorney to assist you in claims against the operator of a dating website. Our Florida dating website sexual assault attorneys are ready to assist you. Dating Websites May Face Liability For Knowingly Allowing Violations Of Their Terms Of Services Dating websites and applications will typically have terms of service that dictate limits on how people may interact with each other online. These terms of service will often include prohibitions against conduct that threatens, harasses, or otherwise endangers website users. It is also common for such websites to have a mechanism that allows users to report when others are violating those terms of service. If a website operator has been informed that a user is potentially dangerous and that user is allowed to remain on the platform, then the operator may face liability if that user harms someone. Establishing such liability can involve extensive discovery and complex legal theories. It will be important to retain a qualified lawyer to assist you in such matters. Bringing Claims Against Individuals And Dating Websites It is illegal under Florida law to demand payment for the non-release of sexually compromising photos, emails, text messages, etc. Demanding money to keep such materials private is often referred to as “sextortion. ” Unfortunately, there are those who use dating websites as an avenue for meeting the victim of their next sextortion scheme. When such an act occurs, then the perpetrator can face civil liability in addition to criminal penalties. It may also be possible to bring a claim against the dating website itself if it can be shown that they had reason to know such conduct was occurring on their platform. Contact a Florida Dating Website Sexual Assault Attorney if You Were Victimized Through a Dating App or Site If you have been raped, sexually assaulted, or otherwise victimized by someone you met on a dating website, then it is important that you contact law enforcement immediately. Once the police have been contacted, then it is important to remember that you have options. While financial compensation cannot “undo” the harm that was done to you, it can help to put your life back on track. Our Florida dating website sexual assault attorney understands the serious nature of such situations. We will give your case the attention it deserves. Contact us online, by email at lewisteam@searcylaw. com or by telephone at 800-780-8607. Call today for an initial consultation. - Published: 2023-06-21 - Modified: 2025-06-06 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/sexual-assault/sexual-abuse-victims/cruise-ship-rape-sexual-assault-claims/ Florida Cruise Ship Rape Attorney Assisting Those Who Have Been Raped or Sexually Assaulted on a Cruise Ship Going on a cruise is meant to be a calming and relaxing experience. Part of this relaxing experience stems from the assumption that going on a cruise is safe. There are, however, times when a cruise operator fails to take the steps needed to keep their passengers safe. One of the unfortunate results of such a failure can be the rape or sexual assault of a passenger. Unfortunately, many such events go unreported. It is important to understand that if you have been through such an experience, you have recourse that goes beyond contacting law enforcement. While financial compensation cannot change what has happened, it can help you to move forward with your life. If you need to take action against a cruise line due to its failure to provide a safe environment, then contact us today to speak with a Florida cruise ship rape attorney. Bringing Suit Against Cruise Ship Operators For Sexual Assault Cruise ship operators have a duty to take reasonable steps which are meant to ensure the safety of their passengers. If they fail to meet this duty, and a sexual assault occurs because of that failure, then the survivor may be able to recover damages from the operator in addition to the perpetrator. The damages which a survivor can recover may include medical expenses, lost wages, compensation for emotional pain and suffering, and possible punitive damages. Typical situations which can result in liability on the part of the cruise line operator can include: Failing to properly secure the doors and entrances to the rooms Failing to maintain adequate security on the boat Not taking action against a passenger who has already raised suspicion Failing to properly screen passengers who board the boat It is important to remember that whether or not the operator will be liable for such a failure will depend on the specific facts of the case. Cruise Ship Sexual Assault and Rape Cases Will Likely Involve Multiple Defendants A claim against a cruise ship operator is likely to implicate employees of the ship itself as well as the parent corporation. These types of companies typically operate through a complex corporate structure, and, as a result, it is likely that multiple defendants will be named in a case. The involvement of multiple defendants also means that there will be varying causes of action against each party. Such matters can quickly become complicated, and it will be important to retain an experienced attorney. Contact a Florida Cruise Ship Rape Attorney If You Were Raped or Assaulted While on a Cruise If you have been raped or assaulted on a cruise ship, then you have been through a horrific event. The most important first step is to immediately contact the cruise ship’s security staff immediately after the incident. It is also suggested that you contact law enforcement. Once you have reported the incident, it will be important to speak with a lawyer so that your rights remain protected. Our Florida cruise ship rape attorneys understand that this is a critical time in your life. We will give your case the attention it deserves. We may be contacted online or by telephone at 800-780-8607. Call or email lewisteam@searcylaw. com today for an initial consultation. - Published: 2023-06-21 - Modified: 2025-06-06 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/sexual-assault/sexual-abuse-victims/college-sexual-assault-cases/ Florida Sexual Assault Attorney Assisting Those Who Were Assaulted On a College Campus College is meant to be a time of learning and new life experiences. These new experiences, in turn, are meant to be had on a college campus that is safe. The truth of the matter, however, is that colleges sometimes fail to meet their obligation to provide a safe environment. While the criminal courts will deal with punishing the wrongdoer, it is up to the civil justice system to ensure that the survivors of such crimes receive the compensation they deserve. If you find yourself needing to bring an action against a university, then contact us today to speak with a Florida college sexual assault attorney. Federal Law Protects Students Who Are Sexually Assaulted On College Campuses Title IX is a federal legal framework that places requirements on all universities that receive federal funding. Among these requirements are the obligation to have policies in place that help to prevent sexual assault from occurring on campus. Schools are required to meet this obligation in two ways. First, they must take reasonable steps to ensure that such incidents do not occur. Second, when such incidents do occur, the school is to respond quickly and must adequately address the situation. Common forms of negligence, which lead to liability against universities, can include: Failing to maintain adequate lighting on campus Failing to ensure that the doors of the dorm rooms have functioning locks Having inadequate security staff on campus Failing to respond to information that may indicate that someone on campus is a threat Not conducting a proper investigation when an incident is reported Not taking steps to meet a student’s needs after an assault Whether such failures will, in fact, lead to liability against the school will depend on the specifics of the case. It is strongly suggested that you speak with an attorney in regard to your particular situation. Steps To Take After Being Sexually Assaulted On Campus The unfortunate truth is that many assaults go unreported. While it is understandable why this occurs, the fact of the matter is that no resolution can come from keeping the crime is kept private. If you have been sexually assaulted on campus, it is strongly suggested that a) you report the matter to campus security and/or local law enforcement immediately and b) follow up with them regularly to ensure that they are taking appropriate steps. These steps should include finding the perpetrator and making improvements to ensure that you are safe in the future. Contact a Florida College Sexual Assault Attorney if You’ve Been Assaulted On a College Campus If you have been assaulted on a college campus, you have been through a traumatizing event. The best thing for your situation is to move forward as quickly as possible. Steps to do so include contacting campus security, law enforcement, and an attorney to protect your interests. Our Florida college sexual assault attorney understands that you have been through an ordeal. We will focus on the law so that you may focus on the future. We may be contacted online or by telephone at 800-780-8607. Call or email us at lewisteam@searcylaw. com today to schedule an appointment. - Published: 2023-06-21 - Modified: 2025-06-06 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/sexual-assault/sexual-abuse-victims/child-sex-abuse-cases/ Florida Attorney Assisting Children Who Have Been the Victims of Sex Abuse and Molestation Nothing may be more traumatic for a child than to be the victim of sexual abuse or molestation. Fortunately, Florida takes a tough stance against such offenders and they will face substantial penalties if convicted in a court of law. It is also important, however, to make sure that the survivor and their family receive just compensation. Such compensation will allow them to focus on the most important thing - the well-being of the child - and to ensure that the child receives medical treatment for his or her mental and physical injuries. Our Florida child sex abuse and molestation lawyers are devoted to standing up for the rights of victims, and we are here to assist you in such matters. Attorneys Assisting Florida Children Who Have Been Abused or Molested By an Authority Figure Florida defines sexual abuse as coercing or threatening an individual so that they will engage in otherwise unwanted sexual activity. Such situations often involve a perpetrator who is in a position of power. Examples of such persons include: Sexual abuse by athletic coaches or directors Sexual misconduct by elementary school teachers Sexual misconduct by high school teachers Sexual abuse in religious organizations Sexual misconduct in youth organizations The hiring or supervising entity may potentially share liability with the wrongdoer in these types of situations. Methods through which liability can be established against these entities include: Claims for negligent hiring and supervision - If it is shown that a business or organization failed to properly screen or supervise an employee and that failure created a dangerous situation, then the employer may be liable. Knowingly allowing the conduct to continue - There are, unfortunately, instances in which the supervisors of an employee know or suspect that the employee is engaging in inappropriate conduct. This is especially true in situations involving sports and religious groups. In these situations, the supervisor, as well as the broader organization, will likely face liability. Failing to report conduct after it occurred - There are situations in which an employer learns of the conduct and terminates the employee without reporting the incident to law enforcement. Such situations may very well violate mandatory reporting laws, depending on the nature of the industry. The violation of such laws may result in a claim against the employer. It is important to remember, however, that the theory of liability for any given case will always depend on the specifics of the situation. Call Us To Speak With a Florida Child Sex Abuse and Molestation Attorney Regarding Your Abuse or Molestation Concerns If your child has been abused or molested, then your family has been through a horrible ordeal. At a time like this, it is important to focus on the well-being of your son or daughter. Our lawyers will focus on this area of the law so that you may focus on moving your life forward. If you are in need of assistance, contact us today to speak with a Florida child sex abuse and molestation lawyer. We may be contacted online or by email at lewisteam@searcylaw. com. We can also be reached by telephone at 800-780-8607. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation. - Published: 2023-06-21 - Modified: 2025-06-07 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/sexual-assault/sexual-abuse-victims/child-pornography-cases/ Florida Child Pornography Attorney Assisting Victims Few things are as traumatic for children as being the subject of child pornography. The act of producing such materials is typically perpetrated by someone who is in a position of trust. Such perpetrators can include teachers, counselors, coaches, etc. Fortunately, Florida takes a harsh stance against those who commit such crimes. It is important to note that the civil justice system also provides recourse for victims and their families. Contacting a Florida child pornography lawyer is one of the first steps in being compensated for the wrongs which have been levied upon you and your child. Bringing a Civil Action Against the Individuals and Entities Who Created Child Pornography Establishing liability against the person who perpetrated the wrong in child pornography cases is often straightforward. Unfortunately, such defendants are often uncollectible. In order for a victim to actually recover damages, they will often need to establish liability against the perpetrator’s employer or some other entity. While businesses and other entities are liable for the negligent actions of their employees, they are typically not liable for the intentional acts of those individuals. This means that if an individual abuses their position, and takes advantage of a child, then the employer will generally not be directly liable for this act. There are, however, two instances in which a supervising entity may still be responsible for producing child pornography. The first instance is when it is shown that the employer’s negligent hiring and/or supervision of the employee created a dangerous situation. The second is when “... the employee/tortfeasor was assisted in accomplishing the tort by the existence of the employee/employer relationship. ” IGLESIA CRISTIANA v. LM, 783 So. 2d 353 - Fla. Dist. Court of Appeals, 3rd Dist. 2001. Establishing liability against an employer on the basis of the aforementioned exceptions can involve complicated legal theories. Gaining proof of the employer’s negligence will also often require extensive discovery. Retaining an experienced attorney to assist you will be vital in proving your case. As part of their investigation, your civil attorney will closely monitor any related criminal proceedings. This includes staying in contact with the prosecutor, being present with you during any sentencing hearings, etc. Contact a Florida Child Pornography Lawyer For Immediate Assistance With Your Case If anyone in your family has been the victim of child pornography, then you have suffered a horrible wrong. The State of Florida can take steps to ensure that the perpetrator receives a just sentence. The civil justice system can help get you money for the child’s mental and physical injuries and other damages. Our Florida child pornography attorneys understand that this is a tragic and sensitive situation, and we believe in standing up for those who have been the victims of such crimes. Contact us online, by email at lewisteam@searcylaw. com or by telephone at 800-780-8607. - Published: 2023-06-21 - Modified: 2025-06-06 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/sexual-assault/sexual-abuse-victims/athletic-organization-sexual-abuse-claims/ Florida Sexual Abuse Attorney Assisting Those Harmed In Sports Organizations Athletic organizations are meant to provide an avenue for good-spirited competition. This is true whether the organization involves youth-football games or professional athletes. It is important to understand that, in addition to organizing events, these organizations have duties that go well beyond the competition. These duties include the obligation of ensuring the well-being and safety of athletes, spectators, and others. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon to hear about sexual assault, molestation, and harassment within these organizations. While nothing can change the past and erase such a horrific event, it is important to make sure that your rights remain protected. One step towards protecting your rights is to contact a Florida sexual abuse attorney immediately. Bringing Suit Against Coaches, Athletic Directors, and Others for Sexual Assault Florida sports organizations have a duty to reasonably screen and supervise their employees. They also have a duty to provide a safe environment for those utilizing their facilities or services. Unfortunately, they sometimes fail in these duties and sexual abuse of athletes, students, or others, occurs as a result. In such instances, it is possible to bring a claim against the perpetrator as well as the organization itself. In addition to the protections provided under Florida law, the Safe Sport Act of 2017 requires mandatory reporting of any known acts of sexual abuse against youth athletes. Common claims against sports organizations involve coaches, assistant coaches, athletic directors, and others in positions of authority. In some cases, the abuse may go on for years without being reported. Examples of such conduct can include: The sexual assault of athletes Withholding playing time unless the demands are met Threatening to make negative statements to college recruiters Threatening to punish other team members unless the demands are met Etc. If you, a family member, or others that you know have been the victims of such conduct then it is important to report it to law enforcement immediately. Contact a Florida Sexual Abuse Attorney For Claims Against Athletic Organizations It is important to take immediate steps to protect your interests if you have been abused by a coach, team administrator, or other staff member. You only have a limited amount of time in which to bring your claim. Time, therefore, can be of the essence. Our Florida sexual abuse attorneys understand that this is a horrible situation and we will stand up for your rights. Contact us online, by email at lewisteam@searcylaw. com, or by telephone at 800-780-8607. - Published: 2023-06-21 - Modified: 2025-04-16 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/sexual-assault/sexual-abuse-victims/ Contact a Florida Sexual Abuse Attorney Helping Victims Obtain The Compensation They Deserve Many victims of sexual abuse are aware that the criminal justice system will take action against the perpetrator. This action takes the form of criminal charges, jail time for the offender, and the requirement that they register with governmental agencies. These actions, while serving to punish the perpetrator, do not compensate the victims for their injuries. Fortunately, the civil justice system does allow for remedies that many victims do not realize are available to them. Handling such cases, however, can quickly become complicated. This is due to the fact that it may not be clear as to which parties may be liable beyond the perpetrator of the offense. The lawyers of Searcy Denney are experienced in handling such matters. While criminal defense attorneys may defend the rights of the offenders, we believe in protecting the victims' rights. If you need assistance, then contact us today to speak with a Florida sexual abuse attorney. Florida Attorneys Assisting With Identifying Those Responsible For Sexual Assault and Gaining Compensation For the Victims The criminal justice system seeks to punish those who commit crimes and to keep them off of the streets. This punishment is meant to keep the general public safe from future criminal conduct. It does not, for the most part, seek to make the survivors of crime whole after they have suffered losses. The civil justice system, by contrast, is meant to compensate those who have been harmed by another. In other words, the civil justice system seeks to reimburse the victim for what they have already lost, as opposed to protecting the general public from harm that may occur in the future. A victim may be awarded damages for medical costs, lost time from work, and for the emotional trauma and grief inflicted by such a horrific event. Also, a victim may be entitled to file a claim for punitive damages. Florida Attorneys Identifying the Possible Civil Defendants in a Sexual Assault Case It goes without saying that the actual perpetrator of the offense will be named as a defendant in a sexual assault case. What many do not realize, however, is that if the individual was acting in some official capacity or in the scope of their employment, then the employer may also be liable for what has happened. The negligence of a company, a property owner, or another entity can result in situations that create dangerous environments that lead to such assaults. In these instances, it can be possible to bring an action against such an entity. Cases handled by our office include, but are not limited to: Athletic Organization Sexual Abuse Claims - Coaches, assistant coaches, and league administrators have been known to abuse their power and take advantage of those whom they oversee. In such cases, it is possible to bring suit against the perpetrator, others in the organization who knew about such practices, and the organization itself. Child Pornography Cases - The defendants in such cases will bear substantial criminal penalties. It may be possible to bring a civil action against a third party if the company equipment or property was used in the commission of the crime. Child Sex Abuse and Molestation Cases - It is not uncommon for sexual abuse or molestation to be caused by someone acting in an “official” capacity. Such offenders may include teachers, coaches, social workers, etc. In these types of instances, their employer may also face liability. College Sexual Assault Cases - Colleges have a duty to keep their students safe. Unfortunately, this duty is... - Published: 2023-06-21 - Modified: 2026-08-25 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/sexual-assault/ The statistics on sexual assault are alarming. According to the U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “sexual violence is common,” and more than half of women and almost a third of men will experience some form of physical sexual assault during their lifetime. As a result, far too many people find themselves in need of an experienced Florida sexual assault lawyer. If you or someone you love has been sexually assaulted, it is important that you speak with a lawyer. Even if the assailant has been arrested, this does not necessarily mean that you and your family will achieve justice. Recovering just compensation for the financial costs, injuries and longterm trauma resulting from a sexual assault involves filing a claim in civil court, and, in many cases, it involves going after a business or property owner that could—and should—have prevented the attack. What is Sexual Assault Defined as in Florida? Sexual battery is a broad term that is defined in Florida Statute 794. 011 and it encompasses many different forms of unlawful sexual conduct. However, there are many different types of sexually motivated crimes and, while the nature and severity may vary, it is clear that all can have significant and long-term impacts on nearly every aspect of survivors’ lives. What constitutes sexual assault and/or sexually motivated crime? Some examples include: Rape and attempted rape Nonconsensual physical contact Nonconsensual verbal and written communication (including texts and direct messages) Coerced sexual activity Sexual acts perpetrated against victims who are unable to refuse consent Stalking, sexual intimidation and indecent exposure (both in person and online) Unfortunately, all of these forms of sexual assault are common. They occur at bars and nightclubs, in homes and dorm rooms, on cruise ships, in public places, and just about everywhere else. Regardless of what happened and where it occurred, if you or someone you love has been victimized, you should speak with a Florida sexual assault lawyer as soon as possible. Criminal Penalties for Sexual Assault in Florida In Florida, the criminal penalties for sexual assault depend on the specific charge (or charges) involved. Fortunately, the penalties for most forms of sexual assault are relatively severe. In many cases, perpetrators can face 15 to 45 years behind bars—reflecting the severity of the criminal acts they have committed. Criminal sexual assault convictions can result in fines, rehabilitation, parole and other penalties as well, and individuals who get convicted of sexual assault crimes must also register as sex offenders upon their release. Importantly, however, criminal charges for sexual assault do not result in compensation awards for victims and their families. To recover just compensation, victims and their families must pursue claims in civil court. If the perpetrator is facing criminal charges, you should not wait to hire a lawyer. There are several reasons why it is important to hire a Florida sexual assault lawyer promptly, and the perpetrator does not need to get convicted in order for you to be able to file a claim. Defenses to Sexual Assault Allegations There is no justification for sexual assault—not under any circumstances. Even so, when facing sexual assault charges, perpetrators and their defense lawyers will fight to avoid sentencing by all means available. When you file a claim against a bar, nightclub, cruise line or other business that is liable for what happened, the company and its defense lawyers will dispute your allegations by all means available as well. For example, some common defenses to sexual assault allegations include: Alleging that the sexual conduct was consensual Arguing mistaken identity False accusations of sexual assault Presenting DNA evidence... - Published: 2023-05-22 - Modified: 2026-08-25 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/medical-malpractice/ Attorney Insight From the Desk of Christian D. Searcy: What I’m Seeing in Florida Medical Malpractice Cases This Year Early this year, our law firm secured a significant victory in a case that protected not only our client, but future clients as well. While our client had previously won a $70. 8 million verdict, the verdict was in jeopardy because the defendant—a Florida hospital—argued that it shouldn’t be held accountable due to the fact that our client was on Medicaid. We succeeded in having our client’s verdict affirmed on appeal; and, in doing so, we established precedent that makes clear hospitals can be held accountable for medical malpractice regardless of a patient’s Medicaid status. Otherwise, Florida’s medical malpractice laws largely remain unchanged in 2026. Patients and families can hold healthcare providers accountable for numerous forms of malpractice, and they can seek just compensation for their financial and non-financial losses. If you have questions about filing a claim, a Florida medical malpractice attorney at Searcy Denney can explain everything you need to know. Have you suffered injuries or lost a loved one due to healthcare practitioner negligence? If so, you may be entitled to compensation. An experienced team of Florida medical malpractice attorneys can help you recover maximum damages. Searcy Denney is a personal injury firm with an impressive track record of fighting for malpractice victims. If you or a loved one were hurt because of a doctor, nurse, hospital, or pharmaceutical error, contact us today to discuss your legal rights and options for recovery with our skilled legal team.   What Is the Definition of Medical Malpractice in Florida? If you’ve been injured in a potential medical malpractice scenario, then you may be wondering whether the treating medical practitioner actually committed malpractice or simply made a mistake for which they cannot be held liable. This can be rather confusing for the first-time victim— the line drawn between a mistake and medical malpractice may be a significant source of conflict during litigation. Medical malpractice liability will attach to a defendant healthcare provider if you can show that they failed to adhere to the applicable standard of care. Failure to adhere to the professional standard of reasonable care will constitute medical negligence and give rise to a legitimate medical malpractice claim. So, what is the applicable standard of care? Florida law establishes a clear definition of the standard of care necessary for evaluating medical malpractice liability. Section 766. 102 of the Florida Statutes describes the standard of care owed by a healthcare provider as the: level of care, skill, and treatment that is recognized as appropriate by other, similarly positioned medical professionals, given the overall circumstances. Factors that can influence the standard of care include, but are not necessarily limited, to: Experience, specialized training, background Access to medical tools/equipment Career position Age And more Let’s clarify with a brief example. Suppose that you are injured due to an error committed by your treating surgeon. The surgeon made an incision based on the available evidence, but it led to significant bleeding and damage that led to the injury. Now, you might sue the surgeon to recover economic damages for medical malpractice, but the court will evaluate whether the surgeon actually violated the standard of care. Expert witnesses will be brought in to testify as to the standard of care for the circumstances at issue. As the plaintiff, you’ll want to show that a similarly positioned surgeon (with the same experience, age, background, and dealing with the same surgical event) would have made a different incision, and you would not have suffered an injury.... - Published: 2023-03-27 - Modified: 2025-06-05 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/mass-torts/what-are-mass-torts/ Our Mass Tort Litigation Lawyers Will Fight for Your Compensation A product liability mass tort encompasses anywhere from dozens all the way to hundreds of thousands of claimants who have suffered similar injuries from a defendant’s (or group of defendants’) products. Mass torts are often confused with class action lawsuits, however, class actions involve one lawsuit that represents a class of similarly situated plaintiffs whereas, with mass tort litigation, every plaintiff’s case is filed individually into one centralized court. Each mass tort plaintiff’s claim will proceed independently, alleging the same or similar claims as other plaintiffs. If you've been subject to a mass tort claim, contact an experienced mass tort litigation lawyer at Searcy Law for help with your claim. A Mass Tort is a case where many people are wrongfully harmed in a similar way by a similar product -- often by a drug, medical device, or defective product, a recent example is the Takata airbag recall, which affects millions of cars. When the worst happens, you need an experienced mass tort attorney to help you seek justice. Our Emphasis Though we have defended the rights of Americans in a wide range of practice areas, with the same goal consistently in mind, we are committed to cases that specifically involve personal injury and mass tort injuries (i. e. a personal injury case where many people are injured by the same product). Furthermore, a mass tort litigation lawyer takes on cases that involve: Defective Drugs Have you used a defective drug that later caused you to be hospitalized? Chances are, you’re not alone. Defective Medical Devices Today, it’s common for devices to be fast-tracked through the 510(k) program, which brings new products to market without adequate testing. Pharmaceutical Reactions Medical professionals often use pharmaceuticals to help individuals in pain. However, these synthetic drugs don’t always react well to the body and can cause life-threatening injuries. Bellwether Trials and Mass Tort Litigation A bellwether trial is a test case that is intended to provide the court and the parties with information on how mass tort litigation will move forward. Plaintiffs and defendants choose cases they believe would be representative of a large portion of plaintiffs involved in the litigation. In most mass tort litigations, both plaintiffs and defendants will win at least one trial. Bellwether trials answer many questions lawyers have for both parties, and they get a sense of how a jury will react to the evidence and arguments presented by both sides. Although a bellwether trial cannot predict the overall outcome of mass tort litigation (such as whether a mass tort settlement is on the horizon), a bellwether trial at least provides a snapshot of how one jury sees the strength of the plaintiff’s claims. In order to have a group of claims designated as mass tort litigation, attorneys representing the plaintiff(s) apply to federal or state court. Judicial Panel on Multi-District Litigation In the federal system, this process is initiated by filing a motion before the Judicial Panel on Multi-District Litigation, a group of federal judges who meet every few months to consider such requests. Those judges have the power to order all individual cases filed in the federal system to be transferred and consolidated before one federal judge. Several states, such as California, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, have procedures similar to those used in federal multi-district litigation. The drug injury lawyers at our mass tort law firm know that Florida does not have formal rules for statewide management of mass tort cases. Historically, courts in this state have informally coordinated centralized management of complex cases, like the... - Published: 2023-03-27 - Modified: 2026-08-27 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/mass-torts/ HURT BY A BAD DRUG OR MEDICAL DEVICE – CALL US TODAY Products intended to help consumers should not hurt them. Unfortunately, bad drugs and medical devices often do just that. With ever-relaxing FDA oversight, more defective products are finding their way to consumers. Intense competition causes manufacturers to rush products to market and frequently cut corners in a product’s design, testing, and regulatory product approval. That is why we are here for you. At Searcy Denney, our nationwide mass tort lawyers know how to uncover manufacturers' dirty little secrets and hold them accountable when bad products hurt our clients. If you, a loved one, or a friend has been the victim of a bad drug or medical device, call us today. Our mass tort law firm is here to help. ABOUT OUR MASS TORT PRACTICE: A mass tort happens when a product causes harm to hundreds or thousands of people through similar effects. Mass tort cases represent multiple personal injury and product liability claims filed by individual plaintiffs. In mass tort lawsuits, each person who suffered harm retains an individual lawsuit, unlike class action cases. For instance, let's assume thousands of people sustained injuries due to a defective hip implant, which resulted in its recall. All devices share identical functions, yet malfunction uniformly, which results in comparable injuries to the majority of those harmed. Our practice often handles cases where multiple clients experienced injury from a single defective product during the same time period. Our mass tort litigation attorneys develop thorough knowledge regarding the impact of harmful drugs and medical devices on individual patients. Dangerous Medications and Defective Drugs Prescription and over-the-counter drugs can restore quality of life, offer lifesaving cures, and extend the lives of millions. However, the drug market is highly profitable and incredibly competitive. The race to get the newest diabetes drug or birth control to market can result in life threatening consequences for consumers. If you, a loved one or friend has been the victim of a dangerous product or defective drug, contact us for a confidential, free consultation. When a bad drug hurts someone, they are likely not alone, and our mass tort attorneys can help them understand their rights. Defective Medical Devices Medical devices are not always foolproof. Often cleared for market by the FDA applying less stringent criteria than for drugs, bad medical devices frequently hurt consumers. After decades of experience with personal injury claims, our legal team has developed a sixth sense for uncovering bad devices whose faulty technology has hurt consumers. New medical devices are being rushed to market, often “fast tracked” through an abbreviated FDA regulatory process known as 510(K). Manufacturers frequently bring a new product to market in a matter of months with little testing and no clinical trials. Lay people are shocked to learn that a new hip implant can be brought to market without ever implanting one in a human being. Current Noteworthy Claim: EXACTECH HIP, KNEE AND SHOULDER REPLACEMENTS Exactech has recently issued two major recalls for its signature hip replacements and knee implants. Both fail due to polyethylene (plastic) parts that are degrading and oxidizing too fast. As a result, patients must undergo a premature, unnecessary revision surgery. Also known as poly wear disease, patients suffer death of soft tissue and bone when exposed to degrading polyethylene. The products are: Exactech Tuliant and Optetrak knee tibial trays and GXL Liners hip liners. Additionally, the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning about the company’s Equinoxe Shoulder System joint replacement devices, noting that the company’s packaging of the device was “missing one... - Published: 2023-03-27 - Modified: 2025-05-21 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/premises-liability/slip-and-fall-accidents/ Have you been injured in a slip and fall accident in Florida? You might be entitled to sue and recover damages under Florida premises liability law. However, bear in mind that slip and fall litigation can be somewhat more complicated than it initially seems. Slip and fall cases involve unique issues. Below, we will discuss the types of challenges you are likely to encounter as you move forward with litigation. To get the most relevant information related to your specific situation, contact a Florida slip and fall lawyer today. The Complexities of Slip and Fall Claims Property owners/possessors in Florida have a duty to maintain the premises in a reasonably safe condition for premises entrants. This, naturally, covers slip and fall hazards such as uneven surfaces and spills. With Florida slip and fall claims, the duty to inspect and correct a dangerous condition of the property is often the main source of conflict. Even if the property owner admits that the hazard caused the trip and fall accident, they are likely to argue that they did not know about the hazard and that they could not have reasonably “discovered” the hazard before you fell. Convincing a judge or jury that the property owner or manager was in the wrong requires careful, persuasive argumentation from skilled slip and fall attorneys. Suppose that you slip and fall in a Florida restaurant. Liquid spilled from one of the tables, causing a puddle to form on the floor and thereby creating the slipping hazard that you encountered. Based on video footage, the spill occurred about an hour prior to the slip and fall accident. The defendant restaurant owner might argue that it was not enough time for their employees to inspect the floor and clean up the hazard. You could argue, however, that in the restaurant business, hourly inspections are quite normal, so the spill should have been discovered had the restaurant owner implemented and properly executed an hourly inspection system. Through this failure to inspect and correct the slipping hazard, you could ostensibly impose liability. Top 5 Causes of Florida Trip and Fall Accidents Several factors can contribute to a slip and fall accident in Florida. Below are the five most common reasons behind slips and trips: Wet surfaces caused by spilled liquids, freshly mopped or waxed floors, or oil leaks Uneven surfaces, including cracks, potholes, improperly secured rugs, and loose floorboards Unmarked hazards Debris or other objects on the ground that a property owner failed to clear Weather conditions While it may seem like these are all obvious hazards that any responsible property owner should address, trip and fall cases are often more complex. In order to prove negligence, a Florida slip and fall lawyer has to prove the following: Property Owner Responsibility and Liability: Property owners/possessors in Florida have a duty to maintain the premises in a reasonably safe condition for premises entrants. The owner knowingly breached his duty of care and allowed a potentially hazardous condition to exist on the premises. Establishing Causation and Damages: That hazard or condition was the cause of your slip and fall and therefore was the cause of your injuries. There are additional personal injury laws and statutes unique to trip and fall claims in Florida, and our attorneys can help you build the strongest possible case. Who Is Liable for Your Slip and Fall Accident? When pursuing a claim for a slip and fall accident, one of the first questions that must be answered is, “Who is liable? ” While the property owner will be liable in many cases, property owners are not always... - Published: 2023-03-21 - Modified: 2026-09-02 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/car-accidents/single-vehicle-accidents/ When you are involved in a single-vehicle car accident, knowing what to do next can be a challenge. Are you entitled to insurance coverage? Can you file a lawsuit if a driver forced you off of the road or you crashed because of a roadway hazard? If you suffered serious injuries in your auto accident, these are questions that you need to have answered, and it will be important for you to speak with a Florida single vehicle accident lawyer about your legal rights. As a Driver, When Can You Seek Financial Compensation for a Single-Vehicle Accident? If you suffered serious injuries in a single-vehicle accident while driving, you could potentially have various grounds to seek financial compensation for your losses. Some examples of potential claims in single-vehicle accident cases include: You were run off of the road by another driver – If your vehicle crashed because you were run off of the road by another driver, that driver could still be liable for your injuries even though you were not involved in a vehicle-on-vehicle collision. You had to swerve to avoid a reckless cyclist or pedestrian – Likewise, if you were forced to swerve off of the road in order to avoid hitting a cyclist or pedestrian who put himself or herself in harm’s way, then the bicyclist or pedestrian could be liable for negligence. An issue with your vehicle caused you to crash – If you lost control because your brakes failed or because of any other issue with your vehicle, then your vehicle’s manufacturer, your dealership, or your maintenance shop could be liable for your losses. An issue with the road caused you to crash – Road hazards are to blame in a significant number of single-vehicle accidents. This includes potholes, sinkholes, loose gravel, low shoulders, and a multitude of other issues. Additionally, under Florida’s “no fault” insurance law, you can file a claim for personal injury protection (PIP) coverage regardless of who was at fault in your accident and regardless of the circumstances involved. Florida law requires all drivers to carry PIP coverage – so you should have it if you have auto insurance – and the standard policy limit is $10,000. As a Passenger, Can You File a Claim to Recover Your Losses After a Single-Vehicle Accident? What if you were injured in a single-vehicle accident while riding as a passenger? As a general rule, passengers have the same legal rights as drivers under Florida law. If a vehicle defect or someone else’s negligence caused the accident, you may have grounds to pursue a fault-based claim for compensation. You can also file a claim under your PIP policy (if you have one); and if your driver was at fault, his or her insurance policy should cover your injury-related losses as well. Schedule a Free Consultation with a Florida Single Vehicle Accident Attorney Today For more information about recovering your losses after a single-vehicle accident in Florida, schedule a free, no-obligation consultation at Searcy Denney with a top-rated personal injury attorney. Call 800-780-8607 to schedule an appointment with an experienced Florida single vehicle accident lawyer or submit your case online and we will be in touch shortly. - Published: 2023-03-21 - Modified: 2026-09-02 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/car-accidents/auto-accident-injuries/ Our Attorneys Will Fight for You The forces involved in auto accidents can cause a wide range of traumatic injuries, and drivers and passengers who have been injured will often face long and difficult roads to recovery. Under Florida’s “no-fault” insurance law, all accident victims can recover at least a portion of their medical bills and lost wages under their own personal injury protection (PIP) policies, and those who have suffered serious and permanent injuries can seek full financial compensation from the at-fault drivers who are responsible for the harm they have endured. Dangerous road conditions and vehicle defects can support claims for fair compensation as well; and, to make sure you recover the maximum compensation you and your family deserve, it is important that you speak with a Florida personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Our Florida personal injury law firm is comprised of experienced car accident lawyers who have recovered millions of dollars in financial compensation for individuals who have suffered serious auto accident injuries. While most of our cases result in insurance settlements, we do not hesitate to take the insurance companies to court, and we have a proven track record of success at trial. The long-term effects of traumatic injuries can be far greater than most people realize. Our legal team can help you understand the true cost of your accident-related injuries, and we can help you avoid settling too soon for less than you deserve. Serious and Permanent Injuries from Vehicle Collisions All types of car accidents have the potential to cause serious injuries. If you have been involved in an auto crash, it is important that you see a doctor promptly, as obtaining appropriate medical treatment can be crucial to both your physical well-being and financial recovery. At Searcy Denney, we represent auto accident victims throughout Florida who have been diagnosed with all types of serious accident-related injuries, including: Soft Tissue Damage Soft tissue injuries involve damage to the muscles, ligaments or tendons in your body. Although they are generally considered less severe when compared to the other potential consequences of serious auto accidents, soft tissue damage can still be painful and require a long-term recovery, and they will often be accompanied by other injuries as well. This includes serious injuries such as broken bones, nerve damage, and injuries to the head, back and internal organs. While soft tissue injuries are common, they are also difficult to diagnose. This is because they will not show up on X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, or many of the other types of tests typically used to diagnose accident-related injuries. As a result, it is important to describe your symptoms to your doctor as clearly and completely as possible, and you will likely want to choose a physician who specializes in treating acute traumatic injuries. 4 Types of Acute Soft Tissue Damage Acute soft tissue injuries are those that result from sudden and severe trauma, such as when your body stretches, twists, or makes contact with part of your vehicle during a car accident. These injuries can broadly be classified into four categories: Sprains – A sprain is a ligament injury caused by overextension. Ligaments are the soft tissues that connect the bones in your ankles, knees, wrists, elbows, and other joints; and, in a traumatic accident, they can easily be overstretched resulting in pain and limited usability. Strains – Strains are overextension injuries affecting the muscles and tendons. Tendons are fibrous tissues that connect your muscles to your bones. Similar to sprains, strains are common soft tissue injuries in vehicle collisions. Tears – A tear... - Published: 2023-03-10 - Modified: 2026-04-22 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/recalled-eye-drop/ Eye drops are a common over-the-counter medication used to treat a variety of eye conditions such as dry eye, allergies, and infections. However, so far this year, there have already been four eye drop recalls by the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) due to concerns over product safety and quality. Just last week, the FDA added two eye drops to its list over potential sterility issues that could cause serious eye infections, injuries or vision problems. The recalled products are Apotex Corp Brimonidine Tartrate Ophthalmic Solution (0. 15%) and Pharmedica USA LLC Purely Soothing 15% MSM Drops. The Apotex product is used to treat high eye pressure in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension. The recall was initiated because some of the bottle caps have developed cracks, which can lead to contamination of the eye drops by bacteria, fungi, or other microorganisms. As of March 8, the Florida-based company stated they have not received reports of adverse events related to the use of their eye drops. The following lots are subject to the recall and were distributed nationwide between April 5, 2022, and February 22, 2023: TJ9848 TJ9849 TK0258 TK5341 TK0261 TK0262 The Pharmedica product is marketed as a natural remedy for dry eyes, allergies and inflammation. The recall was initiated because the product was found to be non-sterile, meaning it may contain harmful contaminants that could cause eye infections or damage. Pharmedica also claims they have received no reports of illness or injury related to the use of this product to date. Pharmedical recalled two lots of its product: 2203PS01 and 1808051. These recalls follow recalls just last month on batches of Global Pharma Healthcare’s Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops distributed by EzriCare, LLC and Delsam Pharma and Artificial Eye Ointment, distributed by Delsam Pharma, in February 2023. Artificial tear products hydrate dry eyes resulting from conditions like aging, allergies, side effects of other medications, or other health conditions. The recalled products are preservative-free and sold over the counter. In February, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced it had identified 55 patients in 12 states, including Florida, with a rare strain of drug-resistant P. aeruginosa causing permanent vision loss resulting from a corneal infection, hospitalization, and one death due to a systemic infection. Our lawyers have experience fighting eyedrop manufacturers whose products contain defective components that cause infections. We have seen this before, have litigated and successfully fought these claims and are ready to use our experience to help those injured by this new round of recalls. If you or someone you love has contracted an eye infection as a consequence of using and of the recalled eyedrops, you may have a case warranting review. If you would like to discuss the facts of your use of this product, contact Cal Warriner or Victoria Mesa-Estrada at Searcy Denney today at (800) 780-8607. - Published: 2022-11-14 - Modified: 2025-06-05 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/mass-torts/chemical-hair-straightener-lawsuit/ Our Attorneys Can Handle Chemical Hair Straightener Lawsuits For generations, black and Latina women have used a variety of chemical hair products to relax or straighten their hair. The multi-billion-dollar cosmetic industry pressures black and Latina women to conform to traditional beauty standards by showing them in its advertising with beautiful, long, straight hair. However, recent studies show a causal link between hair relaxers and certain cancers. Many women started using the products at a very young age and continue to receive treatment every four to eight weeks or risk the “natural look” creeping in. Some have used these products for decades. Treatment consists of applying a creamy mix to the hair and scalp and allowing it to sit long enough to produce a “tingle” but not too long to risk burning your scalp. Are Your Hair Products Dangerous? A recently published scientific study indicates that “tingle” is generated by a mix of chemicals that double the user’s risk of contracting reproductive organ cancer. Shocking, to say the least, the reality is that millions of black and Latina women have unknowingly exposed themselves to life-threatening cancer just because they wanted to look good. There has never been a cancer warning on any of these products despite several older scientific publications suggesting a relationship between hair products and breast and reproductive organ cancers. Hair Relaxers Linked to Uterine Cancer The newest study conducted by the National Institute of Health looked at data from over 33,000 women already enrolled in the NIH’s Sister Study, which has been ongoing for decades. Participants answered questions about their use of various hair care products, including dyes, straighteners, relaxers, pressing products, permanents, and body waves. Anyone with a history of uterine cancer was excluded. Applying a robust statistical model, it was found that those who reported the use of straighteners or relaxers more than four times in the preceding twelve months had more than double the risk of developing uterine cancer. Dyes, permanents, and waves were not found to increase the risk of cancer. Despite these findings, the authors did not attempt to identify which chemicals in the products were causing cancer. They did, however, mention a laundry list of chemicals routinely found in straighteners and relaxers, including several endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDC’s). For black women, in particular, the prevalence and frequency of use, harsher chemical formulations, including a higher concentration of EDCs and younger age at initiating use, were cited as especially concerning. The authors noted that scalp exposure is highly problematic as higher concentrations of harmful chemicals are absorbed through the scalp than other areas of the body, including the forearm, palm, or abdomen. Who is Eligible to File a Hair Straightener Claim? Are you eligible to file a chemical hair straightener claim? At this point, many people who have used chemical hair straighteners remain eligible to file lawsuits (or join existing lawsuits) against the companies that sold them dangerous cancer-causing products. While companies have predominantly marketed these products to Black and Latina women, all individuals of all ages who have used dangerous hair relaxing products may be eligible to file a claim. If you, or a member of your family, has used a chemical hair straightener sold by any of the following companies in the past several years, we strongly encourage you to contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation. Keep in mind, however, that these are just examples. Individuals who used products sold by other companies may have claims as well: Carson Soft Sheen Creme of Nature Dark & Lovely Just for Me L’Oréal Motions Namaste Olive Oil Girls Optimum Care ORS Olive... - Published: 2022-08-11 - Modified: 2025-06-23 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/mass-torts/camp-lejeune-water-contamination-lawyers/ If you or a family member served or worked at the United States Marine Corps (USMC) Base Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina between 1953 and 1987, you may have been exposed to contaminated drinking water. Multiple studies have concluded that the drinking water at Camp Lejeune was contaminated during this time, and many servicemembers, civil servants, contractors and family members suffered serious health consequences as a result. Until recently, individuals and families who were impacted by the drinking water contamination at Camp Lejeune did not have a way to recover financial compensation. However, in August 2022, President Biden signed the Camp Lejeune Justice Act into law. Under this new law, individuals who were exposed to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune now have the ability to file lawsuits in federal court. Health Conditions Covered Under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act Tests conducted in 1982 of the drinking water at Camp Lejeune uncovered the presence of several volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that present known hazards to human health. Despite this, efforts to eliminate these VOCs were not undertaken for several years and were not completed until 1987. The VOCs found in the drinking water at Camp Lejeune included: Benzene – A chemical solvent used in gasoline and generated as a byproduct of various commercial and pharmaceutical processes. Benzene is a known carcinogen. Tetrachloroethylene – Another chemical solvent used in various commercial applications that is classified as a probable human carcinogen. Trichloroethylene – Another type of solvent used in commercial cleaning applications that, like benzene, is a known carcinogen. Vinyl Chloride – A byproduct of degraded tetrachloroethylene and trichloroethylene that is also known to cause cancer in humans. Cancers linked to these chemicals include bladder cancer, breast cancer, liver cancer, kidney cancer, leukemia, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. In addition to causing cancer, exposure to these chemicals through drinking water can cause several other health problems as well. For example, the contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune has also been linked to cases of: Birth defects Female infertility Hepatic steatosis Miscarriage Multiple myeloma Myelodysplastic syndromes Neurobehavioral effects Renal toxicity Scleroderma Parkinson’s disease This list is not exhaustive. Other conditions have been linked to the contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune as well, and we encourage anyone who has been diagnosed with any health condition related to Camp Lejeune’s contaminated drinking water to speak with one of our attorneys about their legal rights. Do You Have a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit? The Camp Lejeune Justice Act establishes four primary requirements for filing a lawsuit. At Searcy Denney, we work closely with our clients to determine their eligibility, calculate the amount they are entitled to recover, and file successful claims for just compensation. You may be eligible to receive financial compensation for exposure to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune if: 1. You Were Exposed During the Relevant Period The Camp Lejeune Justice Act makes compensation available to individuals who were exposed to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune for at least thirty (30) days between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987. If you were stationed at Camp Lejeune during this time period, if a family member was stationed at Camp Lejeune during this time period, or if you or a family member was working as a civil servant or contractor at Camp Lejeune during this time, you may be eligible to file. 2. You Have a Medical Condition Linked to Contaminated Drinking Water Exposure Filing a successful claim requires proof of a medical condition related to contaminated drinking water exposure (i. e. , a condition linked to the consumption of benzene, tetrachloroethylene,... - Published: 2022-05-12 - Modified: 2025-06-06 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/wrongful-death/health-care-providers-wrongful-death/ Our Lawyers Represent Families in Wrongful Death Claims Against Nursing Homes, Hospitals and Other Health Care Providers When you seek care for yourself or a loved one, you put a great deal of trust in people you don’t know. This is out of necessity—we rely on nursing homes, hospitals, and other health care facilities to provide professional care based on knowledge gained from decades of education and practical experience. Unfortunately, too often, our trust proves to be misplaced. Health care providers routinely make mistakes that cause harm to their patients; and, in far too many cases, these mistakes lead to death. If you are grieving the loss of a loved one, we offer our sincere condolences. We also want you to know that your family has clear legal rights under Florida law. The law holds health care providers to certain standards; and, when providers fail to meet these standards, they can be held liable through claims for wrongful death. Nursing Home Wrongful Death Claims Deaths in nursing homes can result from a variety of different factors. These factors range from medication errors and other forms of negligence to intentional neglect and abuse. In the nursing home setting, negligence can take many different forms. Administrative staff, nurses, and other caregivers all play a role in meeting residents’ needs. From recordkeeping issues to failure to provide necessary support and assistance, virtually all forms of negligence have the potential for life-altering or life-threatening consequences when residents rely on their facilities to meet their basic needs. While most premature deaths in nursing homes are the result of negligence, abuse in the nursing home setting is alarmingly common. In one recent study, nearly two-thirds (64. 2 percent) of nursing home staff members surveyed admitted to committing some form of elder abuse. Elder abuse in nursing homes can have severe physical and psychological consequences; and, in the worst cases, it can lead to death. If you have witnessed, or if you simply have concerns about, any of the following, our lawyers can investigate to determine if your loved one’s death was the result of neglect or abuse: Bedsores or other preventable injuries Evidence of the use of physical restraints Fear or anxiety around nursing home staff Missing medications or incorrect medications Poor living conditions Unexplained weight loss Emotional withdrawal In many cases, nursing homes faced with wrongful death claims will defend against these claims by claiming that it was simply the resident’s time to go. When faced with this type of defense, it may be necessary to prove that the nursing home’s negligence or abuse shortened your loved one’s life expectancy. There are several ways to prove that substandard care or intentional harm led to a shortened life expectancy, and our lawyers are experienced in pursuing these types of claims on behalf of grieving families. Medication Error Wrongful Death Claims Medication errors are among the most common medical errors in nursing homes, hospitals, and other facilities. Pharmacies frequently make mistakes when dispensing medications to patients as well. Similar to nursing home negligence and abuse, when medication errors lead to patients’ untimely deaths, eligible family members can pursue claims for financial recovery. This is true for all types of medication errors. At Searcy Denney, our lawyers handle wrongful death claims against health care providers involving medication errors such as: Administering the wrong medication (i. e. , pulling the incorrect medication from an electronic storage cabinet) Prescribing the wrong medication Prescribing the wrong dosage of a medication Prescribing or administering a medication that has been recalled Overdosing a resident or patient Underdosing a resident or patient Improperly filling... - Published: 2022-02-28 - Modified: 2025-06-06 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/toxic-similac-baby-formula-lawyers/ FDA Issues Warning: Certain Powdered Baby Formulas May Contain Bacteria Very recently, the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced it is investigating consumer complaints of Cronobacter sakazakii and Salmonella Newport infections, all of which have stemmed from the consumption of powdered infant formula produced at Abbott Nutrition's Sturgis, Michigan facility. As a result of the ongoing investigation, the FDA is alerting consumers to throw out impacted products and avoid purchasing or using certain powdered infant formula products produced at this facility. The FDA is also working closely with the U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state and local partners in an ongoing investigation. The FDA's Specific Warning for Current Baby Formula Use Specifically, The FDA is advising consumers not to use Similac, Alimentum, or EleCare powdered infant formulas if: The first two digits of the code are 22 through 37; and The code on the container contains K8, SH or Z2; and The expiration date is 4-1-2022 (APR 2022) or later. Specifically, the FDA is investigating four infant illness complaints from three states. All four complainants were hospitalized and Cronobacter may have contributed to a death in one case. Most recently, the FDA warning stated: "Abbott announced that the company initiated a voluntary recall of potentially affected products, including Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare powdered formulas manufactured in its Sturgis, Michigan facility. However, if any of the formulas mentioned has harmed your child, our firm is prepared to handle your case whether we need to file a Similac lawsuit, an EleCare lawsuit or a lawsuit based on the child being diagnosed with Cronobacter sakazakii and Salmonella Newport infections. What are Cronobacter sakazakii and Salmonella Newport? According to the CDC, Cronobacter sakazakii is a germ found naturally in the environment. For individuals of any age, it can cause diarrhea and urinary tract infections. For newborns, Cronobacter sakazakii can be much more dangerous. The germ can cause sepsis or meningitis. Infants who are more susceptible to serious illness include infants born prematurely, those under 2 months of age, and infants with compromised immune systems due to other illness or medical treatment. The CDC recommends the following steps to protect your infant from Cronobacter: Breastfeed or use liquid formula If pumping, clean, sanitize, and store feeding items and breast pump parts separately Prepare and store powdered formula safely: keep lids closed and lids and scoops clean; use formula within 1 hour from the start of feeding and within 2 hours of preparing it; throw away leftover prepared formula Always wash your hands before preparing bottles and touching baby’s mouth and pacifiers More commonly known, Salmonella are a group of bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal illness and fever. More severe infections may involve aches, headaches, a rash, or blood or urine in the stool. Other Helpful Information from the FDA The FDA advisory does not include liquid formula products or any metabolic deficiency nutrition formulas. Therefore, consumers can continue to use all products not covered by the advisory. Parents and caregivers of infants who have used these products and are concerned about their child's health should contact their healthcare provider. If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, you should notify the doctor and seek medical care for your child immediately. Parents and caregivers should never dilute infant formula and should not make or feed homemade infant formula to infants. If your regular formula is not available, contact your child's healthcare provider for recommendations on changing feeding practices. Talk to a Similac Lawsuit Attorney at Searcy Denney if Your Baby is Displaying Symptoms Searcy Denney fights for individuals who... - Published: 2022-02-18 - Modified: 2025-06-06 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/exactech-knee-replacement-lawsuit/ In February 2022, Exactech recalled hundreds of thousands of knee and ankle replacement devices that were implanted into patients between 2004 and 2022. The knee and ankle inserts had inadequate packaging that failed to protect the parts from exposure to oxygen before being implanted into the body. Oxidation can cause the inserts to significantly degrade over time, leaving many patients in pain and facing the possibility of revision surgery. At Searcy Denney we have decades of experience representing hip and knee implant failure clients. We are here to answer all of your questions. If you, a loved one or friend received an Exactech knee replacement between the years of 2014 and 2022 Contact an Exactech knee replacement attorney at our firm to learn about your legal options. Why was the Exactech Knee Implant Recalled? The recall for knee and ankle replacements is due to a packaging defect. It is important for the inserts to not come in contact with oxygen before being implanted into the body (for example, while being shipped and stored prior to your knee surgery). The packaging layers for the plastic inserts in this recall were found to have allowed airflow prior to insertion, which causes oxidation and premature wear. The components and inserts manufactured over the last 8 years were packaged in oxygen resistant vacuum bags but were missing a barrier layer containing ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) that further augments oxygen resistance. Many Exactech patients have received a very concerning letter from their surgeon and have a lot of questions. A device recall leaves patients questioning whether they have an Exactech joint replacement and, if they do, what actions they need to take to determine if the recall impacts them personally. At Searcy Denney, our experienced defective medical device attorneys can help find these answers for you and determine if financial compensation may be available for you and your family as a result of an Exactech knee replacement lawsuit. What Are the Complications Linked to the Exactech Knee Replacement Recall? Exposure of the knee replacement device to oxygen prior to being implanted in the body can cause oxidation, which means the plastic can wear out earlier than expected and potentially lead to bone loss. It can become damaged in the patient’s body -- essentially causing knee implant failure. Symptoms patients may experience include: Knee swelling Pain while walking Inability to bear weight on your implant Grinding or clicking Overall instability Unfortunately, premature wearing of the plastic component can lead to the need for knee revision surgery. If you or a loved one had knee surgery with a defective insert, you have legal options, and an attorney at Searcy Denney can help determine if you qualify for compensation. 5 Important Facts for Patients Who Have Exactech Knee Replacement Devices Here are five more important facts for patients who may be suffering from an Exachtech knee implant injury. 1. Exactech Has Recalled All Optetrak, Optetrak Logic and Truliant Knee Implant Devices Sold Since 2004 Exactech’s knee replacement device recall covers all Optetrak, Optetrak Logic and Truliant devices sold between 2004 and 2022. This means that nearly 150,000 defective knee replacement devices have been recalled. If you have received an Exactech knee replacement device in the past 18 years, you should consult with your doctor to find out if you may need corrective revision surgery. 2. Exactech Began Recalling Its Knee Replacement Devices in 2021 While Exactech recalled all of its Optetrak, Optetrak Logic and Truliant knee replacement devices in 2022, the company began with a smaller recall in 2021. This original recall applied only to devices with a... - Published: 2022-02-11 - Modified: 2025-06-06 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/exactech-hip-implant-recall/ Many patients have undergone total hip replacement surgery and, as a result, received Exactech Connexion GXL liners. Recent evidence suggests that these medical devices are deteriorating at a rate much faster than expected, causing additional pain and complications for patients. In order to protect your overall health – and your right to compensation– you should know the details and potential for defects of the Exactech Connexion GXL liner if you received one. Contact an Exactech hip implant recall lawyer at Searcy Denney today to learn whether this is a concern for you specifically. What Devices are Typically Used in Hip Replacement Surgery? The hip joint we are born with consists of a simple ball and socket. The ball is technically called the femoral head. The femoral head is located at the end of the long bone in your thigh called the femur. The femoral head sits inside a socket located in the hip bone or acetabulum. Both the socket and femoral head are covered in smooth cartilage. Muscles and soft tissues hold the ball in the socket. As we age, the cartilage wears away and the hip joint becomes arthritic. If it wears too much, bone begins to rub on bone and causes pain. To alleviate the pain, surgeons remove the diseased femoral head and place a metal stem into a hole that is made in the femur. On the end of the stem, a ball or femoral head is placed. On the opposite side of the joint, the arthritic bone is removed and a new socket is prepared. A metal cup is placed into the socket and a plastic liner is locked into the metal cup. Once all the parts are implanted, the femoral head is placed into the plastic cup forming a new hip joint. Once the arthritic tissues are removed and the artificial parts are in place, the patient should have no more pain. What Is the Exactech Connexion GXL Liner Hip Implant? The Connexion GXL Liner is Exactech’s version of the plastic liner described above. It was commercially sold under the trade names, MCS, Novation and Acumatch. Once implanted, either a ceramic or metal femoral head articulates with the liner. It is supposedly made of super-strong, durable "ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene" plastic. It is specifically designed and intended to provide a smooth surface for the femoral head to rub against. Knowing there will be forces and friction applied to the liner as patients move about, the liner must be ultra-resistant to wear and degradation. If it is not, microscopic plastic wear debris can be released. What's Wrong with the Exactech Connexion GXL Liner Hip Implants? As discussed above, the liners appear to be degrading and deteriorating at a faster rate than had been anticipated, often requiring unnecessary, premature "revision," or corrective, surgery. Research data has indicated that early wear may be attributed to significant design, manufacturing or packaging flaws in the device. When discovered, Exactech recalled all Connexion GXL liners and suggested surgeons follow patients in whom the device was implanted very closely to determine if their liner is deteriorating. How Does the Defective GXL Liner Hurt the Patient? Microscopic wear debris from a polyethylene liner is toxic to tissue. As the liner degrades, it releases wear debris into the space around the prosthetic hip. That space contains soft tissue, muscles, and bone. If left untreated, soft tissue, muscle, and bone can become necrotic and die. Bone death is called osteonecrosis. Loss of muscle can cause instability in the hip and lead to dislocation. Osteonecrosis can lead to implant loosening, subsidence, and malposition. Each of these issues makes... - Published: 2021-08-27 - Modified: 2025-06-05 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/mass-torts/defective-medical-devices/allergan-breast-implant-recall/ Providing Representation to Injured Victims Breast implants have been on the market for decades, but not all implants are alike. Breast implants have been the subject of mass tort litigation in the past concerning allegations that certain implants were defective. Many victims who sustained injuries sought help from a breast implant recall lawyer and recovered compensation for their suffering. Breast implants are once again on the radar as hundreds of women have filed claims against Allergan, the maker of multiple types of BIOCELL textured breast implants and tissue expanders. Lawsuits allege that Allergan’s textured implants can cause breast implant-associated large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), a rare and serious cancer. The FDA Forces Allergan to Voluntarily Recall Its Textured Breast Implants More than two years ago, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requested that Allergan issue a recall of its BIOCELL textured breast implants and tissue expanders. The FDA’s July 2019 safety communication states that there may be a link between Allergan’s textured breast implants and the development of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). The FDA’s safety communication states the following: Based on the currently available information, including the newly submitted data, our analysis demonstrates that the risk of BIA-ALCL with Allergan BIOCELL textured implants is approximately 6 times the risk of BIA-ALCL with textured implants from other manufacturers marketing in the U. S. and continued distribution of Allergan’s BIOCELL textured breast implants would likely cause serious, adverse health consequences and potentially death from BIA-ALCL. Such a bold statement from the FDA has led many affected women to file lawsuits against Allergan, seeking compensation for their suffering. A concerning fact that pushed the FDA to take swift action is that of the 573 reports of BIA-ALCL (as of early July 2019), a total of 481 of these reports were linked to Allergan’s BIOCELL textured breast implants. Allergan has now issued a worldwide recall of the BIOCELL products. Textured Breast Implants and BIA-ALCL Textured breast implants are unique from other types of breast implants and are sometimes called “gummy bear” implants. The outer shell of the breast implant has a textured surface much like sandpaper. The purpose of having the textured outer shell is to help the implant adjoin to soft tissue in a way that provides a more natural look. BIA-ALCL is a rare type of lymphoma (cancer of the lymph nodes) that is linked directly to textured implants. The reason(s) for why BIA-ALCL is linked to textured breast implants as opposed to other types of breast implants is not known at this time and further investigation is warranted. Some doctors believe that certain patients may be predisposed to developing BIA-ALCL after being implanted with textured breast implants. These patients may have inflammation following implantation that is a first step towards developing BIA-ALCL. Allergan Textured Breast Implant Products Subject to Recall Many patients implanted with Allergan’s textured breast implants may not know what specific product was placed inside their bodies. The specific products identified by the FDA as being subject to the worldwide recall include the following: Allergan Natrelle Saline-Filled Breast Implants (multiple textured styles); Allergan Natrelle Silicone-Filled Textured Breast Implants (multiple textured styles); Natrelle 410 Highly Cohesive Anatomically Shaped Silicone Filled Breast Implants (multiple textured styles); Allergan BIOCELL Natrelle 133 Plus Tissue Expander; and Allergan Natrelle 133 Tissue Expander with Suture Tabs. Additional information about the many implant styles for the above-listed products is available on the FDA's website. An Allergan breast implant recall attorney is also a good source to turn to when seeking information about Allergan’s textured breast implant products and the link between those... - Published: 2021-05-12 - Modified: 2025-06-06 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/premises-liability/carbon-monoxide-poisoning/ If You or a Family Member Suffered Carbon Monoxide Poisoning on Someone Else’s Premises, You May Be Entitled to Financial Compensation Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless and potentially deadly gas. While carbon monoxide detectors are readily available, many homeowners and business owners fail to install these devices on their premises. Heaters, dryers, stoves, ovens and other appliances can release carbon monoxide, and leaky pipes, inadequate ventilation and various other issues can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning as well. If you or a family member has suffered carbon monoxide poisoning on someone else’s premises, you should speak with a lawyer about your family’s legal rights. Since there are steps that property owners can – and should – take to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning on their premises, those that fail to protect their visitors and guests can face legal liability when poisonings occur. Carbon monoxide poisoning can have various long-term (and potentially fatal) effects, and Florida’s premises liability laws make financial compensation available to victims and their families. What are the Signs of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning? One of the most dangerous aspects of carbon monoxide poisoning is that it can be difficult to identify. Since carbon monoxide gas cannot be seen, tasted or smelled, people will often ignore the signs of a possible poisoning until it is too late. If you or any member of your family has experienced the following symptoms and you have not yet sought medical attention, you should see a doctor right away: Blurred vision Confusion or disorientation Dizziness Headaches Loss of consciousness Nausea or vomiting Shortness of breath What are the Potential Long-Term Effects of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning? Beyond its initial symptoms, carbon monoxide poisoning can have a variety of long-term effects, and it can lead to various complications for both adults and children. In the most severe cases, carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal. In non-fatal cases, potential long-term effects and complications from carbon monoxide poisoning include: Blindness Brain damage Deafness Heart problems Miscarriage, cerebral palsy and other birth complications Personality changes When Should You Talk to a Lawyer About Filing a Claim for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning? If you or a member of your family has been diagnosed with carbon monoxide poisoning, or if you have lost a spouse, child, parent or other family member to carbon monoxide poisoning, you should talk to a lawyer promptly. You may have a claim against the owner of the property where the poisoning occurred. At Searcy Denney, our premises liability law firm will thoroughly assess your legal rights; and, if you have a claim against a property owner, our lawyers will fight to recover the financial compensation you deserve. Talk to a Florida Carbon Monoxide Lawyer at Searcy Denney for Free Would you like to speak with a lawyer about seeking financial compensation for carbon monoxide poisoning? If so, we encourage you to contact us right away. With offices in Tallahassee, Tampa and West Palm Beach, we handle carbon monoxide poisoning claims throughout Florida. To speak with one of our experienced premises liability lawyers in confidence as soon as possible, call 800-780-8607 or request a free consultation online now. - Published: 2021-05-05 - Modified: 2026-09-02 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/car-accidents/brake-failure-accidents/ Speak with Our Florida Brake Failure Accident Attorney Team You expect your car’s brakes to function properly—and when they don’t, it can be a very scary experience. All of a sudden, you are completely out of control, and there is nothing you can do to avoid a crash. While brake failures are relatively uncommon, especially with modern vehicles, they do happen. They happen due to design and manufacturing defects, and they occur as a result of improper installation, maintenance and repairs. If you’ve been involved in a car accident caused by brake failure, you should consult with a lawyer about your legal rights. You may be entitled to financial compensation, but you will need an experienced Florida brake failure accident lawyer to help you pursue a successful claim. Why Do Brake Failures Happen? Brake failures can happen for a variety of different reasons. When seeking compensation for an accident, however, you need to be able to identify the specific reason for your crash. This is true whether your brakes failed or you got hit by another vehicle that experienced a brake failure. The following are all potential causes of brake failure for which accident victims in Florida can seek just compensation: Design Defects – When improperly designed, brakes can fail even when properly manufactured and installed. This applies to all brake components, from brake lines and control valves to calipers and rotors. If your crash resulted from a brake defect, the manufacturer may be liable for your losses. Manufacturing Defects – Issues during the manufacturing process can cause properly-designed brakes to malfunction on the road. Cracks in rotors and lines, improper brake compound mixtures, and various other issues can cause a car’s brakes to fail unexpectedly. Installation and Service Errors – In addition to brake defects, brake installation and service issues can also lead to failures. If not properly installed or serviced, non-defective brakes can malfunction and leave drivers unable to stop safely on the road. Inadequate Maintenance – Vehicle owners have a responsibility to maintain their vehicles in good working order. If the other driver in your accident had neglected to replace work brake pads or rotors, then you could have a negligence claim under the other driver’s auto insurance policy. When you contact Searcy Denney about your brake failure accident, our attorneys will conduct a thorough investigation to identify the specific factor (or factors) involved in your collision. In many cases, this will involve hiring an expert to inspect the brakes in question and determine why they failed. Once we know what went wrong, we can determine who is responsible—and then we can fight to recover the financial compensation you deserve. Speak with a Florida Brake Failure Attorney at Searcy Denney If you were injured in an accident that you suspect was caused by brake failure, you should speak with an attorney promptly. For a free, no-obligation consultation with a Florida car accident attorney at Searcy Denney, call 800-780-8607 or tell us how we can reach you online now.   - Published: 2021-04-14 - Modified: 2025-05-21 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/personal-injury/head-injuries-and-concussions/ At first, you may believe the blow to your head is no big deal. You may feel no or only minor symptoms initially. You may not even know you sustained brain damage until others begin to notice the subtle changes in your mood, judgment, thinking and memory. Only then do the sudden headaches, depression, sensory disturbances, agitation and insomnia begin to make sense. This scenario describes a common result of minor head injury. Despite its medical reference as mild, a “minor head injury” can have serious consequences on your life. After time passes and you have a chance to get back on your feet, you may think your legal options have expired. A free consultation with a Florida head injury lawyer, however, could help you understand your options. Diagnosing Minor Head Trauma Often the first indication of head trauma is the accident itself, whether you fell or received a violent jolt to the body, or something landed on your head. Trauma may have occurred in an auto accident, an assault, or a fall from a height. Even a relatively light force can cause damage to your brain. Your doctor may send you for tests, including MRI, CAT scan, PET scan and other diagnostics. These tests are not only valuable tools for treating your medical condition, but are also vital to your legal case. How Your Florida Head Injury Lawyer Can Prove Mild Head Injury Damages The lack of outward signs of trauma can complicate head injury claims. Evidence Searcy Denney may use to prove your claim include: Diagnostic imaging and lab results that show the area of brain damage Results of diagnostic analyses for traumatic brain injury and disability as described above Accident reconstruction to show that your injuries are consistent with the accident Witnesses to testify about your behavioral, cognitive, memory and emotional changes since the accident Your personal experiences with pain, physical limitations and cognitive impairment since the accident. Concussions: A Common Accident Injury A concussion is a medical term that describes a traumatic head injury that is often mild and temporary. Mild only refers relatively to the level of brain damage. All brain damage is serious and can carry substantial long-term repercussions. Our Florida head injury lawyers have the knowledge and experience to prove the devastating consequences of your concussive injuries. We often consult with our team of medical experts who can explain the anatomy and the long-term complications arising from your concussion. We build a strong case for your financial, emotional and physical losses to recover the maximum possible compensation. Concussion Symptoms In some cases, concussion results in immediate amnesia, loss of consciousness, sensory impairment, vomiting, confusion and dizziness. However, the symptoms of a concussion may not appear right away, but may take days or weeks to manifest as a result of changes in brain chemistry. Symptoms of a concussion are often subtle, but indicate a much more serious underlying problem. Concussion Complications You may feel and appear like you are recovering from your concussion, but actually have long-term damage. A concussion can result in such serious complications as: Epilepsy. A concussion doubles the risk that a person will develop epilepsy within five years. Post-concussion syndrome. Headaches, dizziness, poor attention, loss of memory, cognitive impairment and other symptoms may appear days after the concussive injury and continue for months. Post-traumatic headaches. Severe headaches may start a week or many months after the concussion. Post-traumatic vertigo. Dizziness and imbalance may manifest within days or many months. Cumulative brain damage. Multiple concussions may result in permanent, progressive impairment. Second impact syndrome. A second concussion that occurs before the... - Published: 2021-04-14 - Modified: 2026-04-23 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/personal-injury/hearing-loss-injuries/ Hearing loss is among the most common injuries resulting from head trauma. While most people associate hearing loss with prolonged exposure to loud noises or the degenerative effects of aging, many people suffer hearing loss in traumatic accidents each year. If you have suffered hearing loss due to an accident, a Florida hearing loss attorney at Searcy Denney may be able to help you recover just compensation. Understanding the Two Types of Hearing Loss There are two main types of hearing loss that can result from traumatic accidents. These are: (i) conductive hearing loss, and (ii) sensorineural hearing loss. Conductive Hearing Loss - This type of hearing loss results from damage to the external or middle ear. If a mechanical problem in one of these areas stops sound waves from reaching the inner, this can prevent the eardrum from vibrating in response to sound. Sensorineural Hearing Loss - With this type of hearing loss, sound reaches the inner ear, but damage to a component of the inner ear (i. e. the cochlea, auditory nerves, or cilia) prevents the ear from functioning properly. Common Causes of Hearing Loss Several causes of hearing loss can entitle individuals in Florida to just compensation. When you contact us, one of our Florida hearing loss attorneys will thoroughly evaluate your legal rights and determine how much you may be entitled to recover. We handle all types of cases involving hearing loss, including: Vehicle Accidents Vehicle accidents are among the most common causes of head trauma, and this means that they are also among the most common causes of traumatic hearing loss. This includes car accidents, motorcycle accidents and truck accidents, as well as accidents involving bicyclists and pedestrians. If you have been involved in a collision and are experiencing hearing loss, you should see a doctor and consult with a lawyer right away. Airbag Deployment In vehicle collisions, airbags are a frequent cause of hearing loss. One study found that “17 percent of people exposed to deployed airbags in American cars will suffer from permanent hearing loss. ” This is attributable to the explosive sound (or “impulse noise”) that occurs when an airbag deploys. Slip, Trip and Fall Accidents Slip, Trip and fall accidents can lead to hearing loss when victims hit their heads. This includes hitting the ground as well as hitting tables, benches, railings and other stationary objects. When seeking treatment following a slip, trip or fall, it is important to thoroughly explain all of your symptoms (including difficulty hearing or ringing in the ears) so that your doctor can provide a complete and accurate diagnosis. Product-Related Accidents Accidents involving dangerous and defective products can also cause hearing loss. This includes hearing loss from traumatic impact as well as from explosive sounds. Ineffective earplugs can also cause inner ear damage due to prolonged exposure to loud sounds on job sites and in other locations over time. Workplace Accidents Various types of workplace accidents can lead to hearing loss. If you are suffering from hearing loss that you believe may be work-related, you should speak with a Florida hearing loss attorney about your legal rights. Not only might you be eligible to file for workers’ compensation benefits, but you could have a personal injury or product liability claim as well. Are you suffering from hearing loss? If so, our Florida personal injury attorneys can determine whether you are eligible for financial compensation. Contact us today to learn more. Talk to a Florida Hearing Loss Attorney for Free To determine if you are eligible to receive financial compensation for your hearing loss, schedule a free,... - Published: 2021-04-07 - Modified: 2026-04-23 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/personal-injury/amputation-injuries/ Until it happens, it is hard to imagine losing a digit or limb to amputation. But, while this is unthinkable to most people, it does happen, and, each year, many accident victims find themselves in a position where amputating a digit or limb is necessary. If you have lost a digit or limb due to an accident or medical malpractice, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation, and you should speak with a Florida amputation attorney about your legal rights. Common Accidents and Issues Leading to Amputation Three main factors can lead to a doctor recommending amputation of a damaged digit or limb. In most cases, the need for an amputation is the result of: Physical Injury – Physical injuries account for approximately 75 percent of all upper extremity amputations. This includes injuries resulting in crushing, mangling or severing of digits and limbs. While many types of severe physical injuries can be repaired with modern medicine, some injuries are so severe that saving the injured digit or limb is not possible. Loss of Blood Flow – Loss of blood flow is another common factor leading to amputation. This can involve either physical interference with blood flow (i. e. , having an arm or leg stuck under a heavy object) or from medical conditions such as gangrene and necrosis. Infection – Gangrene is a type of severe infection that can require emergency medical intervention. While treatment is possible in some cases, in others, amputation is necessary to prevent the risk of death. Certain other types of infections can lead to a medical recommendation of amputation as well. These three factors can result from various causes. At Searcy Denney, our Florida amputation lawyers help individuals and families seek just compensation for amputations resulting from: Traumatic Accidents Most personal injury cases involving amputations arise out of traumatic accidents. This includes accidents such as: Car Accidents Truck Accidents Pedestrian Accidents Bicycle Accidents Motorcycle Accidents Slips, Trips and Falls Dog Bites and Animal Attacks Watercraft and Boating Accidents Golf Cart Accidents Other Types of Accidents To seek compensation for a traumatic accident, it is necessary to prove negligence on the part of another individual or company. As a result, a prompt investigation is critical, and it is important that you contact a Florida amputation attorney right away. Product-Related Accidents Product-related accidents are also common causes of amputations. This includes fires and explosions as well as collisions, falls, severe lacerations and other accidents caused by dangerous and defective products. Medical Malpractice In some cases, the need for an amputation can result from medical malpractice. Delayed diagnosis, misdiagnosis, improper triage and failure to treat infections are all common issues that can lead to the need to amputate a digit or limb that otherwise could have been saved. Schedule a Free Consultation With a Florida Amputation Attorney If you need to seek financial compensation for an amputation resulting from an accident or medical malpractice, we strongly encourage you to speak with one of our personal injury attorneys. To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation as soon as possible, call 800-780-8607 or send us your contact information online now. - Published: 2021-04-07 - Modified: 2025-05-21 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/personal-injury/hip-fractures-and-related-injuries/ A broken hip is among the most serious injuries you can suffer in an accident. Not only do hip fractures require invasive treatment, but they present risks for various complications, and they often leave accident victims suffering from chronic pain and lifelong disabilities. If you have suffered a broken hip in an accident, it will be vital for you to follow your doctor’s medical advice carefully, and you should also speak with a Florida hip injury lawyer as soon as possible. Accidents That Can Lead to Hip Injuries Hip injuries and their complications can result from various causes. In many cases, these causes will entitle injury victims to seek just compensation. For example, a Florida hip injury lawyer at Searcy Denney helps victims recover their losses in cases involving: Personal Injury – Car accidents, truck accidents, construction accidents, premises-related accidents, and boating accidents are common causes of hip injuries. If you suffered a hip fracture in any type of accident, you may be entitled to personal injury compensation. Defective Products – Accidents involving defective products are also common causes of hip injuries. Defective stair treads and handrails, defective brakes, and defective safety equipment are just a few examples of the numerous dangerous products that can cause and contribute to hip fractures. Medical Malpractice – Unfortunately, medical malpractice is a genuine concern for accident victims who have suffered hip fractures. Not only can a misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis lead to irreparable damage, but failure to prevent infections and other complications can lead to additional financial costs, pain and suffering, and other losses as well. Common Types of Hip Fractures Not all hip injuries are alike. There are three main types of hip injuries, each of which presents its own recovery challenges and risks for complications: Femoral Neck Fractures The most common type of serious hip injury is a femoral neck fracture. The femoral neck, which is located near the hip joint, is both the weakest point of the hip bone and one of the points of the hip bone that is most susceptible to trauma. Intertrochanteric Hip Fractures An intertrochanteric hip fracture occurs further down the hip bone. While intertrochanteric hip fractures are less common than femoral neck fractures, they often present more significant challenges in terms of treatment and recovery. Intracapsular Hip Fractures Intracapsular hip fractures are the most severe form of hip injury, and they are also generally the most difficult to repair. These injuries involve breaking the ball and socket joint in the hip. In addition to emergency medical treatment, long-term rehabilitation is essential to maximizing accident victims’ recovery. Talk to a Florida Hip Injury Lawyer for Free Have you been diagnosed with a hip fracture and/or complications from a traumatic hip injury? Recovering from a serious hip injury is not easy, and these injuries can lead to substantial economic and non-economic costs. To discuss your legal rights with a Florida hip injury lawyer at Searcy Denney, call 800-780-8607 or tell us how we can reach you online now. - Published: 2021-04-07 - Modified: 2025-05-22 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/personal-injury/eye-injuries-and-vision-loss/ If you have suffered an eye injury or vision loss in an accident, seeking just compensation will be an important part of your recovery. Not only can medical treatment costs be extraordinary, but losing your vision or suffering from a visual impairment can also impact your ability to work, as well as many other aspects of your day-to-day life. A Florida vision loss lawyer at Searcy Denney can help you fight for just compensation, and you can contact us to get started 24/7. Accidents That Can Lead to Vision Loss and Blindness There are four main factors that can lead to eye injuries. These factors can result from all types of accidents—including vehicle collisions, falls, and accidents involving defective products. Eye injuries and vision loss can also result from accidents such as: Pedestrian Accidents Bicycle Accidents Motorcycle Accidents Dog Bites and Animal Attacks Watercraft and Boating Accidents Golf Cart Accidents Premises-Related Accidents In these (and other) types of accidents, the four main factors that can cause eye injuries and vision loss are: Blunt Force Trauma Blunt force trauma to the eye or another part of the head can cause internal damage that leads to vision loss or other visual impairments. Penetrating Objects Objects penetrating the eye can also cause severe injuries. This includes everything from glass shards and other debris to nails, screws and other flying objects. Toxic Exposure Exposure to toxic chemicals can cause vision impairments, including blindness. While toxic exposure is most common in the work environment, it can also occur due to vehicle collisions, product explosions and other accidents. Ultraviolet Light Exposure Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light can cause damage leading to vision loss and other visual impairments. This includes both long-term and flash exposure to certain types of lights, lasers and other UV sources. Common Types of Eye Injuries Each of these factors can lead to various types of common eye injuries. At Searcy Denney, our Florida eye injury lawyers help local residents and out-of-state visitors seek just compensation for conditions including: Blurred vision Double vision Headaches resulting from eye injuries Loss of an eye Loss of peripheral vision Loss of visual acuity Partial blindness Vision loss (complete blindness) Regardless of what happened, if you or a loved one needs help recovering from an accident that resulted in an eye injury or vision loss, it is important that you seek both medical and legal advice right away. Talk to a Florida Vision Loss Lawyer at Searcy Denney for Free If you need to speak with a Florida vision loss lawyer about seeking just compensation for an eye injury, contact us now to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. You can reach us 24/7 by phone at 800-780-8607, or you can submit your contact information online and our injury law firm will be in touch promptly. - Published: 2021-04-07 - Modified: 2025-05-22 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/personal-injury/scarring-and-disfigurement/ Scarring and disfigurement can not only be extremely painful, but they can also cause significant psychological trauma. Many accident victims struggle with both the physical and psychological effects of their injuries. Fortunately, financial compensation is available in many cases, and a Florida disfigurement attorney at Searcy Denney can help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Accidents That Can Cause Scarring and Disfigurement Various types of accidents can lead to scarring and disfigurement. This includes car accidents, truck accidents and other vehicle collisions, as well as falls, dog bites and animal attacks, and product failures. Medical malpractice can leave patients with scars and disfiguring injuries as well. Examples of medical mistakes that can lead to unnecessary scarring and disfigurement include failure to diagnose, delayed diagnosis and surgical errors. At Searcy Denney, our personal injury practice represents individuals and families in cases involving scarring and disfigurement claims resulting from all causes. This includes cases involving: Severe Lacerations – Severe lacerations, including those requiring stitches or sutures, frequently leave accident victims with permanent scars. Burns – Burns from fires, explosions and contact with hot objects can also leave victims with painful and debilitating scars. Road Rash – Road rash sustained in motorcycle, bicycle and pedestrian accidents is another common cause of scarring and disfigurement. Chemical Exposure – Exposure to toxic substances can result in chemical burns that cause permanent scarring and disfigurement. Loss of Body Parts and Amputation – Loss of a digit or limb in a vehicle collision, job site accident or other accident can have lifelong effects. So can losing a digit or limb due to amputation. Medical Mistakes – As discussed above, various types of medical mistakes can leave patients to cope with the effects of unnecessary scars and disfigurement. Multiple Forms of Compensation for Scarring and Disfigurement Various forms of financial compensation are available for individuals who suffer scarring and disfigurement due to negligence or product failures. When we represent individuals who have scars and other disfiguring injuries, we seek maximum compensation for their: Medical bills (including skin grafts and other surgical procedures) Physical and occupational therapy costs Psychological or psychiatric care bills Prescription and medical device costs Loss of income and benefits Loss of companionship and consortium Loss of society, support and services Loss of enjoyment of life Emotional trauma Physical pain and suffering Find Out How Much You Can Recover from a Florida Disfigurement Attorney If you are struggling with the effects of a catastrophic injury, you do not have to deal with your situation alone. Our Florida disfigurement attorneys are available to speak with you 24/7. To discuss your case in confidence, call 800-780-8607 or tell us how we can reach you online now. Your initial consultation is completely free, and you owe us nothing at all unless we win. Our Florida disfigurement lawyers can help you obtain the care you need, and we can fight for just compensation on your behalf. - Published: 2021-04-07 - Modified: 2025-05-21 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/premises-liability/restaurant-accidents-and-negligence/ Restaurants present a variety of risks for injury. From spills to overcrowding, and from torn carpeting to drunk patrons, several issues can lead to accidents and altercations resulting in serious injuries. If you have been injured in a restaurant, you may have a claim against the restaurant owner, and you should speak with a Florida restaurant accident lawyer about your legal rights. Common Claims Against Restaurants in Florida There are various circumstances in which Florida residents and visitors can pursue personal injury claims against restaurant owners. Like all businesses, restaurants have a legal obligation to ensure that their premises are reasonably safe for their customers. If a restaurant fails to meet this obligation, then it can be held liable for negligence under Florida law. Some common examples of restaurant owner negligence include: Failing to clean up spills Failing to repair torn carpeting, cracked steps or other safety hazards Failing to provide adequate security Hiring inexperienced or unqualified staff (including cooks) Serving food that was not stored or prepared properly Serving expired food Exceeding the restaurant’s capacity limit Overserving drunk patrons If you were injured as a result of one of these issues – or any other issue – in a Florida restaurant, our lawyers may be able to help you recover just compensation. This includes compensation for the financial and non-financial costs of your injuries, from medical bills and lost wages to pain and suffering. If you are entitled to financial compensation, our Florida restaurant injury lawyers will work closely with you, your doctors and other experts in order to accurately calculate the full amount you are entitled to recover. We Handle Restaurant Accident Claims for Florida Residents and Visitors At Searcy Denney, we represent Florida residents as well as out-of-state visitors in restaurant accident claims. Whether you were dining out on a Friday night or you were visiting Florida on business or on vacation, our lawyers can seek just compensation on your behalf. We handle claims against stand-alone restaurants (including both franchised and non-franchised chains) as well as claims against restaurants located in hotels, convention centers, stadiums, amusement parks and other venues. In order to ensure that we have the best chance to recover your losses, it is important that you contact us right away. When it comes to seeking compensation for an accident in a restaurant, conducting a prompt investigation can be critical. Our lawyers can seek to obtain the restaurant’s surveillance camera footage, and we can seek to identify witnesses through various investigative means. But, the longer you wait to contact us, the more difficult it could become for us to collect the evidence needed to prove your claim for damages. Speak with a Florida Restaurant Accident Lawyer Today Do you need to seek financial compensation for injuries you sustained in a Florida restaurant? If so, we encourage you to contact us promptly. To discuss your claim with a Florida restaurant accident lawyer at Searcy Denney, call 800-780-8607 or tell us what happened online now.   - Published: 2021-04-07 - Modified: 2026-04-23 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/personal-injury/fractures-and-broken-bones/ Broken bones are among the most severe injuries individuals can sustain in vehicle collisions, falls, and other accidents. They are also among the most common injuries listed in personal injury claims. While a full recovery is possible in many (but not all) cases, prompt diagnosis is critical, and accident victims must receive the medical advice and treatment they need to get better. This, of course, can be incredibly costly, and most accident victims need to hire a Florida bone fracture lawyer to help them recover. Accidents That Lead to Broken Bones Bone fractures can result from all types of traumatic accidents. While it is true that some accidents “just happen,” many accidents result from other people’s negligence. When another person’s or company’s negligence leads to a broken bone, the victim can file a claim for just compensation. Our lawyers help Florida residents and visitors seek just compensation for broken bones resulting from: Car Accidents Truck Accidents Pedestrian Accidents Bicycle Accidents Motorcycle Accidents Slips, Trips and Falls Dog Bites and Animal Attacks Watercraft and Boating Accidents Golf Cart Accidents Other Types of Accidents Common Types of Bone Fractures Bone fractures can vary in terms of their severity, and the severity of a fracture will impact the duration, cost, and likelihood of a full recovery. Severe fractures can leave accident victims with permanent disabilities, and, in some cases, bone fracture victims can suffer from chronic pain as well. The most common types of bone fractures are: Compound Fractures – Compound fractures (also referred to as “open fractures”) occur when a fractured bone pierces the skin. In addition to often requiring emergency surgery, these fractures can present risks for infections and other complications. Stable Fractures – Stable fractures are generally among the less-severe types of bone fractures. The fractured ends of the bone are only minimally misaligned, and it may be possible to recover without surgical intervention. Transverse Fractures – A transverse fracture occurs when the bone fractures horizontally. This could result in a stable fracture, or the two ends of the bone could pass one another. When the ends of the bones pass, surgery will typically be necessary. Oblique Fractures – With an oblique fracture, rather than breaking horizontally, the bone breaks at an angle. The severity of these fractures also depends on the alignment of the broken bone following the injury. Comminuted Fractures – A comminuted fracture occurs when the bone shatters into multiple pieces. These can be severe injuries, and repairing the bone may require surgical intervention as well as the use of screws or other stabilizing devices. Displaced Fractures – A displaced fracture occurs when the two broken ends of a bone separate. These are severe fractures that often cause other forms of internal trauma (i. e. , nerve or soft tissue damage), and surgery is often necessary. Non-Displaced Fractures – Most bone breaks involve non-displaced fractures. With a non-displaced fracture, the broken bone remains aligned, reducing (but not eliminating) the risk of long-term effects. Closed Fractures – Contrasted with a compound (or “open”) fracture, a closed fracture is any fracture in which the bone does not pierce the skin. These can still be very serious fractures—such as displaced or comminuted fractures—and they can require significant care. Simple Fractures – A broken bone can be classified as a “simple fracture” in the case of a clean break with little separation of the bone. While these are usually among the easier bone fractures to treat, recovery can still be a long and expensive process. Greenstick Fractures – Greenstick fractures are most common among children. These child injuries occur when the... - Published: 2021-03-19 - Modified: 2025-06-05 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/product-liability/unsafe-products/roundup-glyphosate-non-hodgkins-lymphoma/ Searcy Denney is representing clients diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL) after being exposed to the active ingredient found in Monsanto’s RoundUp Weedkiller in lawsuits alleging that the manufacturer failed to warn the public of the risks associated with the product’s use. RoundUp Weedkiller Contains Carcinogen While RoundUp weedkiller and other glyphosate products have achieved approval across the world, their carcinogenic effects on humans and toxicity to the environment have raised striking concerns. Monsanto was recently found liable in a court of law for falsely promoting chemicals linked to cancer as safe for use. The plaintiff was diagnosed with a form of terminal cancer called Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL). RoundUp’s Popularity & Dangers Millions of Americans use RoundUp products. The active ingredient, glyphosate, is the main component in common garden products around the world and used extensively in agriculture. Farmers quickly adopted the herbicide, and RoundUp products of all kinds dominated the agricultural landscape. By 2007, glyphosate was the most used herbicide in the United States’ agricultural sector and the second-most used in home and garden, government and industry, and commerce. RoundUp products are common in households, on school grounds and in parks. Can exposure to glyphosate in RoundUp be dangerous or even life-threatening? The answer is yes. A court of law determined that the chemical found in RoundUp was the cause of a man’s terminal cancer. Monsanto Found Liable for Man’s Cancer On August 10, 2018, Monsanto was found liable in a landmark verdict for causing the terminal cancer of a school groundskeeper named Dewayne Johnson. The Superior Court of California jury found that Monsanto failed to warn Mr. Johnson of the cancerous risks associated with its weed killers. Monsanto was ordered to pay $289 million in damages. Dewayne Johnson’s case was the first lawsuit of its kind to go to trial. Johnson alleged that the company irresponsibly marketed a dangerous, carcinogenic product. Monsanto is facing more than 5,000 similar lawsuits across the United States. Johnson’s lawyers said their client developed NHL after using glyphosate herbicide products RoundUp and Ranger Pro while working as a pest control manager for the California school system. Following his diagnosis, Johnson underwent chemotherapy and learned he only had 18 months left to live. Symptoms of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma NHL is a type of cancer that starts in white blood cells, called lymphocytes, which belong to the body’s immune system. While lymphomas can happen anywhere in the body where there is lymph tissue, a few main sites include: Lymph nodes Spleen Bone marrow Thymus Adenoids and tonsils Digestive tract NHL can cause a variety of symptoms, depending on the type and location in the body. Common symptoms include: Enlarged lymph nodes Chills Weight loss Fatigue Swollen abdomen Feeling full after only a small amount of food Chest pain or pressure Shortness of breath or cough Severe or frequent infections Easy bruising or bleeding Fever Drenching night sweats Unexpected weight loss Glyphosate Linked to Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Scholarly reviews of glyphosate have evaluated its toxicity and cancerous risks – particularly for NHL. Findings included: A 2014 study linked an increased risk of NHL in workers exposed to the chemical The World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer classification of glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic in humans” based on epidemiological, animal and in vitro studies Because of its danger, cities and parks are now banning the use of RoundUp in their facilities. Two California North Bay cities no longer use RoundUp products following the ruling against Monsanto. Monsanto’s Ethical Violations Despite evidence of RoundUp’s link to increased cancer risk, Monsanto continues to market their popular product. Brent Wisner, a... - Published: 2021-03-19 - Modified: 2026-08-27 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/defective-medical-devices/ Tens of millions of Americans live with medical devices implanted in their bodies, from artificial joint and heart defibrillators to surgical mesh. Although these devices are tested for safety and effectiveness, dangerous parts and models still reach the market. When that happens, you have the right to consult with a defective medical device lawyer to learn your compensation options. While medical device manufacturers may be large and powerful corporations, they are not invincible. They can—and should—be held accountable when they sell defective devices. At Searcy Denney, we have a long history of successfully suing companies that manufacture defective medical devices—and if you have a claim, we can use this experience to seek the financial compensation you deserve. What Is Considered a Medical Device? How do you know if you have a claim for a medical device defect? The first step is understanding what is considered a medical device. The U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) defines a medical device as “an[y] instrument, apparatus, implement, machine, contrivance, implant, in vitro reagent, or other similar or related article, including any component, part, or accessory, which is ... : “[I]ntended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions, or in the cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease ... or “[I]ntended to affect the structure or any function of the body ... and which does not achieve its primary intended purposes through chemical action ... and which is not dependent upon being metabolized. ” The FDA classifies medical devices as Class I, Class II or Class III. Class I medical devices include things such as bandages and surgical instruments. Class II medical devices include things such as wheelchairs and infusion pumps that present greater risks—and, therefore, require greater care during the design and manufacturing processes. Class III medical devices include replacement heart valves, hip and knee replacements, and other implantable devices. Defects in these devices generally present the greatest risks for patients, and, as a result, they are subject to the highest level of oversight from the FDA. But, despite this oversight, lots of defective medical devices still find their way into patients’ hands and patients’ bodies. As a result, if you have concerns about a medical device, you should not ignore them. Instead, you should speak with a defective medical device lawyer promptly, and you should follow your lawyer’s advice about filing a claim. When Is a Medical Device Considered Defective? Similar to pharmaceutical drugs, medical devices must receive clearance from the FDA before they are made available to consumers. Devices can be fast-tracked through a program called 501 (k) in which a device must prove it is substantially equivalent to one already in distribution in the United States. Unfortunately, this standard can sometimes backfire. People and companies who manufacture, distribute, market and sell products are obligated to ensure their product is safe for use and not unreasonably dangerous for the consumer. If a medical device is defective or later found harmful, those involved in creating and distributing the product may be held liable for any resulting damages. Our Defective Medical Device Lawyers Outline Some of the Most Dangerous Products The following devices have high reports of injuries, side effects, or failure: Metal-on-Metal Hip Replacements Metal-on-metal hip replacements may fray, causing metal shavings to become lodged into the surrounding tissue or enter the bloodstream. This can cause a condition called metallosis, or metal poisoning. Metal-on-metal hip implants include the following manufacturers or brands: Biomet, Depuy, Johnson & Johnson, Smith & Nephew, Wright, and Zimmer. It is common for patients to be unsure which type of hip implant they have... - Published: 2021-03-19 - Modified: 2025-07-03 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/defective-medical-devices/ethicon-surgical-stapler/ Thousands of American medical patients are coming forward with complaints about surgical stapler injuries. In particular, Ethicon (a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson) surgical staplers are associated with injuries that include infection, tissue damage, and even death. A surgical stapler lawyer may help injured patients and their families recover losses caused by the defective product. Affected patients may include anyone who has received surgical staples in connection with gastrointestinal surgeries, such as bariatric patients and those with colorectal cancer. Unfortunately, issues with defective medical devices are common. If you or a loved one have been harmed in any way by defective Ethicon surgical staplers, we strongly encourage you to contact a lawyer regarding your legal rights and options. Critical Flaws With Ethicon Surgical Staplers May Cause Severe Injury Surgeons typically use staplers during gastrointestinal tract surgeries to create connections between sutures during the procedure. Ethicon stapler products have already caused serious injuries to patients, and the company issued a recall for the products. The U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has included the following in the list of risks associated with defective staplers: Bleeding Tearing of organs and internal tissues Leaks in the closure Sepsis Increased risk of cancer recurrence Fistula formation Possible death As a result of these issues, patients may need: Antibiotics Additional imaging procedures Additional surgeries and closures A permanent ostomy bag (a pouch attached to the person’s body externally where food waste is stored for disposal) As you can imagine, the injuries associated with Ethicon surgical staplers can be severe and life-changing. The injuries can lead to long-term changes in one’s lifestyle and abilities, such as nutritional and digestive issues, including the need for an ostomy bag. The injured person may require ongoing medical treatment or specialized care and assistance with their daily lives. Ethicon points to flaws with the device that can compromise staple lines during routine gastrointestinal surgeries. These defects include issues with the staple firing and the formation of the staples. The U. S. regulator stated, “Misfiring of the stapler resulted in an additional resection – of the middle rectum in one patient and the lower rectum in another patient – during the planned resection of the upper rectum. ” Your Potential Compensation in an Ethicon Lawsuit Damages in an Ethicon surgical stapler lawsuit can cover a wide range of losses and setbacks caused by a surgical stapler injury. Though a verdict or settlement can never really undo the tragic experiences of an injury victim, it serves the purpose of helping a victim recover and make life better moving forward. A damages award can help with: Medical costs: Costs of treatments, therapy, and medicines Earnings losses: Lost wages (for instance, due to missed work while recovering), or a loss of the ability to generate income in the future Lifestyle adjustments: Loss of consortium, loss of enjoyment of life Various other costs Thousands of Americans are being affected by surgical stapler injuries. Reports warn health care providers of an increase in the number of adverse events associated with defective surgical stapler products. Taking legal action can help you get back on track after a surgical staple injury. Contact an attorney at Searcy Denney at (800) 780-8607 if you need legal representation for an Ethicon surgical stapler lawsuit. Our attorneys have extensive experience in helping clients obtain significant settlements and verdicts against large manufacturing corporations. Ethicon Surgical Stapler Recall In 2019, Ethicon recalled its reloadable surgical staplers due to the flaws mentioned above. A little more than one month after the initial announcement, more than 92,000 Ethicon reloadable surgical staplers were recalled. The devices... - Published: 2021-03-18 - Modified: 2026-09-04 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/dangerous-drug-lawyer/hypersensitivity-reactions/ More than 100 drugs have been associated with severe, life-threatening hypersensitivity reactions, including Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TENS). Erythema Multiforme is a milder hypersensitivity reaction, less closely associated with use of particular drugs than SJS and TENS. Hypersensitivity reactions are immune-mediated reactions to drugs that range from relatively mild, (with only a rash or skin involvement), to deadly (with skin rashes that lead to massive loss of skin requiring painful treatments in a burn unit, ulcerations in mucous membranes, tissue death or necrosi, respiratory failure, kidney failure, and arrhythmia). Speak To Experienced Drug Reaction Lawyers at Searcy Denney The Florida Stevens-Johnson Syndrome lawyers at Searcy Denney note that allergic drug reactions are one of the leading causes of death in the United States. More than 100,000 patients are hospitalized each year due to adverse reactions to prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. Lethal skin and systemic reactions are mostly commonly linked to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drugs such as Motrin, Allopurinol, Phenytoin, Carbamazepine, barbiturates, anticonvulsants, and sulfa antibiotics. Pharmaceutical litigation attorneys explain that a drug reaction usually begins within days or weeks of ingestion. If identified early, the progression of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome or Erythema Multiforme may be stopped if the offending drug or drugs are identified and discontinued with appropriate supportive medical treatment. Experienced Stevens Johnson Syndrome Representation At Searcy Denney our Florida Stevens-Johnson Syndrome lawyers know that many patients with SJS develop early non-specific symptoms including headache, fever, fatigue, and sore throat. As SJS progresses, patients can develop painful ulcers in their oral, nasal, or pharyngeal passages or round lesions on their face, neck, legs, arms, and feet. Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis are two of the most often misdiagnosed or undiagnosed conditions, and far too many patients die or suffer catastrophic injuries before their conditions are properly diagnosed and treated. Patients who have Stevens-Johnson Syndrome or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis should seek immediate consultations with immunologists and dermatologists. Rural hospitals and medical providers may be ill-equipped to handle the significant medical needs of patients who are suffering from advanced stages of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, so family members may want to seek transfer of their loved ones to a university hospital or, preferably, a regional burn unit. Once a patient is diagnosed with SJS or TEN, it is important that he receive supportive care to restore his body’s functions. Supportive care includes provision and monitoring of IV and oral fluids, restoration of electrolytes, administration of special nutrients, adequate fluids and electrolytes, and skin treatment. Some scientists also advocate use of corticosteroids and intravenous immunoglobulin therapy. Recent Hypersensitivity Reactions The most recent example of a mass tort lawsuit involving Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis is the arthritis drug, Bextra. Bextra, also known as valdecoxib, was the third drug approved in the class of pharmaceuticals known as Cox II inhibitors. Bextra is manufactured and sold by Pfizer. The first two drugs approved in this class are Celebrex, also manufactured by Pfizer, which remains on the market, and Vioxx, which was recalled by Merck in September of 2004, following reports of patients suffering heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiac events. Bextra was withdrawn from the market by Pfizer in the United States in April of 2005 after reports linking the drug to numerous cardiovascular injuries and reports of patients suffering life-threatening skin reactions and deaths due to Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis. These hypersensitivity reactions were noted in patients taking Bextra, only some of whom had a history of having an allergy to sulfa drugs. Contact Searcy Denney The Florida products liability lawyers at Searcy Denney... - Published: 2021-03-18 - Modified: 2026-06-03 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/dangerous-drug-lawyer/ After a Prescription Drug Injury, You Need Searcy Denney Most people in the United States take at least one prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) drug. Although medications are perfectly safe for certain patients, those same drugs may be dangerous for other patients. Dangerous drugs could be deemed defective for various reasons, but not all are the subject of recalls. With recalls, a drug may be deemed a defective product and dangerous for all patients. With dangerous drugs, some patients may be at risk of sustaining injuries while others may not. As such, a drug may not be harmful to one person but could be for another. Such drugs are not always recalled when injuries occur, but the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may require drug manufacturers to place enhanced “black box” warnings on the drug’s label. Medications that carry dangerous risks that are not warned about can cause permanent or fatal injuries. At Searcy Denney, each prescription drug attorney at our firm fights tirelessly to ensure pharmaceutical companies and medical professionals are held responsible when their conduct causes a patient to sustain severe and often permanent injuries. When Is a Drug Deemed Dangerous? Drugs (whether prescription or over the counter) can be dangerous in various ways, and it is important to keep in mind that a drug that is typically considered safe can be extremely dangerous in certain situations. Examples of when a drug becomes dangerous include, among others, the following: Drug defects, such as contamination, which is a type of manufacturing defect (as discussed on our defective drugs page) Prescription mistakes, such as prescribing a drug a patient is allergic to or prescribing a medication that interacts with a drug a patient is already taking Dispensing errors on the part of a pharmacy, such as administering the wrong medication or wrong dose of medication contrary to a doctor’s prescription The development of severe and sometimes permanent or fatal side effects that are not warned about in drug’s label as well as in the drug’s instructions or directions for use Although doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies may be to blame in some instances where a patient is injured because of prescribing or dosing mishaps, a substantial number of lawsuits involve the manufacturers of those drugs, which is collectively and commonly known as "big pharma". To be successful in fighting big pharma, injured clients must work with a skilled dangerous drug attorney. FDA Approval – The Requirement to Disclose Known Risks and Dangers The FDA approval process is stringent, requiring drug manufacturers to present evidence that a drug is safe and effective for its intended use. Most people have seen prescription drug commercials with a long list of harmful side effects at the bottom of the screen. Despite an extensive list of negative side effects, the advertised drug still may be safe for a particular category of patients but not for others. Black box warnings are the FDA’s way of saying that drug manufacturers have not done enough to warn of dangerous side effects and that the medical community and patients need to be aware of the risks of taking the drug. When approving a drug, the FDA trusts that the information being provided is accurate and that sufficient studies and drug trials have yielded all potential dangerous side effects. The FDA May Not Have All of the Information About a Prescription Drug Unfortunately, big pharma does not always fully disclose known risks and side effects they know about to the FDA, or they move too quickly and fail to undergo the necessary testing to discover the most severe side effects... - Published: 2021-03-17 - Modified: 2025-07-07 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/mass-torts/3m-earplugs/ UPDATE: On July 24, 2020, a judge denied 3M’s attempt to hide behind a government contractor defense, allowing thousands of lawsuits on behalf of injured vets to proceed. Do you currently serve, or have you completed service in the military while experiencing hearing loss or tinnitus, and remember using two-sided earplugs in training or combat situations? During your service, you probably talked with your battalion members about the “yellow and olive green” earplugs, which many now recognize as the cause of their injuries. The Combat Arms Earplugs Version 2 (CAEv2) earplugs, currently under investigation, were produced by the international conglomerate 3M. The Minnesota-based company settled with the U. S. government for $9. 1 million last year because it did not reveal design flaws in earplugs that led to their reduced performance and injured thousands of service members. Searcy Denney attorneys provide free case evaluations to veterans diagnosed with hearing loss or tinnitus from using government-issued earplugs. Our firm offers a free private legal consultation to individuals affected by this dangerous product, so please reach out to us today. It is essential to get compensated for your injuries while we collectively work to prevent those who endanger our armed forces for financial gain. 3M Earplug Lawyer Reach out to Searcy Denney's legal team today by calling (800) 780-8607. Your initial case review will remain confidential and won't be disclosed to the military or the U. S. government. Learn More About the Legal Team at Searcy Denney 3M & Aearo Technologies Fail to Deliver on Earplug Claims Aearo Technologies (which was ultimately acquired by 3M) secured a U. S. government contract by claiming that they developed superior dual-ended earplugs called "selective attenuation earplugs. " The yellow side or “open end” permitted entry for low-level sounds such as voice commands, while the dark olive green side or “closed end” blocked both high and low-level noises. The objective was to create ear protection that enabled team communication and low-frequency hearing through one side and provided enhanced protection against combat gunfire and training noises through the opposite side. 3M’s Defective Design and Unreliable Testing Process Lead to Numerous Injured Service Members Unfortunately, the earplugs were defectively designed. The testing procedures revealed that the earplugs were too short to adequately fit inside the ear canal and create a complete seal against damaging noise. Because of this, the earplugs fit loosely. An external inspection could not reveal that the earplugs failed to seal the ear canal properly, which led to explosive noise exposure that injured U. S. soldiers. Instead of fixing the design flaw, 3M and Aearo Technologies personnel modified the fitting procedure to ensure the earplugs fit deeply into the ear canal of the test subjects. Aero staff members made the earplugs seal the ear by folding back the yellow flanges, which increased the length of the open end. The military personnel using these earplugs during training and combat operations were not informed about this modification. The U. S. government acquired earplugs from 3M and Aearo Technologies despite their knowledge about the product's design flaws, which would later become standard protective gear for millions of military personnel. Injuries From 3M’s Dual-Sided Earplugs Many military personnel experienced serious hearing damage from 3M’s combat earplugs, including hearing loss and tinnitus. The defective earplugs produced by 3M appear to be responsible for these injuries. Loss of Hearing Members of the military face consistent encounters with high decibel levels during combat scenarios and training exercises. Noise levels above 85 dB can lead to hearing loss, and service members need proper ear protection to carry out their duties effectively. Bomb explosions... - Published: 2021-03-17 - Modified: 2025-05-21 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/defective-drug-lawyer/ Prescription drugs have helped advance medicine and extended the lives of millions of people. However, far too often than not, drug makers and “big pharma” place profit before the safety of the general public. This is a serious matter since improperly tested or rushed-to-market drugs can have life-threatening consequences. Simply because a drug is on the market does not necessarily mean it is safe. If you suffered a reaction or develop a disease or illness from a medication, a defective drug lawyer from our firm will evaluate your claim and provide you with your legal options. How are Drugs Approved? The government enforces regulations for prescription drugs to protect consumers from dangerous or defective products. FDA-approved drugs identified as hazardous after approval continue to cause thousands of injuries and deaths annually. The FDA’s expedited “510(k)” testing process often leads to defective products reaching the market because it allows drugs to be sold to the public after minimal testing. A lack of proper testing results in undiscovered harmful side effects, which can exacerbate health conditions and result in deadly consequences. Certain situations allow the FDA to determine that a drug's positive effects justify its hazardous risks despite the potential for causing death. Consequences of Defective Drugs Drugs that are defective or incorrectly prescribed can result in life-altering side effects. Birth defects, along with heart attacks and heart conditions, together with hypertension, insomnia and memory loss, as well as numbness and stroke, produce traumatic and debilitating effects. Patients who consume defective or dangerous drugs frequently develop additional chronic medical conditions that demand extended medical treatment. In the worst cases, defective drugs can even cause an untimely death. Our Defective Drug Lawyer Explains Liability Product liability law represents the legal area that deals with negligent manufacturers who release defective drugs to consumers. Manufacturers and sellers face liability for any damages caused when their product creates unforeseen harm to users. There are three distinct categories under which product liability claims can be classified. A manufacturing defect happens when a product gets made incorrectly or becomes polluted during production, which leads to user injury. Design defects happen when pharmaceutical drugs are properly manufactured but their side effects create harm or injury. Failure to warn refers to defective marketing practices that result from inadequate or inappropriate instructions and warnings about how to use a drug. Who Is to Blame for My Injury? The responsibility to update drug labels in order to protect public safety falls on the manufacturer rather than the FDA. The liability for dangerous or defective products extends throughout the entire chain of manufacturers and distributors. Liability for a defective drug extends to the following parties: The drug maker: Drugs represent a multi-billion-dollar industry worldwide, which frequently enters the market because companies focus heavily on profits. Pharmaceutical companies with huge resources have repeatedly shown they inadequately test their products for safety, which results in millions of patient injuries. The drug testing lab: All drugs require multiple safety assessments before they receive approval for sale. Responsibility for consumer injuries will fall on the testing administrators if their research missed detecting a defect in the drug. The representative who sold the drug to healthcare providers: Your doctor can be held responsible for your injury if he or she neglected to inform you about potential side effects or failed to give proper instructions about taking the drug. The prescribing doctor, hospital, or clinic: In the chain of distribution, the pharmacy serves as the last point and holds ultimate responsibility for giving drug usage instructions. A pharmacist faces liability when they fail to provide sufficient instructions regarding drug... - Published: 2021-03-17 - Modified: 2025-06-22 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/pharmaceutical-lawyer/ Searcy Denney: Leading Pharmaceutical Lawyers for Every Aspect of Litigation The pharmaceutical industry never stops booming. With countless television commercials revealing new drugs and medical device manufacturers developing new products each year, it should come as no surprise that Big Pharma is a lucrative business. Despite making billions annually, pharmaceutical companies continue to rush products to the market. In doing so, many pharmaceutical drugs and medical devices are not adequately tested, revealing dangers and defects that pose a serious and unreasonable risk of harm to patients. When choosing to take a prescription medication, patients rely on their doctors’ assurances that the drug is safe for its intended use. Each pharmaceutical lawyer and drug injury attorney at Searcy Denney has extensive experience and is well prepared to fight some of the largest pharmaceutical manufacturers in the world. From Bayer to Johnson & Johnson to Pfizer, the legal team of Searcy Denney has the manpower, know-how, and reputation to fight for every client’s rights. Pictured: Brenda Fulmer & Cal Warriner, Shareholders leading our firm’s Mass Tort division. Patients seeking to undergo medical procedures also rely on their surgeons’ assurances that any implantable medical devices to be used in the procedure are safe for their intended use. Although the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the pharmaceutical drug and medical device industry, pharmaceutical companies must take responsibility when their products cause harm to patients. The Importance of Strong Legal Counsel for Injured Plaintiffs Whether in the pharmaceutical industry or not, large corporations spend millions of dollars hiring aggressive defense counsel who will fight tooth and nail to ensure injured plaintiffs do not receive the compensation they deserve for suffering personal injuries. Pharmaceutical drug and medical device manufacturers often hire the largest defense firms in the country, which provide a significant team of lawyers and support staff that work round-the-clock. Because Big Pharma has tremendous resources to fight legal claims, injured plaintiffs must also have a solid legal team to advocate on their behalf. In the context of pharmaceutical drugs and medical devices, mass torts involve thousands of plaintiffs alleging they have been injured by the same drugs and medical devices. While class actions are similar, they are not the same as mass torts. Unlike class actions, where ONE lawsuit involves a large group of plaintiffs, a mass tort is one large litigation that involves thousands of individually filed lawsuits. Because of the large number of legal claims concerning the same drug or medical device, mass tort litigations are typically consolidated in one court for administrative purposes. These cases can get large and complex, thus requiring the assistance of an experienced pharmaceutical lawyer. Understanding the Pharmaceutical Litigation Process Once an injured person contacts a law firm to discuss potential legal options concerning a dangerous drug or medical device, which is the subject of a mass tort litigation, the law firm or lawyer will take the following steps when evaluating the injured person’s potential legal claim: Identify the nature of the injury Identify the name and manufacturer of the product (drug or medical device) that caused the individual’s injuries Identify the date the injury was sustained or when the injured person became aware that a drug or medical device has caused his/her injuries Ensure the statute of limitations period has not expired (i. e. , the deadline to file a lawsuit per state law has not passed) Obtain all necessary medical records to document injuries File the lawsuit in state or federal court or seek to settle the claim out of court Litigate the case with the goal of going to trial and... - Published: 2021-03-17 - Modified: 2026-04-22 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/mass-torts/mass-tort-vs-class-action/ You may have heard the term “class action lawsuit” before. But are you familiar with what is called a “mass tort? ” Both types of cases provide similar outcomes and are often confused, but each are handled very differently.   Differences Between Mass Tort & Class Action Cases Many lawsuits involve an individual seeking compensation for damages. But in both mass tort and class action cases, the plaintiffs are made up of a large group of people who share the same grievance. In both instances, the group of plaintiffs alleges harm caused by a common defendant. With both class action and mass torts, lawsuits are consolidated into one action rather than separate lawsuits. These proceedings are designed to cut down on the number of court cases that arise when many are harmed by the same problem. What’s the difference? The main difference between mass torts and class actions is how the large group of plaintiffs is treated. Mass torts often involve a group of distinct individuals sometimes from the same geographic area. Because of this, mass tort cases typically consist of a smaller group of injured plaintiffs than a class action suit. Although plaintiffs in a mass tort are part of a large group, each member is still treated as an individual. This means that each plaintiff must prove certain facts, including how each person was injured by the defendant. Class action suits are handled a little differently. In this type of case, the large group of plaintiffs is considered a class and is represented by an individual called a class representative. The class representative stands in for the rest of the class and all members are treated as one plaintiff. What type of action is used for each case? Class Action Lawsuits A class action lawsuit has certain characteristics and must meet very specific criteria. For example, all individuals in the class must be notified of the suit and given the choice to either opt out or find their own counsel. Before a class action lawsuit is established, a motion must be filed in court for a representative to act as a plaintiff on behalf of the entire class. The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure define specific criteria that must be fulfilled for class action lawsuits to proceed. The class has so many members that aggregating them all is impractical; The class shares legal questions or factual issues that apply to all members. The representative parties' claims or defenses serve as typical examples of the entire class' claims or defenses. The representative parties will act to defend the interests of the class both fairly and adequately. Mass Tort Lawsuits Mass tort actions are an alternative option when certain conditions required for class action lawsuits remain unmet. Each member of a mass tort group may have unique circumstances that necessitate mass tort action. The establishment of a mass tort occurs when the plaintiffs' individual factual situations differ so much that they overshadow the shared issues required for a class action. Large-scale injuries to consumers from defective drugs or products usually lead to mass tort claims. Each person reacts differently to defective drugs or products, which makes it difficult to group these cases into one class. Do you know if you have a mass tort claim? Mass tort lawsuits are generally more complicated than class action lawsuits as they do not necessarily follow standard legal procedure. If you think you have a mass tort claim, it can be hard to know where to begin. That’s where we come in. Our firm has established a reputation for successful claims involving defective drugs,... - Published: 2021-02-18 - Modified: 2026-04-23 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/personal-injury/florida-child-injury-lawyer/ Was Your Child Involved in an Accident? Discuss Your Family’s Rights and Options As a parent, there is no worse feeling than knowing that your child is suffering. You do your best to keep your children safe, and you think you are putting your trust in the right people and the right companies. But, the unfortunate reality is that you can never fully protect your children from all of the risks that exist out in the world. After your child is injured, the best thing you can do is seek professional help, which includes speaking with a Florida child injury lawyer about your family’s legal rights. At Searcy Denney, we are passionate about helping families in cases involving child injuries. We have decades of experience handling all types of personal injury, premises liability, and product liability claims, and we have recovered billions of dollars in compensation for our clients. We use this experience to help families struggling to cope with the financial costs of their children’s injuries, and we fight to ensure that families have the financial resources they need to provide their children with the best lives possible. If your child has been seriously injured in an accident in Florida, you should speak with a lawyer about your family’s legal rights. Your family may be entitled to financial compensation—and, if so, working with an experienced lawyer will be key to maximizing your family’s recovery. Even in child injury cases, the insurance companies put their interests first, so it is important to have an experienced and committed advocate on your side. At Searcy Denney, we handle child injury cases throughout Florida. We have decades of experience, and we have recovered billions of dollars in financial compensation for our clients’ losses. Our Florida child injury lawyers can explain everything you need to know, help you make informed and confident decisions, and then guide you through your next steps at no out-of-pocket cost. Child Injury Cases We Handle We handle all types of child injury cases. No matter how or where your child was injured in Florida, we encourage you to contact us if you have any reason to suspect that someone else (or a company) may be to blame. Our experience includes successfully representing individuals and families in cases involving: Auto Accidents Auto accidents are among the most common causes of serious injury during childhood. As a parent, you do what you can to keep your children safe, but there are numerous factors that are beyond your control. These include common causes of car, truck and SUV accidents such as: Distracted, drunk, reckless and aggressive drivers Roadway hazards Vehicle defects and inadequate vehicle maintenance Airbag and child safety seat defects Truck overloading and other issues related to commercial vehicles If your family has a child injury case as the result of an auto accident in Florida, our lawyers can work quickly to gather the evidence needed to prove your family’s legal rights. We can then use this evidence to seek just compensation on your family’s behalf. Our lawyers will help you understand exactly how much your family is entitled to recover, and we will help you make an informed decision about whether to consider a settlement offer or take the insurance companies to court. Boating Accidents Boating accidents are a common cause of child injuries in Florida as well. Just like auto accidents, boating accidents can also result from a variety of different factors. Whether your child was injured while riding in your family’s boat or on a charter or cruise, our lawyers can use their experience to make sure you... - Published: 2021-02-18 - Modified: 2026-04-29 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/product-liability/breach-of-warranty-claims/ Any time you buy a product, that product comes with certain warranties. While companies will often provide written (or “express”) warranties for their products, Florida law establishes certain “implied” warranties for retail product sales as well. While products should adhere to the terms of these warranties, this is not always the case. In fact, companies frequently sell products that fail to uphold the terms of their express and implied warranties. If a product has injured you or a member of your family, you may have a claim for breach of warranty, and you should discuss your legal rights with an experienced product liability attorney promptly. When Can You File a Breach of Warranty Claim for a Product-Related Injury? To determine whether you have a product liability claim for a breach of warranty, it is first necessary to determine what warranties apply. There are three main types of product warranties: Express Warranties – These are written warranties included with the product’s packaging. While manufacturers often include express warranties with their products, they will often try to limit the remedies that are available in breach of warranty cases. These limits may or may not be enforceable depending on the specific circumstances involved. Implied Warranty of Merchantability – The implied warranty of merchantability guarantees that a product is of average quality (at a minimum) and that the product is reasonably safe for the purposes for which it is typically used. This warranty exists under Section 672. 314 of the Florida Statutes. Implied Warranty of Fitness – The implied warranty of fitness guarantees that a product is reasonably safe to use for a particular purpose. This warranty applies to products that have specific uses, such as hand tools and appliances, and it is provided under Section 672. 315 of the Florida Statutes. If one of these warranties applies, then the next question is whether a breach of warranty caused your (or your family member’s) injury. If it did, then you can seek just compensation under Florida law. When a breach of warranty results in physical injury, recoverable damages include all financial and non-financial losses incurred (and that will be incurred in the future). This means that individuals and families can seek just compensation for losses, including: Medical expenses Other out-of-pocket costs Lost earnings Pain and suffering All other forms of financial and non-financial loss How Will Your Florida Product Liability Attorney Prove a Breach of Warranty? Proving a breach of warranty requires evidence of exactly how your (or your family member’s) accident occurred. As a result, it is important to keep the product or any remnants, and it is important that you relay the details of the accident to an attorney as soon as possible. At Searcy Denney, we do not charge any fees or costs unless we win. You can contact us 24/7 to speak with a product liability lawyer, and we are happy to provide a claim assessment free of charge. Schedule a Free Consultation at Searcy Denney to Speak with Our Breach of Warranty Attorneys Do you have questions about filing a product warranty claim? If so, we encourage you to contact us promptly. To speak with an experienced Florida product liability attorney in confidence, call 800-780-8607 or tell us how we can contact you online now.   - Published: 2021-02-18 - Modified: 2026-04-23 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/personal-injury/personal-injury-claims/florida-hotel-injury-lawyer/ Florida Hotel Negligence Lawyer for Premises Liability and Other Injury Claims Against Resorts and Other Properties When you stay at a hotel or resort, the last thing on your mind is the risk of getting injured. You expect the property to be well-maintained, and you expect the property’s management staff to ensure the safety of all visitors and guests. Unfortunately, while these expectations are reasonable, accidents happen, and when they do, property owners can – and should – be held liable. If you’ve been injured, you should talk to a Florida hotel negligence lawyer, and we encourage you to contact us right away. When Can You Sue a Hotel or Resort in Florida for Negligence? Paying and non-paying guests can sue hotels and resorts in a wide variety of scenarios. Under Florida law, hotels and resorts must maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition, and they can be held when they fail to do so. Some examples of issues for which a Florida hotel injury lawyer can help injured guests seek just compensation include: Swimming pool hazards (i. e. , slippery decks, inadequate signage or inadequate maintenance) Flooring hazards (i. e. , frayed carpets, cracked sidewalks, or slippery tiles) Unsafe showers or bathtubs Inadequate maintenance or cleaning Toxic mold, lead paint or asbestos exposure Inadequate lighting or security Assaults by hotel or resort staff members Injuries caused by other guests Overserving drunk guests Elevator and escalator malfunctions Parking lot hazards (i. e. , inadequate visibility, inadequate signage or crosswalk markings, or maintenance issues) Ocean water or rain puddles, sand, or other slip-and-fall hazards Do You Have a Premises Liability or Personal Injury Claim Against a Hotel or Resort? Most claims against hotels and resorts are based on the law of premises liability. This law requires property owners to maintain the safety of their premises for visitors and guests. If you slipped or tripped, if your injuries are the result of an escalator malfunction, or if you were injured due to any other issue with the hotel’s or resort’s premises, then a lawyer may be able to help you pursue a claim for premises liability. The other possibility is that you could have a personal injury claim. For example, if a staff member or drunk guest assaulted you, you may have a personal injury claim against the hotel or resort. Regardless of what type of claim you have, you are entitled to full compensation for your injuries, and an experienced Florida hotel injury lawyer can help you recover. At Searcy Denney, our lawyers bring decades of experience to helping injury victims recover their losses, and we can use our experience to help make sure you receive the compensation you deserve. Schedule a Free Consultation with a Florida Hotel Injury Lawyer If you are struggling to recover from injuries you sustained at a Florida hotel or resort, we encourage you to speak with an experienced Florida hotel negligence lawyer about your legal rights. To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation as soon as possible, call 800-780-8607 or submit your case online now. - Published: 2021-02-18 - Modified: 2025-07-03 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/wrongful-death/wrongful-death-claims-after-crime/ If You Have Lost a Loved One to Violence or Other Criminal Conduct, You Should Speak with a Lawyer about Your Family’s Legal Rights No one deserves to lose their life to someone else’s criminal conduct, and no family deserves to endure the tragedy of losing a loved one too soon. While Florida’s criminal justice system should ensure that the perpetrator is held accountable, if you have lost a loved one to crime, you will need to take legal action on your own to secure just compensation for your family member’s death. There are various circumstances in which surviving family members can recover financial compensation for a wrongful death resulting from a crime. While this might involve filing a claim against the perpetrator, it will more likely involve filing a claim against a business that could have – and should have – done more to prevent your loved one’s death. When you contact us, our Florida wrongful death lawyers will assess all options for securing just compensation, and we will do everything we can to seek justice on your family’s behalf. When Can You File a Florida Wrongful Death Claim After a Death Caused By Crime? All types of fatal crimes can support claims for financial compensation. This includes everything from first-degree murder to vehicular homicide. When a person is charged with a crime, that person can face penalties, including fines and prison time. However, to recover financial compensation, eligible family members must file a claim in civil court. Technically, Florida law requires a wrongful death claim to be filed by the victim’s personal representative. However, spouses, children, parents, and other dependents can all receive compensation. Some examples of circumstances in which eligible family members can recover financial compensation for a wrongful death caused by crime include: Fatal Vehicle Accident – If your loved one was killed in a car accident, your family could seek compensation through auto insurance, and your loved one’s personal representative may be able to file various other claims as well. A Bar or Restaurant Overserved a Drunk Driver – If your loved one was killed by a drunk driver who had been drinking at a bar or restaurant, the establishment could be liable for your loved one’s death. Fatal Assault on Business Premises – If your loved one was assaulted or murdered on business premises, your family may have a claim against the business for negligent security or another form of negligence. Fatal Assault By an Individual – In addition to pursuing a claim against a third-party business, your family may be able to file a lawsuit against the perpetrator as well. With regard to suing the perpetrator, a key issue will be whether the perpetrator has the assets required to provide just compensation to your family. Explaining the Connection Between a Civil and Criminal Case When a Loved One is Killed Other times, a wrongful death case can be brought after a family member died as a result of an intentional act of violence, such as murder. It is often hard for family members to wrap their minds around the reality that their loved one was victimized in such a manner. After undergoing the stresses of the perpetrator’s criminal prosecution, families are often left feeling that their ordeal will never end. This is especially the case when the person who killed your loved one escapes conviction. A wrongful death attorney in Florida will help you file a civil lawsuit against the person who caused the death of your loved one through violence. You are entitled to pursue a case for damages against the person... - Published: 2021-02-08 - Modified: 2025-06-22 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/product-liability/unsafe-products/paraquat-herbicide/ Fighting for Compensation After Exposure to Paraquat Paraquat is a non-selective herbicide widely used in commercial farming. In the United States, Paraquat use has increased more than 200% during the past ten years, although it has been banned in numerous countries all over the world. The connection between Paraquat and Parkinson's Disease is causing many victims to turn to a Paraquat lawyer to learn their legal options. At Searcy Denney, we're helping victims with claims across the country. Herbicides are basically weed killers. Non-selective herbicides like Paraquat kill all plant, weed, or grass species to which it is applied. Selective herbicides are specially formulated to kill only non-desirable weeds or grasses, leaving behind the crop or plant you want to cultivate. Paraquat is used to destroy all plant and grass growth on farms, typically between planting of desired crops. Once harvest is complete, farmers apply Paraquat to what remains, essentially obliterating everything above ground. Think of napalm. This practice eliminates time consuming and expensive tilling. The problem is, Paraquat is lethally toxic to both humans and non-human species. As the current labeling states, “One Sip Can Kill. ” Numerous deaths have been linked to the accidental ingestion of Paraquat. As deaths mounted, the EPA issued a Mitigation Decision in 2017 mandating who could mix and apply the herbicide and implementing mandatory training for those individuals. But that’s too little, too late. The most insidious risk of Paraquat use cannot be found in EPA training or on the Paraquat labeling. Our Paraquat Lawyer Explains the Dangers of Exposure Using Paraquat has been linked to developing early-onset Parkinson’s disease. Scientific studies have shown that Paraquat induces mid-brain changes that are the signature of Parkinson’s disease. Some who study Parkinson’s disease use Paraquat in the laboratory to induce these changes so they can be studied. It is almost impossible for the maker of Paraquat, Syngenta, with their scientific abilities not to have discovered this link. One thing we know, Syngenta has never told the EPA that Paraquat can cause Parkinson’s disease. Syngenta has steadfastly claimed there is no link between Paraquat and Parkinson’s disease. The weight of scientific knowledge suggests otherwise. Although Paraquat’s label warns against drinking the herbicide, it has never included a warning about the risk of Parkinson’s disease or any other neurological risk. Review of a Paraquat usage map indicates it is most widely used where you would expect. Agriculture in the United States tends with some exceptions to be in flat, fertile farmland typically near a water source. The entire Mississippi River delta, California’s Central Valley, Kansas, Nebraska, Southern South Dakota, Southern Illinois and most Southern states seem where Paraquat is most widely used. Corn, wheat, soybeans, cotton and fruit orchards and grapes appear to be the crops most widely sprayed with Paraquat. Paraquat Regulation In 2017 the EPA substantially changed the conditions under which Paraquat could be purchased, mixed and applied. Before that though, the rules were much different. Paraquat has always been a restricted-use herbicide, meaning it could be sold only to someone who was a certified applicator. However, before 2017 anyone could mix and apply Paraquat if they were doing so under the “supervision” of a certified applicator, which means hundreds of thousands of farmworkers, none of whom had training or certification, mixed and applied Paraquat for years. In addition, overspray has unintentionally exposed agricultural workers who did not mix or apply Paraquat. These workers, according to published medical literature, were at more than twice the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease than the general public. Even had they received training, they would not be aware of... - Published: 2020-12-01 - Modified: 2025-06-06 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/premises-liability/special-circumstances-in-premises-liability-cases/ As a Florida premises liability law firm, we have represented clients in cases involving a broad range of circumstances. While certain types of slip, trip, and fall accidents are relatively common, some special circumstances can present unique challenges when pursuing a premises liability claim. Premises liability claims are a form of personal injury claim and often revolve around negligence. Our attorneys will examine the unique facts for your case and help you pursue the most compensation available. Four Types of Premises Liability Claims Involving Special Circumstances in Florida Some of these special circumstances arise out of the facts involved in the accident, and some of them arise out of specific provisions of the Florida Statutes. For example, some special circumstances that can impact how our attorneys pursue a premises liability claim include: 1. Spills (or “Transitory Foreign Substances”) Spills are among the most common causes of slip-and-fall accidents. But, when these accidents occur in Florida businesses, special rules apply. Under Section 768. 0755 of the Florida Statutes: “If a person slips and falls on a transitory foreign substance in a business establishment, the injured person must prove that the business establishment had actual or constructive knowledge of the dangerous condition and should have taken action to remedy it. ” “Transitory foreign substance” simply refers to something that has been spilled on the floor, whether milk in a supermarket or a cleaning solvent in a big box or home improvement store. As the statute states, to recover compensation in these types of cases, it is necessary to prove that either: (i) the business actually knew of the spill; or, (ii) the business should have known that the spill occurred or the spill was a foreseeable event. 2. Premises Liability Claims Involving Children Accidents involving children present special circumstances as well. This is due not only to the unique impacts that traumatic injuries can have upon a child but due to Florida’s “attractive nuisance” law as well. Under this law, a property owner can be held liable for a child’s injuries, even if the child was trespassing at the time of his or her accident. Attractive nuisance claims commonly involve hazards such as: Construction sites Golf carts, ATVs and heavy machinery Lakes, streams and ponds Playgrounds Swimming pools 3. Premises Liability Claims Involving Seniors As we age, our bodies become more fragile. It also becomes increasingly likely that we will suffer the lingering effects of physical injuries that make us more susceptible to harm. As a result, seniors will frequently suffer severe injuries in falls and other premises-related accidents. In these cases, Florida’s “eggshell plaintiff” doctrine applies. Under this doctrine, property owners can be held fully liable for seniors’ injuries regardless of any pre-existing conditions. 4. Delayed Premises Liability Claims Finally, in many cases, accident victims wait to seek legal help. The good news is that Florida has a four-year statute of limitations for premises liability claims. However, proving liability for a fall or other premises-related accident can become more difficult as time goes on (and it takes time to investigate and prepare a claim as well), so it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. Contact Our Florida Premises Liability Law Firm for Your Personal Injury Claim If you, your child or any other member of your family has been injured in a premises-related accident, we encourage you to speak with one of the attorneys at our Florida premises liability law firm about your legal rights. For a free, no-obligation consultation, call us at 800-780-8607 or tell us how we can help online today.   - Published: 2020-12-01 - Modified: 2026-04-23 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/personal-injury/personal-injury-claims/cruise-ship-accidents-and-illnesses/ Getting injured or sick on a cruise ship or shore excursion can do much more than ruin your vacation. Injuries and illnesses can lead to substantial out-of-pocket costs, and, if you have been severely injured, you could be facing chronic pain and other long-term consequences. While the cruise lines can be held liable when injuries and illnesses occur, recovering your losses can be challenging. As a result, it is important to hire an experienced Florida cruise ship accident lawyer to fight for the compensation you deserve. Common Causes of Injuries on Cruise Ships All types of accidents can lead to injuries onboard cruise ships. Our cruise ship accident attorneys represent cruise ship passengers, parents of children who suffer injuries and illnesses onboard cruise ships, crew members, guest performers and others in claims involving: Allergic reactions Elevator and escalator accidents Exposure to contagious diseases Exposure to carbon monoxide or harmful fumes Food poisoning Mistakes by cruise ship doctors and medical staff Moving and falling objects Physical and sexual assaults Roller coaster accidents Rock climbing wall accidents Slips, trips and falls Swimming pool accidents While cruise ships are meant to be fun, and while most cruise lines make efforts to ensure their passengers’ and employees’ safety, accidents can – and do – occur. Each year, there are hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries onboard cruise ships. Our Florida cruise ship accident lawyers represent victims and families in Florida and nationwide in their personal injury claims, and we handle cases against all of the major cruise lines. Common Accidents on Cruise Ship Excursions In addition to accidents onboard cruise ships, accidents during cruise ship excursions can leave passengers suffering from serious, life-altering and, in some cases, life-threatening injuries as well. Some of the most common types of accidents during cruise ship excursions include: Accidents during physical activities such as hiking or biking Parasailing accidents Snorkeling and scuba diving accidents Tender accidents Vehicle accidents Zipline accidents Depending on the circumstances involved, seeking financial compensation for an accident that occurred during a cruise ship excursion may involve filing a claim against the cruise line, or you may need to pursue a claim against the excursion operator. Our lawyers can determine which company is liable for your losses and pursue all appropriate claims on your behalf. Our Florida Cruise Ship Accident Lawyers Outline What You Should Do After a Accident Onboard or During a Shore Excursion If you have been injured onboard a cruise ship or during a shore excursion, what should you do? If you are still on the cruise, you should report the accident to cruise personnel immediately. You should also seek medical treatment onboard the cruise ship (or at the hospital if you are back in the United States), and you should speak with a Florida cruise ship accident lawyer as soon as possible. Speak with a Florida Cruise Ship Accident Lawyer for Free Our Florida cruise ship accident lawyers are available to speak with passengers, crewmembers and others 24/7. To discuss your legal rights in confidence, call our injury law firm at 800-780-8607 or tell us about your cruise ship accident online now.   - Published: 2020-12-01 - Modified: 2025-05-21 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/personal-injury/personal-injury-claims/elevator-and-escalator-accidents/ Most of us use elevators and escalators daily without giving it a second thought. They save time, they offer a moment of respite in the middle of a busy day, and they are supposed to be safely designed and meticulously maintained. However, each year, well over 10,000 Americans are forced to seek emergency medical treatment for elevator and escalator accidents. At Searcy Denney, we help accident victims recover just compensation. If you need a Florida elevator accident lawyer or a Florida escalator accident lawyer, we encourage you to contact us right away. What are the Causes of Elevator and Escalator Accidents? Elevator and escalator accidents can result from a variety of different causes. While these accidents are occasionally the result of user error (i. e. , someone attempting to run up a down escalator), most result from issues with elevators and escalators themselves. This includes issues such as: Defective design or construction Faulty installation Inadequate preventative maintenance Negligent repairs Missed inspections Insufficient elevator or escalator capacity Who is Liable for an Escalator or Elevator Accident in Florida? When it comes to determining who is liable for an elevator or escalator accident, the answer depends upon the specific issue (or issues) involved. For example, while an elevator manufacturer would be liable in the case of a design defect, the building owner where the elevator was installed might be responsible if the accident resulted from inadequate maintenance or a missed inspection. If the building owner hired a service company to make a repair, then the service company could be liable if its engineer or technician made a mistake that led to the accident. As your case could be a product liability or premises liability claim, it’s best to consult with an experienced injury law firm to point you in the right direction with the right legal team. How Do You Seek Compensation for an Elevator or Escalator Accident in Florida? To seek compensation for an elevator or escalator accident in Florida, you will need to hire an experienced elevator or escalator lawyer to conduct an investigation and file all available claims on your behalf. Due to the multitude of factors that could potentially be involved, it is important to choose a lawyer who has experience with personal injury, premises liability and product liability claims. At Searcy Denney, our attorneys have centuries of combined experience and have recovered billions of dollars in compensation in each of these types of cases. We have the experience you need to secure the compensation you deserve, and we do not hesitate to take companies to court when necessary. How Long Do You Have to File a Claim in Florida? Under Florida law, you generally have two years to file a claim after an elevator or escalator accident. However, to preserve critical evidence and ensure that you can recover just compensation as soon as possible, we strongly encourage you to speak with a Florida elevator accident lawyer or Florida escalator accident lawyer right away. Discuss Your Case with a Skilled Florida Elevator Accident Lawyer or Escalator Accident Attorney at Searcy Denney For more information about recovering your losses after an elevator or escalator accident in Florida, contact us to arrange a free initial consultation with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys. We are available 24/7, so call 800-780-8607 or tell us how we can reach you online now. - Published: 2020-12-01 - Modified: 2026-09-02 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/truck-accidents/tow-truck-accidents/ Tow trucks are large, complex vehicles that provide limited visibility, and they can be dangerous if they are not properly operated and maintained. As a result, among accidents involving large trucks, tow truck accidents are fairly common, and they often result in serious injuries. If you have been injured in an accident involving a tow truck in Florida, you will need to hire an experienced attorney to help you recover your losses. At Searcy Denney, we have been representing truck accident victims for decades, and we have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our truck accident clients. While tow trucks can be difficult to operate and expensive to maintain, this does not mean that mistakes are excused. If a truck driver or towing company is to blame for your losses, you deserve compensation, and our attorneys can fight to recover the compensation you deserve. What are Common Issues in Accidents Involving Tow Trucks? Several issues contribute to the accident risks associated with tow trucks. This includes both problems with the truck’s operation and issues with the truck itself: Negligent Tow Truck Driving – Due to tow trucks’ size and weight, common driving mistakes can be extremely dangerous. Speeding, tailgating, distracted driving, ignoring traffic signs and signals, and driving while impaired are all common factors in tow truck accidents. Negligent Vehicle Loading or Towing – Towed vehicles must be adequately secured, and their weight must not exceed the truck’s safe towing capacity. Issues with vehicles undertow are common factors in tow truck accidents as well. Tow Truck Mechanical Failures – From a mechanical perspective, a lot can go wrong with a tow truck. From transmission and brake failures to issues with the straps and winches used to secure towed vehicles, numerous types of mechanical problems can lead to dangerous collisions. Inadequate Driver Training or Experience – Operating a tow truck safely requires thorough training and considerable experience. If a towing company hires an inexperienced driver and fails to provide him or her with the necessary training, the towing company could be deemed directly at fault in the event of a collision. Who is Liable for a Tow Truck Accident in Florida? Just as several issues can cause tow truck accidents, several parties can be liable for these accidents as well. In addition to the towing company, parties that could potentially be liable include the driver’s insurance company, maintenance and repair shops that worked on the truck, the truck’s manufacturer, and others. As your law firm, we will thoroughly investigate what caused your tow truck accident and what company is liable. Then we will use our experience in commercial truck accident cases to seek maximum compensation on your behalf. Injured in a Florida Tow Truck Accident? Schedule a Free Consultation at Searcy Denney With offices in West Palm Beach and Tallahassee, our firm handles tow truck accident cases throughout Florida. For a free, no-obligation consultation, call us at 800-780-8607 or contact us online today. - Published: 2020-11-30 - Modified: 2026-09-02 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/car-accidents/reckless-and-aggressive-driving-accidents/ Different people have different perceptions of the task of driving. While some view it merely as a necessary means of transportation, some find it stressful, and some find it an opportunity to get their thrills. Some also find it incredibly aggravating, particularly when they perceive others as being in their way. As a result of these differences in perception, people behave differently behind the wheel as well. While most people choose to drive safely, some do not. Reckless and aggressive driving are pervasive issues in Florida, and they account for hundreds of accidents every day. While there are explanations for reckless and aggressive driving, there are no excuses, and drivers who put others in harm’s way can – and should – be held legally accountable. What Constitutes Reckless or Aggressive Driving in Florida? Reckless and aggressive driving can take many different forms. While reckless driving is a traffic offense under Florida law, a driver’s conduct does not necessarily have to meet the statutory definition of this offense to give rise to a claim for liability. For purposes of pursuing an accident claim after an auto accident, reckless driving encompasses any driving behaviors that create unnecessary risks for others. With this in mind, some examples of reckless driving behaviors include: Speeding excessively Weaving through traffic Passing on the shoulder Passing on a solid yellow line Running red lights and stop signs Street racing Attempting to evade the police Turning or merging without yielding to oncoming traffic Driving while distracted Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs Likewise, “aggressive driving” does not have a precise definition but is broadly used to describe driving behaviors that are both risky and targeted toward others. For example, some of the most common forms of aggressive driving that lead to accidents include: Tailgating Cutting off other drivers Yelling or gesturing toward other drivers Dangerously attempting to get in front of another vehicle Swerving toward another vehicle How Do You Prove that Reckless or Aggressive Driving Caused an Accident? To recover financial compensation (beyond your personal injury protection (PIP) limit) after an auto accident in Florida, you need to be able to prove fault. There are several different ways our attorneys can seek to prove that the driver who hit you was behaving recklessly or aggressively. From skid marks and eyewitness testimony to phone records and traffic camera footage, various forms of evidence can be used to prove reckless or aggressive driving. The evidence our attorneys can use to prove your claim will depend on the specific circumstances involved. To ensure that we can collect as much evidence as possible, we encourage you to contact us right away. Discuss Your Compensation Claim with a Florida Car Crash Lawyer at Searcy Denney Do you need to seek to recover your losses after an auto accident involving a reckless or aggressive driver? To discuss your claim with one of our experienced Florida auto accident lawyers in confidence, call us at 800-780-8607 or request a free consultation online today. - Published: 2020-11-30 - Modified: 2026-09-02 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/car-accidents/rental-car-accidents/ In Florida, rental cars are everywhere. Tourists and business travelers come from across the country and worldwide to visit our beaches, amusement parks, entertainment venues, conference centers, and other major attractions. If you have been involved in a rental car accident, recovering your losses may present certain unique challenges. It will be important to hire an experienced Florida rental car accident lawyer to represent you. Auto Insurance Claims in Florida Rental Car Accidents As a Florida resident, you should have personal injury protection (PIP) under your auto insurance policy. This coverage is mandatory under Florida’s “no-fault” insurance law. PIP provides coverage regardless of fault, so you should be able to secure PIP coverage without addressing any questions as to who caused the accident. However, this can be easier said than done, and many Florida drivers struggle to secure full PIP coverage on their own. To seek insurance coverage outside of PIP, you will need to prove that the rental car driver was negligent. This is true whether: The rental car driver has liability insurance; or, You have uninsured/underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage under your policy. Filing a liability claim after a rental car accident is similar to seeking fault-based coverage after any other type of vehicle collision. Your lawyer will need to conduct an investigation, and he or she will need to use the available evidence to prove that the rental car driver was negligent in causing the collision. Is the Rental Car Company Liable for Florida Accident? Many people assume that rental car companies are liable for rental car accidents. However, this is not necessarily the case. In fact, under Florida law, the default rule is that a rental car company is not liable simply as a result of one of its vehicles being involved in a collision. But, while this is the default rule, there are several exceptions, and, in many cases, rental car companies can be held liable for accident victims’ injuries. For example, potential grounds for pursuing liability claims against rental car companies in Florida include: The rental car company failed to perform necessary maintenance on the vehicle; The rental car company failed to adequately supervise or train its employees; and, The rental car company failed to conduct adequate screening to avoid renting a vehicle to an unsafe driver. In any case, if you were injured in an accident and the other driver, the rental car company, or anyone else was at fault, you deserve to be fully and fairly compensated. At Searcy Denney, our Florida rental car accident lawyers can help, and we encourage you to contact us promptly to discuss your case. Request a Free Consultation with a Florida Rental Car Accident Lawyer Were you injured in an accident involving a rental car in Florida? To discuss your legal rights with one of our experienced car accident lawyers in confidence, call us at 800-780-8607 or request a free consultation online now.     - Published: 2020-10-30 - Modified: 2026-09-02 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/truck-accidents/tanker-truck-accidents/ Tanker trucks carrying fuel, oil, water, industrial chemicals and other liquids present hazards on Florida’s roads. From highways to city streets, these large trucks are not only notoriously difficult to maneuver safely, but they also present other risks. Accidents involving tanker trucks often have devastating consequences, and, in many cases, victims and their family members will face lifelong recoveries. If you have been seriously injured or lost a loved one, you should promptly speak with a Florida tanker truck accident attorney. Common Factors in Florida Tanker Truck Accidents Like other types of commercial truck accidents, accidents involving tanker trucks can involve various factors. Negligent truck driving, issues with the road, problems with the truck’s liquid cargo and issues with the truck itself can all cause and contribute to serious and fatal collisions. However, certain factors tend to be particularly common. For example, some of the most common factors involved in tanker truck accidents include: Driver fatigue due to long hours behind the wheel Driver distractions (both in the cab and outside of the truck) Driving under the influence of alcohol, medications, and illegal drugs Failure to appropriately pressurize liquid cargo Tanker truck defects and maintenance issues In addition to these common causes of tanker truck accidents, there are several scenarios in which these accidents are more likely to occur. Specific Dangers Truck Drivers Face When Driving a Tanker Truck Among other instances, drivers, passengers and their loved ones will frequently be entitled to recover financial compensation for tanker truck accidents involving: Taking Turns Too Fast – When filled with liquid cargo, tanker trucks can be extraordinarily heavy. Additionally, the fuller the tank, the higher the truck’s center of gravity. If a tanker truck driver takes a turn too fast, this can cause its trailer to jackknife or rollover. Even if the driver can regain control, it will be too late to avoid a serious collision in many cases. Following Too Closely, Braking Harshly and Stopping Short – Due to their extreme weight, tanker trucks require a significant amount of stopping distance. If a tanker truck driver is following too closely, brakes suddenly or attempts to stop short, the weight of the truck’s liquid cargo can push the truck forward and cause a rear-end collision. Tanker Truck Spills – Regardless of the type of liquid it is carrying, if a tanker truck spills its liquid cargo onto the road, this can create an extremely dangerous situation in which multiple drivers, passengers, and pedestrians are at risk for suffering serious traumatic injuries. While modern tanker trucks are designed to prevent spills even during rollovers and other serious accidents, spills still happen, and they often have devastating consequences. Speak with a Florida Tanker Truck Accident Attorney at Searcy Denney Have you been injured, or has a member of your family been killed in a tanker truck accident in Florida? If so, our attorneys are here to help you recover the financial compensation you deserve. To get started with a free and confidential consultation, call our Florida tanker truck accident attorney at 800-780-8607 or tell us how we can reach you online today. - Published: 2020-10-30 - Modified: 2026-09-02 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/truck-accidents/garbage-truck-accidents/ Garbage trucks are indispensable, and they are a common sight on roads throughout Florida seven days a week. But, while we need garbage trucks to help keep our cities and neighborhoods clean, we also need these trucks to be operated and maintained safely, as accidents involving garbage trucks can often lead to severe injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured and needs help, we encourage you to speak with our Florida garbage truck accident lawyer right away. Garbage Trucks Can Present a Danger to Floridians Garbage trucks have several attributes that make them dangerous to pedestrians, bicyclists, and other Florida drivers. Not only do they offer limited visibility and carry extreme amounts of weight, but they are also challenging to maneuver and control. Additionally, when picking up trash in neighborhoods and downtown areas, garbage truck drivers must continuously check to ensure that there is not anything in their path. Even a momentary lapse in concentration or judgment can have serious consequences. With these risks in mind, garbage truck accidents – like all commercial truck accidents – can involve various factors, and they can lead to injuries under a broad range of circumstances. Some examples of common scenarios in which accident victims and families will be entitled to seek financial compensation include: Distracted Driving – Operating a garbage truck safely requires constant attention to the task at hand. If a garbage truck driver is distracted, they are far more likely to cause an accident. Failure to Check Blind Spots – Failure to check blind spots presents risks for pedestrians and bicyclists of all ages, as well as other motorists. Garbage trucks must be equipped with adequate mirrors (and other necessary equipment) to ensure that drivers can safely decide when to merge and turn. Failure to Stop or Yield – Often, garbage truck drivers will ignore yield and stop signs because they simply want to get on with their job. However, this can be extremely dangerous, and failure to stop and failure to yield are common factors in garbage truck accidents. Driving Too Fast for Conditions – With their long stopping distance and limited maneuverability, garbage trucks must often travel more slowly than other vehicles. Additionally, when there is heavy vehicle or pedestrian traffic, when the roads are slick or narrow, and when the risk of being involved in an accident is otherwise high, garbage truck drivers must slow down to stay safe. Reversing Accidents – When backing up, garbage truck drivers must exercise caution to avoid reversing into pedestrians, bicyclists, and other vehicles. Reversing accidents are common, and they often result in severe traumatic injuries. While these are some of the most common scenarios involved in garbage truck accidents, there are many other situations in which accident victims and families will be entitled to seek financial compensation as well. To find out if you have a claim, schedule a free consultation today. Discuss Your Case with a Florida Garbage Truck Accident Lawyer for Free Are you entitled to financial compensation for injuries sustained in a garbage truck accident? For a free, no-obligation consultation about your legal rights, call our Florida garbage truck accident lawyer at 800-780-8607 or contact us online today.   - Published: 2020-10-30 - Modified: 2026-09-02 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/truck-accidents/jackknife-truck-accidents/ When you are driving, few sights are more frightening than seeing a tractor-trailer jackknife on the road in front of you. Other drivers may be left with nowhere to turn, and the situation can turn from bad to worse instantly. If you are involved in a crash, your losses could be substantial, and proving your right to just compensation could present several unique challenges. Without the help of a truck accident lawyer in Florida, you may not know how much your case is worth. Most Jackknife Accidents in Florida are the Result of Truck Driver Negligence Most tractor-trailer jackknife accidents occur for one simple reason: The truck driver makes a mistake. The truck driver brakes too hard; and, while the truck’s cab slows down, the trailer continues traveling at speed. This causes the front of the trailer to push the cab’s rear, and this pushing force causes the truck to jackknife. But, while truck driver negligence is the primary factor in most jackknife truck accidents, various other factors can play a role in causing these dangerous accidents as well. For example, other factors that may contribute to a truck driver braking suddenly or a trailer maintaining its speed under braking include: Tire blowouts and retread failures Mechanical and electrical issues Cargo loading errors (i. e. , overloading the trailer or failing to secure the truck’s cargo adequately) Issues with the road (i. e. , potholes, loose gravel and low shoulders) Other drivers’ mistakes With these potential factors in mind, it is important to assess all possible causes of the crash thoroughly when investigating a truck accident. If multiple factors played a role in the accident, it may be necessary to pursue a claim against each of the at-fault parties to recover your losses fully. This makes it critical to choose a law firm with a team of highly experienced truck accident attorneys, and it will be necessary for your attorneys to begin working on your case as soon as possible. Recovering Your Losses with the Help of a Florida Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer After any type of serious commercial truck accident in Florida, victims and their families can seek to recover just compensation for all of their accident-related losses. This includes both financial and non-financial losses, and it includes losses incurred through the date of settlement or verdict, as well as losses that are reasonably expected to be incurred in the future. In a typical case involving severe injuries, recoverable losses will include: Medical, therapy and prescription costs Lost income and earning capacity Pain, suffering and emotional trauma Scarring and disfigurement Loss of companionship, enjoyment of life, services, society and support In cases involving fatal jackknife truck accidents, eligible family members can recover compensation for losses including (but not limited to): funeral and burial costs, lost earnings, loss of childcare and other services, and loss of love and affection. Schedule a Free Consultation about Your Florida Jackknife Truck Accident Claim If you would like more information about your right to financial compensation after a jackknife truck accident in Florida, we encourage you to get in touch. To schedule a free consultation at your convenience, please call 800-780-8607 or inquire online today. - Published: 2020-10-30 - Modified: 2026-09-02 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/car-accidents/road-hazards-and-dangerous-roads/ Florida has some of the most dangerous roadways in the country, causing hundreds of thousands of crashes to occur each year on Florida roadways. According to a report from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, “[f]our of the top five deadliest highways in the nation are in Florida. ” Looking at the Top 10 list of most dangerous highways in America, Florida is home to six out of ten of the most dangerous highways, according to Forbes. Florida’s U. S. Route 1 is the most dangerous road in the United States. U. S. Route 1 is 544 miles of roadway running along Florida’s east. Over a thousand deadly crashes have occurred on this highway over the past decade. Why Are Florida Roadways So Dangerous? While the above reports consider accidents involving all factors, the roads themselves are often to blame in many cases. Numerous dangerous road conditions cause and contribute to serious and fatal car accidents across Florida each year. Additionally, below are some other factors that contribute to Florida’s highways being so dangerous: Negligence/Speeding. Some drivers are negligent in driving and disregard posted speed limits causing accidents to occur. Florida motorists who drive at higher rates of speed that are appropriate for the area or the terrain, making it more difficult to quickly respond to a hazard that may appear in the roadway. Dense Population. A combination of Florida’s dense population and dangerous road conditions contribute to a large number of accidents each year. Florida’s roadways that are connected to densely populated areas increase the chances of accidents occurring. Florida Car Crash Statistics The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) reports motor vehicle crash data and other statistics each year; the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) maintains a Florida Crash Dashboard for easy access and updates these reports annually. Here are the numbers for 2024 and 2023 motor vehicle accidents in Florida: 2024 Florida Car Crash Statistics All Crashes: 380,308 Total Fatal Crashes: 2,887 Total Injury Crashes: 160,583 2023 Florida Car Crash Statistics All Crashes: 395,175 Total Fatal Crashes: 3,162 Total Injury Crashes: 164,413 In addition to fatal crashes, thousands of auto accidents each year cause serious damage to motorists causing expenses such as medical expenses, deteriorating quality of life, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property loss. Our car accident attorneys understand how complicated these cases can be and are readily available to fight for your compensation. If you have questions about the damages you sustained in your car crash case, contact an experienced Florida road hazard accident attorney at Searcy Denney. Our lawyers can help explain your options as well as negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive the compensation you need for the injuries you sustained. Common Road Hazards and Other Factors That Cause and Contribute to Serious in Florida Auto Accidents Dangerous road conditions range from issues with how a road is constructed to problems with signs, traffic signals and lane markings (or the lack thereof). Any time you are involved in an auto accident, it is important to consider whether an issue with the road may have played a role in causing you to crash. Some of the most common road hazards involved in auto accidents in Florida include: Potholes and sinkholes Uneven lanes Low shoulders Inadequate merging areas Inadequate road maintenance Use of improper road construction materials Gravel, debris, and other road obstructions Missing signs, traffic signals or lane markings Inoperable traffic signals Limited visibility and visual obstructions The FLHSMV’s annual crash reports include the following as some of the leading causes of crashes in Florida: Failed to Yield the Right of Way... - Published: 2020-10-30 - Modified: 2026-09-02 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/car-accidents/bus-accidents/ Our Lawyers Can Manage Your Bus Accident Claim While buses provide an essential mode of transportation for individuals who either cannot or choose not to drive, they also present risks for passengers, pedestrians and other motorists. Bus accidents are relatively common in Florida, and they often result in serious – and, in some cases, fatal – injuries. If you have been injured or lost a loved one in an accident involving a publicly operated or privately operated bus, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation. Speak with a Florida bus accident attorney about your legal rights promptly. Buses Present Many Risks for Passengers, Pedestrians and Other Motorists in Florida Although buses should be safe, the reality is that they present a variety of risks for passengers, pedestrians and other motorists. In the aftermath of a bus accident, discovering the accident’s cause is of utmost importance, as the cause determines what company is liable for the victim’s (or victims’) losses. Some of the most common factors involved in bus accidents include: Bus Driver Inexperience – Many drivers lack the experience required to operate their buses safely. Bus Driver Negligence – Even experienced bus drivers can make costly mistakes. Running red lights, failing to check blind spots and other forms of negligence are common factors in dangerous bus accidents. Lack of Safety Equipment – From seat belts to good-quality brakes, many buses lack even basic safety equipment that is standard on other types of vehicles. Large Size and Weight – The large size and weight of buses play a role in many accidents as well. Bus drivers must account for these factors to avoid causing dangerous collisions. Limited Visibility – Bus drivers often have minimal visibility, particularly along the sides and at the rear of the bus. However, this is not an excuse for putting others in harm’s way. Vehicle Defects – Vehicle defects also play a role in many truck accidents. From tire blowouts to mechanical failures, various defects can cause and contribute to passenger, pedestrian and motorist injuries. At Searcy Denney, we handle bus accident claims throughout Florida involving these and other factors. Our bus accident attorneys provide representation for individuals and families in cases involving: Charter buses Commercial buses Municipal buses Privately-operated buses at amusement parks and other venues Public and private school buses Florida Attorneys for Bus Accidents Involving Serious and Fatal Injuries If you have been seriously injured or a loved one has been killed in a bus accident in Florida, the financial and non-financial costs of the accident could be devastating. You will need a team of experienced attorneys to help you recover the compensation you deserve. At Searcy Denney, we have decades of experience securing just compensation for our clients, and we have recovered millions on behalf of Florida residents and families in cases involving: Broken Bones Broken bones are common injuries in bus accidents. Unrestrained bus passengers can be thrown into windows, seats, and co-passengers during collisions, and this can lead to fractures in the arms, legs, collarbone, ribs, and other parts of the body. Regardless of whether a broken bone can heal with immobilization (i. e. , a cast) or surgery is necessary, the costs of treatment and recovery can be substantial, and this makes it critical to hire an experienced bus accident attorney to seek the financial compensation you deserve. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can leave bus accident victims facing substantial treatment and recovery costs as well. If you have been diagnosed with a concussion or any other form of TBI after a bus accident in Florida,... - Published: 2020-10-30 - Modified: 2026-09-02 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/car-accidents/drowsy-and-fatigued-driving-accidents/ Did you know that driving while fatigued could be equally as dangerous if not more so than drunk driving? In fact, fatigued driving, also commonly known as drowsy driving, can impair a driver’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle similar to how driving while intoxicated substantially impairs an intoxicated driver’s ability to drive safely. Being awake for 24 hours is similar to having a blood alcohol content well above the legal limit to be able to safely operate a motor vehicle. If you were injured in an accident by a drowsy driver, contact a personal injury attorney at Searcy Denney today for a free case evaluation. WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT THAT THE OTHER DRIVER FELL ASLEEP BEHIND THE WHEEL Drowsy driving is dangerous. Driving while drowsy or extremely fatigued is a dangerous behavior that can cause serious injuries to other drivers on Florida roadways. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2022, the number of fatalities reported to police in crashes involving drowsy drivers was 693. However, the American Automobile Association Foundation for Traffic Safety estimates that drunk driving causes 328,000 accidents in the United States each year, resulting in 6,400 deaths. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 20 percent of all fatal auto accidents in the United States involve a driver who was either drowsy or asleep behind the wheel. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reports that “drivers who sleep only five or six hours in a 24-hour period are twice as likely to crash as drivers who get seven hours of sleep or more ... [and] drivers [who get] only four or five hours of shut-eye [have] four times the crash rate — close to what’s seen among drunken drivers. ” In a recent study, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that 1 in 25 drivers surveyed reported that they fell asleep behind the wheel in the past 30 days. With these statistics in mind, if you have been involved in an accident and believe that the other driver may have been driving while tired, you may be right. Drowsy driving accidents are extremely common. However, there is no excuse for getting behind the wheel (or continuing to drive) without adequate rest, and drowsy drivers can be held liable when they cause serious and fatal collisions. Let a car accident lawyer at our Florida law firm help you pursue compensation. HOW TO RECOGNIZE SIGNS OF DRIVER FATIGUE If drowsy driving is diagnosed and caught early enough, lives may be saved. Whether you are the driver behind the wheel, a passenger in a motor vehicle, or are observing other drivers on the roadway, there are some common signs to watch out for that may indicate a driver may be experiencing fatigue while behind the wheel. These signs may include but are not limited to: Repeatedly hitting a rubble strip while driving Frequently yawning and blinking while behind the wheel Wandering from lane to lane in an unsafe manner Brain fogginess and disconnected thoughts If you notice that you are experiencing these symptoms while driving, you are encouraged to pull the car over or, if you are a passenger and notice the driver of your car is experiencing these symptoms, ask that the driver pull the car over to a safe resting location. This will give you an opportunity to either rest, switch drivers, or make other alternative transportation arrangements to ensure the safety of all on the roadway. HOW TO PREVENT DROWSY DRIVING With proper preparation and planning, drowsy driving may be... - Published: 2020-10-15 - Modified: 2026-04-23 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/personal-injury/back-and-spinal-cord-injuries/ If you have suffered a back injury in an accident, it is important that you speak with a personal injury attorney. A back injury can change your life forever, and the financial and non-financial costs can be devastating. At Searcy Denney, we have decades of experience representing accident victims with catastrophic back injuries, and you can contact us 24/7 to speak with a Florida spinal cord injury lawyer about your legal rights. Types of Back Injuries We represent individuals who have suffered all types of back injuries in vehicle collisions and other accidents. This includes truck accidents, falls, and other traumatic events in which someone else is to blame. If you, your spouse or child, or another loved one has been diagnosed with any of the following, our attorneys can make sure you receive the financial compensation you deserve: Back sprain Back strain Full or partial paralysis Nerve damage Pinched or compressed nerve Ruptured disc Slipped or herniated disc Spinal fracture Florida Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer Explains Paralysis Among all of the various potential effects of being involved in a serious accident, few consequences are more devastating than paralysis. Paralysis is a condition that results in immobility as a result of a back injury affecting the muscles and nerves in the spine. Due to the anatomy of the spine, paralysis affects the muscles and nerves below the location of the injury. Thus, the higher on the spine the injury occurs, the greater the risk of full paralysis. This condition, known as quadriplegia (or tetraplegia), can affect the legs, arms, torso and neck, while paraplegia affects only the lower body. In some cases, accident victims will experience complete paralysis, which results in total loss of motor and sensory function. In other cases, accident victims will experience incomplete paralysis, which results in some motor and sensory function being maintained. In addition to physical mobility and sensory inputs, paralysis can also result in: Inability to regulate blood pressure Incontinence Respiratory dysfunction Sexual dysfunction Our Personal Injury Lawyer Understands How Your Life Changes After a Spinal Cord Injury Like other types of catastrophic injuries, a spinal cord injury can change your life in the blink of an eye. Even if you do not suffer the extreme consequences of paralysis, a spinal cord injury can still lead to physical limitations, substantial medical expenses, time missed from work, chronic pain, emotional trauma, and loss of enjoyment of life. In order to ensure that you are able to cope with these consequences effectively, you will need to hire a lawyer to seek just compensation on your behalf, and at Searcy Denney we are prepared to do whatever it takes to help you recover your losses. Understanding Your Spinal Cord Injury Types of Spinal Cord Injuries The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that runs from the skull to the lower back. It is a key component of the central nervous system, which is essential to our mobility, cognition, and many of our bodily functions. It is protected by the spine. The spine consists of 33 vertebrae that are mostly separated by discs, and it is divided into five regions: Cervical Spine – The cervical spine consists of the C1 to C7 vertebrae. It is the uppermost portion of the spine. Thoracic Spine – The thoracic spine consists of the T1 to T12 vertebrae. It sits below the cervical spine and makes up the majority of the middle back. Lumbar Spine – The lumbar spine consists of the L1 to L5 vertebrae. It sits below the thoracic spine in the lower back. Sacrum – The sacrum consists... - Published: 2020-10-15 - Modified: 2026-09-02 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/practice-areas/car-accidents/rear-end-collisions/ An Experienced Attorney Team Each year, there are more than 100,000 rear end collisions in Florida. In fact, more than one in four auto accidents in Florida involves a rear end crash. Unfortunately, while these accidents are among the most common types of crashes, they are also among the most dangerous. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, rear end accidents are to blame for close to one in 10 traffic-related fatalities. At Searcy Denney, we are passionate about helping accident victims and families recover their losses; and, if you need to speak with a Florida rear end collision attorney, we encourage you to contact us right away. Common Causes of Rear End Accidents in Florida There are various factors that can lead to rear end accidents. Most of these factors involve driver negligence, although various vehicle-related and road-related factors can play a role in causing rear end accidents as well. Our attorneys have decades of experience helping drivers, passengers and families recover just compensation for rear end collisions and other auto accidents. Driver Negligence in Rear-End Collisions Rear-end accidents occur under all types of scenarios. From highways backups to busy intersections, if one car is following another, there is a chance that the following driver will cause a rear-end accident. If the accident could have been avoided with safe driving, the following driver may be legally responsible for negligence, and this means that occupants of the vehicle that was rear-ended will be entitled to just compensation. Some of the most-common forms of driver negligence involved in rear-end collisions include: Alcohol or drug intoxication (resulting in slower reactions, poor judgment, and visual impairment) Distracted driving (talking on the phone, texting, using social media and other distractions) Drowsy or fatigued driving (resulting in increased reaction time or falling asleep behind the wheel) Inattentiveness or inexperience (not observing the need to brake in order to avoid a crash) Speeding (driving too fast to stop in time to avoid a rear-end accident) Non-Driver-Related Causes of Rear-End Collisions In some cases, non-driver-related causes will play a role in rear-end collisions as well. For example, we have handled numerous cases involving: Vehicle Defects – Brake failures, tire failures and other defects that can result in sudden and unexpected loss of driver control. Road Defects and Hazards – Dangerous road conditions that can make it more difficult to stop, including visual obstructions, gravel and slippery pavement. Employer Negligence – Trucking companies and other employers hiring inexperienced drivers, forcing drivers to spend too many hours behind the wheel, and overloading trucks resulting in impaired braking. How Do You Prove Fault in a Rear-End Car Accident? While the driver who does the rear-ending will usually be deemed at fault in a rear-end accident, statistics alone are not enough to prove your claim for just compensation. You need evidence to recover your losses, and this means that you need to hire a law firm to investigate your accident as soon as possible. Some examples of the types of evidence our attorneys may be able to use to prove fault in your rear-end accident include: Photos from the accident scene A forensic examination of each vehicle involved in the crash The police report Traffic or surveillance camera footage Eyewitness testimony Our Auto Accident Attorneys Can Help You Recover Your Losses After a Rear End Collision in Florida Regardless of the circumstances involved in your collision, if you were injured in the accident, your losses could be substantial. When you choose our firm to represent you, our attorneys will fight to secure maximum compensation for your: Vehicle damage Medical expenses... - Published: 2020-10-01 - Modified: 2026-04-23 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/personal-injury/burn-injuries/ We Help Victims Recover from the Traumatic and Lifelong Effects of Severe Burn Injuries If you have suffered severe burn injuries in an accident, you know how unbelievably painful these injuries can be. Even the slightest movements can be excruciating, and it can seem as though the pain will never go away. Recovering from severe burns is an ordeal that no one should ever be forced to endure, and the financial and non-financial costs of treatment, therapy and learning to cope with the long-term effects of your injuries can be substantial. In order to make sure you have the financial resources you will need for the future, it is important to have an experienced Florida burn injury lawyer on your side. At Searcy Denney, we represent individuals throughout Florida who have suffered severe burn injuries in all types of traumatic accidents. Our personal injury lawyers have recovered billions of dollars for our clients, and we can use our experience to help make sure you receive the compensation you deserve. Your initial consultation is free and you pay nothing unless we win, so contact us risk-free to get started on the road to financial recovery today. Are You Entitled to Financial Compensation for Your Burn Injuries? Burn injuries from many different causes can support claims for financial compensation. If you were injured as the result of any of the following, our Florida personal injury lawyers may be able to secure a significant financial recovery on your behalf: Car Accident Truck Accident Chemical Exposure Exposure to Hot Grease, Boiling Water, or Other Scalding Liquid Fire Explosion Fireworks Accident Uncontrolled Electrical Current Kitchen Appliance Malfunction Tool, Equipment or Machinery Malfunction Radiation Exposure (including Exposure During Cancer or Other Medical Treatment) How Do You Prove Liability for Burn Injuries After an Accident in Florida? After an accident, there are two primary ways your Florida burn injury lawyer can establish your right to financial compensation. These are (i) proof of negligence and (ii) proof of a product defect. Negligence involves making a mistake that falls below the standard of care we all owe to one another as Florida residents. For example, if you suffered your burn injuries in a car accident caused by a distracted driver, our attorneys can pursue a negligence-based claim under the distracted driver’s insurance policy. Product defect claims involve inherent issues with dangerous products, and they do not require proof of negligence. These are “strict liability” claims, which means that proving the product was defective is enough to prove your right to just compensation. Regardless of the factor (or factors) involved in your accident, it will be important for you to hire an attorney to begin working on your case as soon as possible. At Searcy Denney, we are available 24/7, and we can arrange for you to speak with one of our lawyers in confidence right away. Burns of All Severities Can Lead to Costly Treatment Needs and Other Losses Burns can vary greatly in terms of their severity. While the duration of exposure is generally an important factor in the severity of an accident victim’s burns, the source of the burn (i. e. , fire, steam, toxic chemical, light or radiation) is a key factor as well. In many cases, even short exposure can lead to severe and widespread burns. Regardless of the source and severity of an accident victim’s burns, the costs of treatment can be substantial. Burns can also lead to significant loss of income, pain and suffering, and other financial and non-financial losses as well. At Searcy Denney, we handle cases involving all types of burns... - Published: 2020-10-01 - Modified: 2026-04-23 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/personal-injury/catastrophic-injuries/ A Catastrophic Injury Can Change Your Life Forever. Our Lawyers Can Help You Recover. When you are involved in a serious accident, the physical toll on your body can be severe. Serious accidents can result in various types of traumatic injuries; and, while recovery will be possible in some cases, many victims will experience lifelong consequences. If your life has been forever altered as a result of someone else’s negligence or a product failure, you deserve to have your losses covered, and you should speak with a Florida catastrophic injury lawyer about your legal rights promptly. At Searcy Denney, we have recovered billions of dollars in financial compensation for catastrophic injury victims throughout Florida and nationwide. As a client of our firm, you will work directly with an experienced Florida catastrophic injury lawyer throughout your case, and your lawyer will make sure you have the information you need to make smart decisions every step of the way. Florida Catastrophic Injury Lawyer Team Representing Victims Who Have Suffered Severe, Life-Altering Injuries There is no single, precise definition of a “catastrophic injury. ” Rather, this term is used to encompass any and all injuries that result in physical impairment (temporary or permanent) and that have a direct and substantial impact on your day-to-day life. With this definition in mind, some of the most-common examples of catastrophic injuries resulting from vehicle collisions and other accidents include: Bone fractures Injuries resulting in full or partial paralysis Injuries resulting in permanent scarring or disfigurement Loss of limbs and digits Organ damage Severe burns Soft tissue (muscle, ligament and tendon) tears Spinal cord injuries (SCI) Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) For many accident victims, these types of injuries will require invasive surgery (and perhaps multiple surgical procedures), and the recovery process will be slow and difficult. Additionally, a full recovery may not be possible. Many individuals who suffer catastrophic injuries will live with chronic pain and physical limitations for the rest of their lives, and they will experience significant psychological effects as well. Understanding Paralysis Injury Claims One of the most traumatic injuries a person can experience after an accident is paralysis. There are three leading causes of paralysis. Understanding the cause of your paralysis is important to identifying both your treatment options and any potential grounds for financial recovery. Paralysis may result from: Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) – Damage to the spinal cord is the most common cause of paralysis. The location and severity of the damage to the spine will determine which parts of the body are affected and the available treatment options. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) – Traumatic brain injuries can lead to nerve damage that prevents the brain from sending signals to different parts of the body. Without these signals, the parts of the body that are affected are no longer able to function. Other Catastrophic Injury – Nerve damage in other parts of the body can also lead to paralysis. Severe lacerations, bone fractures and various other catastrophic injuries can cause the level of damage required for paralysis. Paralysis can affect different parts of the body depending on the location and severity of a person’s injury. We help accident victims and their loved ones seek just compensation for all forms of paralysis: Quadriplegia Quadriplegia (also known as tetraplegia) affects all four limbs. The most severe form of quadriplegia, pentaplegia, affects the entire body from the neck down. Paraplegia Paraplegia affects the lower half of the body, resulting in loss of muscle control and motor function in the hips and legs. Diplegia Diplegia affects corresponding body parts on the left and right sides.... - Published: 2020-10-01 - Modified: 2025-05-21 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/personal-injury/personal-injury-claims/swimming-pool-accidents/ Our Lawyers Help Individuals and Families Recover After Pool Accidents in Florida Florida has more than its fair share of swimming pools, and this unfortunately means that it sees more than its fair share of pool accidents as well. If you or your child has been injured in a swimming pool accident, or if you have tragically lost a loved one to drowning, you are not alone, and you have clear legal rights. To discuss your legal rights in confidence, schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a Florida swimming pool accident attorney at Searcy Denney today. When Can You Seek Financial Compensation After a Florida Swimming Pool Accident in Florida? Many different types of issues can lead to serious and fatal swimming pool accidents. At Searcy Denney, we represent Florida residents, visitors and families in cases involving all causes of swimming-related injuries and fatalities, which is a common type of premises liability case. Some of the most-common types of cases we handle include those involving: Broken glass and other dangerous debris in or around the pool Dangerous filters and drains Drowning and near-drowning accidents Electrocutions Improper water levels Inadequate maintenance or repairs Inadequate or missing signage Missing emergency contact information Missing emergency floatation devices Negligent lifeguarding or child care Slips and trips on unsafe pool surrounds and decking Unsafe pool water (either over-chlorination or overgrowth of bacteria) These issues, among others, can lead to dangerous situations for both children and adults; and, in most cases they can – and should – be avoided by the pool’s owner. If the pool’s owner is not liable for negligence, then the manufacturer or retailer of the product that caused the accident (i. e. a slippery tile or dangerous drain) could be liable under Florida’s law of product liability. What Should You Do After a Swimming Pool Accident? After a swimming pool accident, the most important thing to do is to seek prompt medical attention and ensure that you have a clear understanding of your doctor’s treatment recommendations. Do not wait to seek treatment, and do not ignore your doctor’s advice. Once you or your child is stable, then your next step should be to consult with a Florida personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. How Can a Florida Swimming Pool Accident Lawyer Help? When you contact us about your (or your child’s or other loved one’s) swimming pool accident, one of our lawyers will meet with you one-on-one to discuss your legal rights, and then we will conduct an investigation promptly. The purpose of this investigation will be to gather as much evidence as possible and determine who (or what company) is liable for your losses. Once we know who is to blame and we have the evidence to prove it, then we can use our experience to seek just compensation on your behalf. Discuss Your Legal Rights with a Florida Swimming Pool Accident Attorney for Free For more information about how our attorneys can help you recover after a swimming pool accident in Florida, please contact us to arrange a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced swimming pool accident attorney. To discuss your case in confidence as soon as possible, call 800-780-8607 or tell us how we can reach you today. - Published: 2020-10-01 - Modified: 2026-09-03 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/personal-injury/pedestrian-accidents/ If You Were Hit by a Car While Walking or Running, Our Lawyers Can Help You Pedestrians have clear legal rights in Florida. As a pedestrian, you have the right of way when you are crossing in a designated area (i. e. a crosswalk); and, in all circumstances, drivers owe a duty of care to avoid causing you unnecessary harm. If you were hit by a car, truck or SUV while walking or running in Florida, you may be entitled to a significant financial recovery via a personal injury claim, and you should speak with a Florida pedestrian accident lawyer about your legal rights as soon as possible. Florida Pedestrian Accident Statistics (Updated 2022) Each year, thousands of Florida residents and visitors suffer serious injuries in pedestrian accidents. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), there were 9,450 pedestrian accidents statewide in 2021—representing a 16-percent increase over 2020. Tragically, there are hundreds of fatal pedestrian accidents in Florida each year as well—with 715 pedestrians losing their lives in 2020 and 817 pedestrians losing their lives in 2021. Pedestrian accidents are particularly common in locations with high foot traffic. This includes major cities like Tampa and West Palm Beach, smaller cities like Tallahassee, and beach towns all along Florida’s Atlantic and Gulf Coasts. While drivers need to be cautious when driving in these areas, the data show that far too many drivers ignore the risks of putting pedestrians in harm’s way. Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Florida Pedestrian accidents can result from a wide range of factors. Most of these factors are driver-related. While pedestrians need to take care to protect themselves as much as possible, in many cases, there is simply nothing pedestrians can do to avoid being hit. In addition to brake failures, crossing signal malfunctions and road-related issues, other common causes of pedestrian accidents in Florida include: In-car distractions such as navigating and talking to passengers Cell phone distractions such as sending text messages, reading emails and scrolling social media External distractions such as signs, accidents and other drivers Careless driving (i. e. turning without looking or failing to notice a stop sign) Reckless and aggressive driving behaviors (i. e. speeding, running stop signs, and attempting to “beat” yellow lights) Alcohol and drug impairment (including impairment caused by prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, marijuana and other illegal drugs) Understanding the Relationship Between Traffic Violations and Pedestrian Injury Claims Many pedestrian accident cases involve traffic violations. Failing to stop at crosswalks, texting behind the wheel, speeding, running red lights and stop signs, and driving while impaired are all against the law. But, even if the driver who hit you or your loved one received a ticket, this does not automatically mean that you will receive just compensation. While your lawyer may be able to use the driver’s ticket to help prove that the driver was at fault, filing a pedestrian accident claim is an entirely separate process from the driver’s traffic court case. Your lawyer will need to file a claim with the driver’s insurance company (or another appropriate party), and your lawyer will need to use the available evidence to prove that you are entitled to coverage. Insurance companies routinely dispute pedestrian accident claims even when the driver received a ticket; and, while most successful claims settle, going to court will sometimes be necessary. At Searcy Denney, our pedestrian accident attorneys have experience recovering just compensation for individuals and families through settlement negotiations and in court. If you have a claim, we will work quickly to collect all of the available evidence, and... - Published: 2020-10-01 - Modified: 2026-04-23 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/personal-injury/dog-bites/ Dog attacks can happen suddenly, with the dog’s aggression seeming to come out of nowhere. Even well-trained dogs can be unpredictable; and, in order to prevent unprovoked attacks, dog owners must ensure that their animals are leashed or fenced at all times. If you or your child has been bitten by a dog, it is important that you speak with a Florida dog bite lawyer as soon as possible. At Searcy Denney, our personal injury team represents parents and dog bite victims throughout Florida. Florida’s dog bite law provides individuals who have been bitten with clear legal rights, and our lawyers are experienced in helping parents and victims recover just compensation. If you or your child has been bitten, one of our injury lawyers will be happy to explain your legal rights one-on-one, and we will use our experience to make sure you and your family receive the compensation you deserve. Florida’s Dog Bite Statute Protects Child and Adult Victims Different states have different rules regarding liability for dog attacks. Fortunately, Florida’s dog bite statute is particularly favorable for victims and their families. It protects both child and adult victims of dog attacks, and it does not excuse a dog’s first attack. Florida’s Dog Bite Law Does Not Follow the “One Bite” Rule Many states follow the “one bite” rule when it comes to liability for dog attacks. This rule says that a dog’s owner is not liable the first time the dog bites someone—under the theory that the owner may not have known that the dog was dangerous (there are often exceptions for certain circumstances and certain breeds). However, Florida’s dog bite statute does not follow the “one bite” rule. It states: “The owner of any dog that bites any person while such person is on or in a public place, or lawfully on or in a private place ... is liable for damages suffered by persons bitten, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owners’ knowledge of such viciousness. ” This is known as a “strict liability” standard, meaning that the dog’s owner is liable regardless of the dog’s history and regardless of whether the owner took reasonable steps to prevent the dog from biting. In Florida, dog owners can only escape liability for dog bites if they place a prominent warning sign on their property that includes the word “Bad Dog” and the bite occurs on their property. However, this rule does not preclude liability if the dog bites a child under the age of six. If a dog bite victim provokes the dog into biting, then his or her ability to recover is not eliminated entirely, but rather is reduced in proportion to his or her percentage of fault in the attack. Common Dog Bite Injuries Dog bites can cause various types of severe injuries. Even if a dog doesn’t bite, being knocked down by a dog can lead to injuries as well. Some of the most common types of injuries adults and children sustain from dog bites and dog attacks include: Deep puncture wounds Broken bones Ear injuries Eye injuries Facial lacerations and scars Neck and back injuries Nerve damage Tissue damage The risk of infection is also a concern with dog bites. Even if a dog has been vaccinated against rabies, a bite can still potentially lead to bacterial infections including capnocytophaga, pasteurella, staph, strep and tetanus. Many dog attack victims experience emotional trauma as well and injuries from dog attacks will often leave victims struggling to cope with long-term pain and suffering. What is the Dog Bite Scale for Injuries?... - Published: 2020-09-16 - Modified: 2026-09-02 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/car-accidents/vehicle-rollovers/ Rollover accidents may be dangerous, but they are avoidable. Drivers must exercise reasonable care when inspecting, loading, and operating their vehicles to ensure that the rollover risk is kept to a minimum. Failure to do so could expose the defendant to significant car accident liability. Some vehicle rollover accidents are due to a defective design, and you may be able to recover for these claims as well. Don't assume you know how much you can receive as compensation and from which party. Let a Florida car accident lawyer at our firm help you make sense of your claim. Driver Negligence in Rollover Accident Scenarios Rollover accidents can be traced to a number of different causes, but in many cases, the driver is negligent and therefore at least partially responsible. In Florida, if you can demonstrate that the defendant-driver could have avoided the rollover accident with reasonable care but failed to do so, then you can hold them liable for the damages that you suffered as a result. Common acts of negligence that contribute to a rollover accident include, but are not necessarily limited to: Improper loading of cargo Drunk driving Failure to moderate speed at turns Failure to reasonably inspect and maintain vehicle (leading to tire grip issues, brake defects, etc. ) Third-Party Negligence in Vehicle Rollover Accident Scenarios Many rollover accidents also involve the negligence of a third-party, whose acts of negligence may include, but are not necessarily limited to: Defective vehicle Negligent hiring and supervision of employee driver Road defects and hazards Improper loading of cargo (by a third-party) Inadequate repair (by a third-party) It is certainly worth pointing out that — if the defendant-driver is an employee who was acting within the course and scope of their employment — you may be entitled to seek damages against the driver’s employer pursuant to the doctrine of vicarious liability. Vicarious liability allows you to impose liability on an employer for their employee’s negligent acts. This can be an excellent tool for obtaining full compensation in a situation where the driver may not personally have adequate insurance coverage or personal assets to cover your losses. We understand this may be confusing, but a Florida auto accident lawyer from our firm will strive to help you understand your claim. Addressing SUV Rollover Accidents Some of the worst car accidents caused by vehicle defects occur with SUVs. For several years, SUVs have been among the most popular cars on the road – they ferry children to soccer games, moms to the grocery store, and the whole family on a vacation adventure. But because of the way some are built, they can be some of the most dangerous vehicles on the road – for their drivers and passengers, and for the drivers and passengers in other cars. Because SUVs have a high profile and narrow track width, they are especially prone to roll over because of disruption to their center of gravity. When they do roll over, their weak roof and poor crash protection place occupants at a high risk for death or paralysis. Fatal rollover crashes increased for several years when SUVs first became popular, but there have been significant improvements in SUV safety over the past few years, and the fatality numbers have dropped. Experts agree that decreases in SUV rollover fatalities can be traced to the introduction of more stringent roof crush standards, electronic stability control (ESC), and more stable, car-based designs. Standards in large measure brought about by consumer lawsuits demonstrating the design defects. Regardless of improvements to design, both driver negligence and persisting design flaws still lead to... - Published: 2020-06-11 - Modified: 2026-09-03 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/personal-injury/boat-accidents/reckless-boating/ Every boat and vessel operator in Florida has a legal obligation to avoid operating in a careless or reckless manner. Under Florida law, reckless boating is illegal. If an accident is caused by reckless boating it is often up to the victim to prove that the operator was reckless and their negligence caused the accident. Our Florida boat accident lawyers have decades of experience helping accident victims hold reckless operators accountable. If you have been seriously injured or a loved one has been killed due to an accident caused by careless or negligent boating, our Florida reckless boating accident lawyer can make sure you receive the financial compensation you deserve. What is Reckless Boating According to Florida Law? Reckless or careless boating in the state of Florida is governed by Florida statute § 327. 33. Reckless boating is defined as “operating a vessel with willful disregard for the safety of persons or property. ” Reckless operation is punishable by a first-degree misdemeanor. While there are minimal requirements for boater licenses in Florida, operators are still responsible for knowing safe boating practices, the “rules of the road” and Federal Navigation Rules. Accidents Caused by Reckless Boating Whether the operator is boating under the influence or violating personal safety equipment regulations, reckless and careless operation of vessels is not only illegal, but also incredibly dangerous. Some of the most common accidents caused by reckless boating include: Colliding with another boat Speeding Boating in a restricted or prohibited area Violating federal navigation rules Overcrowding the boat or allowing passengers into restricted areas of the boat Boating under the influence Jumping wakes Colliding with another object Hitting large waves Failure to provide required safety equipment Operator error The consequences of reckless boating often go beyond a citation from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). An accident caused by a reckless operator can have life-changing consequences. Searcy Denney Florida boat accident lawyer, Greg Barnhart, represented a teenager who was partially paralyzed during a high school homecoming party on a 34-foot fishing boat off of Peanut Island in Palm Beach County. Barnhart took this case to trial after two failed mediations, and a jury awarded a $6. 4 million verdict against the boat’s operators and owners for their negligence. Off-Throttle Personal Watercraft (PWC) Accidents A common cause of on-the-water accidents involving personal watercraft (PWCs) is a lack of experience with the way these vessels steer. To steer a jet ski, the throttle must be engaged. When a jet ski operator turns the handlebars, this turns the jet nozzle under the watercraft—and aiming the nozzle in one direction or the other causes the PWC to change course. Without the throttle, there is no water flowing through the nozzle, which means the PWC operator cannot turn in either direction. Many inexperienced PWC operators – including nearly all renters – are unaware that this is how jet skis work. In addition, many experienced PWC operators lack practice operating their jet skis in emergency scenarios. This, combined with the fact that many people operate jet skis much faster than they should, often leads to dangerous accidents when jet ski operators encounter other vessels on the water. In many cases, jet ski operators will crash into other vessels head-on. When this happens, it is often because the operator went off-throttle before attempting to steer. Operating a PWC without a clear understanding of how it steers is reckless; and when operators don’t know how to avoid accidents, they can – and should – be held accountable. Capsizing Accidents From speeding to hitting large waves, and from overcrowding boats to jumping... - Published: 2020-05-29 - Modified: 2026-09-02 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/car-accidents/rideshare-accidents/ Although rideshare arrangements can help cut down on other types of accidents such as alcohol-related crashes by making arranging for alternative transportation easy and available when a driver becomes intoxicated and unable to drive, thousands of rideshare accidents occur each year. Distracted driving is a common factor that causes thousands of accidents a year in Florida including those accidents involving rideshare arrangements. Distracted driving is any behavior that while driving that takes a driver’s hands off of the wheel, eyes off of the road, or mind off of driving. According to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), in 2021 there were 56,736 accidents involving distracted driving, which led to 2,729 serious injuries and 346 fatalities. Furthermore, according to overall crash data collected by FLHSMV, in 2022 alone there were 388,961 crashes statewide, with 247,745 reported injuries and 3,428 reported traffic fatalities from all crashes reported. In an article by Forbes, they reported that data from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration was analyzed by economists to look at statistics before and after rideshare companies became popular. According to the article, economists who examined the data found that fatal accidents increased from 2% to 4% annually after the big rideshare boom. Uber, Lyft and other ridesharing platforms are continuing to grow in popularity throughout the country, and each day tens of thousands of drivers give rides to passengers across Florida. Unfortunately, this growth in popularity has led to an increased number of rideshare accidents. For rideshare passengers and occupants of other vehicles, the costs of being injured in an accident can be substantial, and recovering financial compensation requires the representation of an experienced Florida rideshare accident lawyer. The car accident team at Searcy Denney represents individuals and families throughout Florida in insurance claims and lawsuits involving Uber, Lyft and other rideshare accidents. In 2017, Florida enacted a law that establishes enhanced insurance requirements for rideshare drivers, and that requires companies like Uber and Lyft to carry insurance covering rideshare accidents. This law provides important protections for accident victims and their families, and our firm has had significant success helping clients recover financial compensation both in and out of court. If you've been hurt, speak with a Florida rideshare accident attorney right away. What Type of Distractions Do Rideshare Drivers Commonly Face? A rideshare driver has to deal with various distractions that regular drivers do not encounter. Unique distractions faced by rideshare drivers increase the likelihood of accidents during rideshare transactions. Multiple elements can lead to drivers facing distractions, such as: Their heavy dependence on navigation devices and tech platforms to guide passengers to their destinations. They spend more time driving compared to regular motorists, which elevates their risk of being involved in an accident. Their driving experience may be less than that of other road users. Passengers being transported create distractions for drivers. Do You Need a Florida Rideshare Accident Attorney to File an Accident Claim? With rideshare accidents occurring more frequently as the use of rideshare arrangements increases, naturally, litigation involving rideshare arrangements is also following suit. For example, a recent Florida rideshare accident lawsuit was filed against a rideshare company alleging that the company’s technology used by drivers was unreasonably dangerous. Allegedly, the company failed to keep its mobile app safe, which may have caused one of its drivers to hit a pedestrian because the driver was distracted by the app. The pedestrian suffered severe injuries as a result of the accident, including but not limited to a fractured skull. The court in this case determined that the mobile app was, in fact, a product and... - Published: 2020-05-12 - Modified: 2025-06-05 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/personal-injury/railroad-accidents/ Your Florida Railroad Disasters Law Firm Railroad companies have an obligation to keep passengers and the public safe from harm. When they fulfill their responsibilities, railroad accidents are rare. When they breach their duty to keep people safe, however, the consequences can be dire. In the last few years, because of the economic downturn, corporate budgets were slashed and many railroad companies searched for ways to improve their bottom line. Unfortunately, when this happens, safety can suffer. Because of downsizing, employees may be spread too thin, and company cutbacks on safety measures put passengers at risk of serious injury or death. Railroad accidents have been on the decline in the United States since 1972, when the number of collisions between trains and motor vehicles had surged to about 12,000 annually. In 2010, there were 11,434 railroad-related accidents that resulted in 7,730 injuries and 937 deaths. While total accidents and injuries continued a several-year decline, fatalities increased by more than 100 over 2017 and 2018. Railroad accident deaths in Florida have increased dramatically since Brightline began operating between Miami and West Palm Beach. There were two fatalities attributed to Brightline in 2017, eight in 2018, then nearly one a month in 2019. Despite this decline, when a railroad disaster does happen, a large number of passengers can be killed or injured. If you or a family member is one of them, you will need an experienced Florida railroad disaster law firm to gather the evidence, cut through the red tape, and help you seek recovery for your losses. Railroad Disaster Attorneys with Experience You Need In their more than 45 years of practice, the railroad disaster attorneys at Searcy Denney have experience pursuing justice in catastrophic railroad accidents. In one case involving a husband and father killed in a railroad accident, our legal team proved that the railroad company blatantly disregarded passenger safety. With the help of our Florida personal injury law firm, the man’s widow sued the railroad company and was awarded $56 million in damages for her and her children’s loss. She received Florida’s largest ever punitive damage award for a case involving a single death. Because each case is unique, our personal injury lawyers give each client their undivided attention. We understand that time is of the essence, and we will begin immediately to investigate the cause of your railroad accident. We know that while financial compensation cannot undo the damage caused by a railroad disaster, it can help pay for medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering. So, once we have prepared your case, if it is not resolved through settlement, we do not hesitate to take it to trial and serve as your voice in the courtroom. Florida Railroad Disaster Lawyers Available for Free Consultation If you or a family member should be involved in a railroad accident, our personal injury lawyers stand ready to discuss your potential claim. Please complete our Contact Form or call us at 1-800-780-8607 for a free, confidential consultation. - Published: 2020-04-01 - Modified: 2026-09-02 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/car-accidents/auto-property-damage-claims/ Car Crash Property Loss in Florida: Know Your Rights Many car accident victims, especially those who suffered significant injuries, are dealing with a lot of fallout from the wreck. Auto accidents can be very traumatic and one of the last things you want to worry about is what to do about repairing or replacing your damaged or, in some cases, totaled vehicle. In other cases, accident victims may have escaped serious injury, but are fighting the insurance companies to fairly compensate them for all the damage to their property. This can include not only the repairs of the vehicle and repair or replacement of other personal property damaged in the wreck, but also the loss of the value of their vehicle now that it has been in an accident. The lawyers at Searcy Denney are experienced and can help you hold the insurance companies and others responsible for compensating you for the total amount of your property damage. While every case is different, the following provides an overview of how insurance companies in Florida treat property loss, how value is determined, and how you can work to get the insurance companies to give you what your property is really worth. Who is Responsible to Pay for the Damage to Your Property After a Car Crash? Under Florida’s no-fault auto insurance law, every registered motor vehicle must carry at least $10,000 of property damage liability (PDL) insurance coverage. The purpose of this coverage is to cover the cost of repairing or replacing any property that was damaged in the accident, as well as other costs related to the accident. In most cases, your own insurance carrier will pay for auto and property repairs and replacement up to the $10,000 amount — more if you carry additional optional coverage — after you pay the deductible that is set forth in your insurance policy. If the accident was not your fault, however, you may be entitled to reimbursement for your deductible and the damages that exceed the $10,000 mandatory no-fault amount. It is important to understand that the term “no-fault” in Florida insurance law does not mean you cannot hold someone else responsible for your property damages. It merely means that you do not have to prove fault to recover from your own insurance company. You can still hold the at-fault party’s insurance company liable if your property damages exceed the $10,000 amount, along with other damages if you are pursuing a personal injury case against the at-fault driver at the same time. You may also be able to hold a third party liable for your damages. Other drivers involved in the accident could also be at fault, as well as anyone who might have caused a dangerous situation that contributed to the crash. In addition, faulty vehicle parts could have contributed to the accident, making their manufacturers, distributors, and installers potentially liable. How Much Can You Get for Your Damaged Car and Other Property? How much you can recover for the damage to your car after an accident depends on how much damage there was to your vehicle, the extent of your insurance coverage, and who can be held liable for excessive damage. Typically, you would claim damages for any of the following that apply to your situation: Repairing your car. If the insurance company determines it is repairable, you can recover the cost to repair your vehicle, including the right to choose where it will be repaired and the type and quality of parts that will be used Totaling your car. If the insurance company determines your vehicle is a total... ## Pages - Published: 2026-04-24 - Modified: 2026-06-05 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/results-that-matter/current-cases/ Learn About How We Are Helping Victims and Families Fight for Just Compensation Searcy Denney is a Florida law firm that represents victims and families statewide who are facing the consequences of individuals’ and companies’ negligence. We also handle cases involving defective drugs, defective medical devices and other defective products. In every case, we take a personalized approach focused on helping our clients seek the full compensation they deserve. Our process involves: Conducting a Comprehensive Investigation – Every case begins with a comprehensive investigation. We focus on quickly gathering the evidence we need to hold all at-fault parties duly accountable. Gathering Key Evidence Through Other Means – Along with conducting investigations, we also gather key evidence through other means. In many cases, this includes obtaining internal records from the at-fault party through the discovery process. Documenting Our Clients’ Long-Term Financial Losses – We work with our clients, trusted medical professionals and other experts to fully understand and document our clients’ financial losses. This includes the financial losses they are likely to incur in the future. Working with Our Clients to Understand Their Non-Financial Losses – We also work with our clients and trusted experts to understand and document all of the other ways our clients’ injuries or the loss of their loved one impacts their daily life. Fighting for Maximum Settlements and Jury Verdicts – We focus on securing favorable settlements whenever possible, and the vast majority of our cases settle without going to trial. But, we are also prepared to go to trial when necessary—and we have the track record to prove it. - Published: 2023-03-30 - Modified: 2026-06-30 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/disclaimer/ Legal Disclaimer The following is the legal and privacy policy of Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley, P. A. , hereinafter ("the Firm"). Unless otherwise indicated, Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley, P. A. , attorneys are Not Certified by any state Board of Legal Specialization in the areas of practice listed on their biographies unless specified as such. Attorney-Client Relationship The materials on this website are intended for informational purposes only and are not intended to be, nor should they be interpreted as legal advice or opinion. The reader should not consider this information to be an invitation to an attorney-client relationship, should not rely on the information presented here for any purpose, and should always seek the legal advice of counsel in the appropriate jurisdiction. Transmission and receipt of the information in this site and/or communication with the Firm via email is not intended to solicit or create, and does not create, an attorney-client relationship between the Firm and any person or entity. By coming to the site you have affirmatively sought the Firm out to obtain information. Advertising Information The Firm seeks to be clear and transparent in our advertising. While we may share past case results or client reviews, these examples are for informational purposes only. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome in your case. Every legal matter is unique, and outcomes can vary based on individual circumstances. Transmission of Information Electronic mail or other communications through this site or otherwise to the Firm or any of its lawyers in connection with a matter for which we do not already represent you may not be treated as privileged or confidential. If you choose to contact us through this website, you should be aware that any information transmitted electronically may not be secure. Legal Warranty The content of this website contains general information and may not reflect current legal developments. Such content is designed only to give general information on the developments actually covered. It is not intended to be a comprehensive summary of recent developments in the law, treat exhaustively the subjects covered, provide legal advice, or render a legal opinion. Since the law is constantly changing and since the law will vary based on different facts and circumstances, statements on this website regarding the status of a given law or legal issue may not be current or applicable to your particular situation. Florida Tort Law Update (March 2023) The Florida legislature passed a series of new laws in March 2023 that, for example, reduced the statute of limitations (the time in which you have to file a lawsuit) for negligence cases from (4) years to (2) years. Several other legal rights were amended or removed as well. The Firm is in the process of amending much of the content on the website to conform to these new laws. Our website has always been intended to be informational in nature and not to provide legal advice. You should contact our firm or other lawyers to verify any information. Bar Membership Although this website may be viewed from any of the 50 United States of America and territories, as well as any country, lawyers named on the website may not be licensed to practice law except in jurisdictions where the Firm maintains offices or where it is specifically set forth the attorney is licensed to practice. Links This website occasionally contains links to other web pages; however, the inclusion of such links does not constitute referrals or endorsements of the linked entities. Links to organizations and governmental agencies are provided as a convenience to our... - Published: 2023-02-03 - Modified: 2025-03-28 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/must-have-resources/medical-malpractice/ What is a Medical Malpractice Claim? While medical malpractice has long been a concern for patients and families, it came into the spotlight in 2016. This is when Johns Hopkins Medicine released the results of a study that found that medical malpractice had become the third-leading cause of death in the United States. According to the widely-respected teaching hospital: “Johns Hopkins patient safety experts ... calculated that more than 250,000 deaths per year are due to medical error in the U. S. Their figure ... surpasses the U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) third leading cause of death — respiratory disease, which kills close to 150,000 people per year. ” You read that correctly—more than a quarter of a million people in the United States die every year due to medical mistakes that could (and should) have been avoided. This is an alarming statistic. It also clearly suggests that there are far more cases of medical malpractice that, while not fatal, still leave patients and their families coping with unnecessary medical and financial complications. What Is Medical Malpractice? Given the prevalence of serious medical errors in the U. S. , it is important that patients, families and caregivers have a clear understanding of how and when these errors occur. So, what is medical malpractice? Medical malpractice is any mistake in the medical setting that reflects a healthcare provider’s failure to meet its duty of care. All healthcare providers—doctors, nurses, hospitals and others—owe a duty of care under their state’s laws. While healthcare providers’ duties vary from state to state (and even between localities and medical specialties in some cases), as a general rule, healthcare providers must treat their patients with the level of care that reasonably prudent providers would use under similar circumstances. This means that not all medical errors rise to the level of medical malpractice. For example, after a catastrophic event, a hospital’s emergency room (ER) may be so chaotic and over capacity that doctors, nurses and administrators are all scrambling to do the best they can. In this type of scenario, certain errors (but not all errors) are to be expected. But, when doctors and others have the time and resources they need to make an accurate diagnosis and deliver appropriate treatment, the bar is much higher. In legal terms, a claim for medical malpractice has four key “elements. ” These elements are: A Duty of Care Owed to the Patient – Healthcare providers do not automatically owe a duty in all circumstances. For example, while some states have good Samaritan laws, in most cases a duty of care only arises once there is a doctor-patient relationship. The first element of a medical malpractice claim is evidence of a duty of care. A Breach of the Provider’s Duty of Care – Next, the healthcare provider must breach its duty of care. As discussed above, this generally involves failing to adhere to the prevailing standards in light of the provider’s geographic location and specialty. Harm to the Patient – Third, the patient must suffer harm. This harm could take any of a variety of different forms—from not getting the treatment he or she needs to suffering physical trauma due to a surgical mistake. Proof that the Provider’s Breach Caused the Patient’s Harm – Finally, there must be evidence that the provider’s breach caused the patient’s harm. If a patient has experienced complications regardless of the quality of care he or she received, then this “causation” element will be absent. When all four elements are present, a patient (or the patient’s family) can—and should—file a medical... - Published: 2023-02-03 - Modified: 2023-10-19 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/must-have-resources/defective-drugs-and-other-products/ Risks of Defective Drugs and Products When you buy a product, you expect it to work as advertised. You expect it to be safe for its intended use, and you expect to be able to use it without worrying about the risk of injury. This applies to everything you buy, from your car and the toys you buy your children to your medications and the foods you eat every day. Unfortunately, not everything we buy meets our expectations. In fact, many products are defective. Manufacturers and producers regularly issue recalls, and these recalls cover just a small fraction of the defective products we may encounter in our day-to-day lives. Defective products are a concern for workers in many occupations as well. From defective tools and equipment to dangerous herbicides, many workers unknowingly expose themselves to risks on the job. In some cases, these risks lead to traumatic injuries. In others, they cause health complications that may not become apparent until years—or even decades—down the line. When Are Drugs and Other Products Considered “Defective”? While we commonly use the word “defective” to describe a product that isn’t working properly, this term has a specific meaning under the law—and there is an important reason why. In legal terms, a product is considered defective if it is unsafe for its ordinary, intended and/or advertised use. As such, a product defect can involve any of the following: Design Defect – A product suffers from a design defect if it is unsafe for its intended use regardless of whether it is manufactured properly. If a hip replacement device wears down over time due to friction in the artificial joint, this would be an example of a design defect. Manufacturing Defect – A product suffers from a manufacturing defect if it is unsafe because of an issue that arises during the manufacturing process. If a batch of tools comes off of the assembly line without a set screw needed to keep the tool from coming apart, this would be an example of a manufacturing defect. Failure to Warn – A failure to warn defect exists when a product is sold without a warning that consumers need in order to use the product safely. If a medication’s warning label omits information about a potential side effect, this would be an example of a failure to warn defect. Why is it important whether a drug or other product is considered legally “defective”? When a defective product causes an injury or death, a unique legal standard applies. In most personal injury and wrongful death cases, recovering just compensation requires proof of negligence. This means that it must be possible to show that someone else (or a company) was at fault—that they made a mistake that reflects a deviation from the duty of care we all owe in society. In product defect cases, however, proof of negligence isn’t required. Instead, these cases are governed by the law of “strict liability. ” This means that if a victim’s or family’s lawyer can prove that the product in question was defective, this is enough to establish a claim for just compensation. This is true regardless of whether the manufacturer or producer was negligent in putting a defective product on the market. Common Types of Defective Drugs and Other Products In recent years, we have seen numerous single-plaintiff and large-scale class-action lawsuits involving all types of defective drugs and other products. Here are some examples of the types of drugs and other products most commonly involved: Defective Drugs Medications are essential to modern healthcare. Patients rely on all types of prescription drugs to... - Published: 2023-02-03 - Modified: 2025-06-06 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/must-have-resources/car-accidents/ Car Accident Must-Have Resources Car accidents are an everyday occurrence in the United States. In fact, there are more than 15,000 car accidents in the U. S. every day on average, and, tragically, there are more than 100 accidents every day that result in fatalities. As these statistics show, car accidents are a major problem. As other statistics show (which we get into below), the vast majority of car accidents are also avoidable. This means that the problem can be fixed, but it is up to government agencies, drivers, and even passengers to do their part to help keep our roadways as safe as possible. This comprehensive guide to car accidents in the United States covers everything you need to know about car accident statistics, the leading causes of car accidents and car accident prevention. It also covers steps drivers, and passengers can take to help protect themselves (and others), as well as what to do in the event that you or a loved one is involved in a serious collision. U. S. National Car Accident Statistics As we’ve already discussed, car accidents are far more common in the U. S. than they should be. Here are some additional statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Insurance Information Institute (III), and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS): Millions of People Are Injured in Car Accidents Every Year – According to the NHTSA’s most recent data, an estimated 2. 28 million people suffered injuries in car accidents in 2020. This represented a 17-percent decrease from the total of 2. 74 estimated injuries in 2019—which can most likely be attributed to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. While Injury Rates Are Declining, Fatality Rates Are on the Rise – When taken as a rate based on accidents per millions of miles traveled, injury-involved car accidents decreased by a lesser amount—just six percent—in 2020. But, while the rate of injury-involved car accidents decreased slightly in 2020, the rate of fatal car accidents increased by an alarming 21 percent. The Summer Months Are the Most Dangerous Months to Drive – Data from the NHTSA indicate that the summer months are the most dangerous months to drive in the United States. June, July and August all see high rates of injury-involved and fatal car accidents, most likely attributable to the increase in highway traffic during the summer vacation season. Drivers Between the Ages of 16 and 20 Are the Most Likely to Be Involved in Fatal Car Accidents – The III reports that drivers between the ages of 16 and 20 have the highest rate of involvement in fatal car accidents (38. 52 per 100,000 licensed drivers). This is the highest rate by a significant margin. While more drivers between the ages of 25 and 34 are killed in car accidents, this is due to the fact that there are far more drivers in this age group. Fatal Car Accidents Are More Common Than They Were a Decade Ago – Consistent with the NHTSA’s data, the IIHS reports that the rate of fatal car accidents has increased significantly—by nearly 20 percent—over the past decade. While the rate of fatal car accidents was 10. 4 per 100,000 drivers in 2011, it was 11. 8 per 100,000 drivers in 2020. Leading Driver-Related Causes of Serious and Fatal Car Accidents Despite the frequency of car accidents in the United States, most serious and fatal car accidents are avoidable. Driver negligence is the most common factor in these accidents, and, simply put, there is no excuse for any driver to be negligent behind the wheel. For... - Published: 2022-10-04 - Modified: 2025-04-01 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/areas-served/pensacola/ Injured in the Florida Panhandle? Discuss Your Legal Rights with a Pensacola Personal Injury Lawyer Today Injuries can happen under a broad range of scenarios. From vehicle collisions to slips and falls, and from medical mistakes to the use of defective products, all types of unexpected occurrences can lead to severe, life-altering injuries. Fortunately, in many cases, accident victims and their loved ones will be entitled to recover just compensation. A Pensacola personal injury lawyer at Searcy Denney can help accident victims and families throughout the Florida Panhandle recover the financial compensation they deserve. How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help During the Settlement Process Understandably, many people don’t want to file a lawsuit or go to court. Unfortunately, they may also assume that they don’t need a personal injury lawyer. While you are not required to be represented by an attorney, non-lawyers are at a significant disadvantage, even during the settlement process. Insurance companies will try to settle your claim for as little as possible. They will demand that you prove what happened and require you to submit extensive documentation concerning the accident and the injuries you suffered. They will also pressure you to settle your claim as quickly as possible, often before you even know the extent of your injuries or what your total losses will be. This can be overwhelming when you’re in pain and trying to focus on your recovery. Meanwhile, every insurance company works closely with in-house legal experts and outside attorneys to determine how they should handle your claim. As a result, they know the law and understand how it will apply to your case. They use this knowledge to shape their strategy. Doing so can give them a tremendous advantage if they know you don’t want to go to court. The bottom line is that the insurance company is not on your side, even when they are responsive and cooperative. Working with an experienced Pensacola personal injury lawyer levels the playing field. Here are some of the ways that an attorney can help with your claim: They can help collect the documentation you need to bring a successful claim. They can interview witnesses to the accident. They can speak on your behalf with the insurance companies, the other driver, and any other parties who may be involved in your case. They can negotiate the settlement of your claim, subject to your approval. Generally speaking, non-lawyers settle their claims for far less than what they are worth. Our personal injury lawyers can make sure you get fair compensation for your injuries. What If My Claim Goes to Court? If you cannot settle your claim, going to court is your only option to get the compensation you deserve. Unfortunately, the legal process is extraordinarily difficult for non-lawyers to navigate. A procedural mistake can jeopardize your entire claim. For example, your case may be dismissed because you failed to meet a deadline. You may not be able to submit critical evidence because you did not follow the appropriate rules. The insurance company will be represented by counsel who will take advantage of your lack of legal experience. A Pensacola personal injury lawyer will know how to navigate the legal process, including knowing when the deadlines are, what documents have to be submitted, what evidence you will need, and how to prepare your case for trial. Also, they will know the law and how it applies to your case. This knowledge is invaluable, as they will provide guidance as to when you should settle and when you should proceed to trial. Our Injury Lawyers Explain Negligence Most... - Published: 2022-10-04 - Modified: 2025-06-09 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/areas-served/fort-walton-beach/ For more than 45 years, the personal injury attorneys at Searcy Denney have been helping accident victims in Fort Walton Beach and throughout Florida recover just compensation for their losses. We understand the practical consequences of facing financial strain while recovering from severe traumatic injuries, and we know what it means for our clients to win the financial compensation they deserve. If you have been seriously injured, your Fort Walton Beach personal injury lawyer can seek just compensation on your behalf—and we can help you get back to your normal life. Our injury attorneys handle cases involving all types of serious accidents and injuries. We routinely represent clients who have suffered substantial losses, and we take pride in making sure our clients have the financial resources they need to recover. Regardless of what happened, and no matter who is to blame, our attorneys will do whatever it takes to make sure you receive just compensation. Are you ready to get started? So are we. Proven Results in Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice, and Product Defect Lawsuits With centuries of combined legal experience, our attorneys have secured billions of dollars in compensation for our clients. This includes winning substantial settlements and verdicts for clients who have suffered severe traumatic injuries and lost loved ones under a broad range of circumstances. Is it Time for You to Speak with Searcy Denney? Many people struggle with the decision of whether to contact an attorney for a personal injury case. At Searcy Denney, we want to make sure this decision is as simple as possible: If you have put in the effort to look for an attorney, you owe it to yourself to speak with one about your legal rights. Our initial consultations are complimentary and completely risk-free, and we are more than happy to speak with you to determine if you have a claim for financial compensation. Were you involved in a car, truck, SUV, or motorcycle accident? Were you injured on public or private property? Were you injured by a product that seemed to malfunction or that did not work as you expected? Are you concerned about the quality of your or a loved one’s medical care? Has your child, spouse, or parent been seriously injured? Or have you lost a close family member in an accident? If your answer to any of these questions is, “Yes,” then our personal injury attorneys can help you understand your situation and decide if it makes sense to pursue a claim for just compensation. Claims A Fort Walton Beach Injury Law Firm Can Help You Win Our personal injury practice encompasses all types of serious accidents occurring in Fort Walton Beach and the surrounding areas of North Florida. Our lawyers have helped clients recover just compensation in cases involving: Personal injury protection (PIP) auto accident insurance claims Bodily injury liability (BIL) and uninsured/underinsured motorist (UIM) auto accident insurance claims Automobile and commercial vehicle accident claims (including large truck accidents) Vehicle and road defect auto accident claims Medical mistakes, defective medical devices, and dangerous prescription drugs Other accidents involving dangerous and defective products Slips, falls, swimming pool accidents, elevator and escalator accidents, construction site accidents, and other premises-related claims What to Bring When You Meet with Your Personal Injury Lawyer When you meet with a lawyer at the initial consultation, your goal is to get a sense of whether or not this lawyer is a good fit for your case. However, and perhaps more importantly, it’s also an opportunity for the lawyer to provide you with the following: A determination of whether you have a legal claim... - Published: 2022-08-30 - Modified: 2026-06-08 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/welcome-new-florida-residents/ Welcome New Florida Residents - Searcy Law Skip to Content Home Car Accidents Truck Accidents Medical Malpractice What We Do Personal Injury Car Accidents Truck Accidents Wrongful Death Boating Accidents Commercial Litigation Product Liability Mass Torts Unsafe Medical Devices Medical Malpractice Premises Liability Sexual Assault Meet Your Team Time to Care Giving Back To Our Community Taking Time to Care Volunteer Opportunities Welcome Guide for New Florida Residents Results That Matter Areas Served Cases and Results Testimonials Submit Your Review Firm News Newsletters Press Releases Blog Must Have Resources Do You Know? Our Fee Promise Informational Videos Our Brochure Car Accidents Medical Malpractice Defective Drugs and Other Products Contact Us Contact Form Map & Directions Videos Search Website Run Search Close Our Fee Promise:No Recovery? You Owe Us Nothing - No Fees. No Cost. No Recovery? No Cost. Free Consult Home Car Accidents Truck Accidents Medical Malpractice What We Do Personal Injury Car Accidents Truck Accidents Wrongful Death Boating Accidents Commercial Litigation Product Liability Mass Torts Unsafe Medical Devices Medical Malpractice Premises Liability Sexual Assault Meet Your Team Time to Care Giving Back To Our Community Taking Time to Care Volunteer Opportunities Welcome Guide for New Florida Residents Results That Matter Areas Served Cases and Results Testimonials Submit Your Review Firm News Newsletters Press Releases Blog Must Have Resources Do You Know? Our Fee Promise Informational Videos Our Brochure Car Accidents Medical Malpractice Defective Drugs and Other Products Contact Us Open Search SearcyLatino.com Searcy Tallahassee Car Accidents Truck Accidents Medical Malpractice Personal Injury Our Fee Promise:No Recovery? You Owe Us Nothing - No Fees. No Cost. Free Consultation Today 800-780-8607 Review Us Call Us Now Open Search Open Menu Welcome New Florida Residents How to Become a Florida Resident If you are new to the Sunshine State, welcome! We hope you love living here as much as we do. To help make your transition easier, we have compiled our “Move to Florida” guide to help you become accustomed to the intricacies that help make our state special. Our sincere hope is that having this information at your fingertips will enable you to successfully navigate life in Florida.  Florida Dangers for Your Pet Poisonous Plants to Pets in Florida How to Stay Safe on Florida Roadways How to Stay Safe on Florida Beaches About Florida Wildlife Swimming Pool Safety Golf Cart Laws in Florida Bike Safety in Florida How to Get a Florida Driver’s License Weather Precautions for Hurricane Season Parents: Things to Know Before Moving to Florida Registering to Vote in Florida Registering for Florida Homestead Exemption No State Income Tax in Florida – What that Means for You Florida Dangers for Your Pet We understand that pets are family members for many people, and so we thought it best to let you know about specific dangers to your furry friends that exist in Florida. While some of these Florida-specific dangers may be strange to new-comers, by taking a few extra precautions and keeping your eyes open you should be able to avoid a lot of these dangers. Bufo Toads (Cane Toad)  Originating from the region of South Texas to the Amazon basin in South America, a bufo, or cane toad is not native to the state of Florida. Even so, it is very common to find them in your yard if you live in South Florida, central Florida, and in the panhandle. These toads range in color from red to gray to light yellow, and can grow from 6 to 9 inches. Their size is what makes them stand out from native southern toads, which can only grow from 3... - Published: 2022-03-24 - Modified: 2026-09-21 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/ At Searcy Denney, we are committed to righting wrongs for accidents, negligence, and social injustice victims. When a Florida accident and injury lawyer from our firm takes your case, you become a member of our family. When an accident disrupts your life, you deserve help putting the pieces back together. As you attempt to move on, you will discover more and more ways that your injuries impact your life, and you may find that certain things will never be the same. If someone else, a company, or a defective product is responsible for your injuries, the law entitles you to compensation, but to ensure that you maximize your recovery, you need experience on your side with the help of the right Florida personal injury lawyer. - Published: 2022-01-07 - Modified: 2025-06-09 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/areas-served/jacksonville/ Personal Injury, Mass Tort, Medical Malpractice and Wrongful Death Lawyers Serving Jacksonville, FL An accident can change everything. Whether you were seriously injured in a collision or you have learned that a doctor made a costly mistake, going through the recovery process can bring your normal life to a screeching halt. It can also be incredibly expensive. From medical bills to loss of earnings, many accident victims and families in Jacksonville face substantial losses. Serious and fatal accidents can lead to non-financial costs as well. It is for these reasons that accident victims and families need experienced legal representation. We help accident victims and families in Jacksonville recover just compensation. If you need a Jacksonville personal injury lawyer, we strongly encourage you to contact us right away. Our lawyers have many years of experience and have recovered billions of dollars for our clients. We can use this experience to help you recover. About Jacksonville Jacksonville is one of the northernmost cities in Florida. It is also the biggest city in Florida, with a population rapidly approaching one million. Situated near the Atlantic Coast and in close proximity to several well-known beaches, Jacksonville is both a popular tourist destination and a permanent destination for transplants seeking to take advantage of all that the city has to offer. Since the St. Johns River bisects Jacksonville on its way to the Atlantic, the city is also a hub for recreational boaters and maritime businesses. Boaters passing through Jacksonville will see MOSH and several museums along the river’s banks, and they will pass by the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve and the Jacksonville Zoo. Our lawyers represent individuals and families in personal injury cases throughout the greater Jacksonville area. Whether you live or work in downtown Jacksonville, near the beach or in western Duval County, we can use our local experience to help you recover just compensation. We handle cases in areas including (but not limited to): Arlington Hills Baymeadows Beach Haven Cedar Hills Downtown Jacksonville East Arlington Golden Glades Jacksonville Beach Jacksonville Heights Jacksonville North Estates Lakeshore Mandarin Station Oceanway The surrounding areas of Duval County In addition to representing Jacksonville-area residents, we also represent out-of-town visitors. If you were injured while on vacation or visiting Jacksonville on business, you will need a local law firm to help you assert your legal rights. Our Jacksonville lawyers have experience representing clients across the country, and we can work with you remotely regardless of where you live. Do You Have a Claim for Compensation in Jacksonville? While coping with the aftermath of a serious or fatal accident can be incredibly difficult, it is possible to move on. But, moving on requires closure, and it also requires the knowledge that you have the financial resources necessary to cover your costs now and in the future. Our lawyers handle all types of serious and fatal accident cases in Jacksonville and the surrounding areas. This includes cases involving: Car Accidents Mass Torts Medical Malpractice Personal Injury Product Liability Premises Liability Truck Accidents Unsafe Medical Devices Watercraft and Boating Accidents Wrongful Death No matter what happened, if you have questions about your legal rights, we want you to contact us. Our Jacksonville injury lawyers are more than happy to speak with you, and we can help you feel confident that you are making the right decisions with your best interests in mind. What To Expect When You Choose Our Firm for Your Personal Injury Case in Jacksonville When you have a personal injury claim, recovering just compensation requires a clear and comprehensive understanding of how to assert your legal... - Published: 2022-01-07 - Modified: 2025-05-22 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/areas-served/miami/ Miami Lawyers for Individuals and Families in Need of Just Compensation There are lots of reasons why someone might need a lawyer. From car accidents to medical mistakes, all types of accidents and incidents can lead to unexpected harm and costs families cannot afford. At Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley, our Miami lawyers bring centuries of experience in handling all types of claims. Whether you have been injured or lost a loved one, we are prepared to fight for the compensation you deserve. We handle all cases on a contingency fee basis. This means your initial consultation is free, and you do not pay anything unless we win. You will have direct, one-on-one access to your lawyer throughout your case, and your lawyer will help you make informed decisions at each stage of the process. About Miami What is there to say about Miami that hasn’t already been said? With its beaches and nightlife, Miami is known as a tourist destination worldwide. It has been memorialized in movies and television shows for decades, and it is a bucket-list destination for many travelers. But, many people also call Miami home. Miami is the second-largest city in Florida, and Miami-Dade County is home to numerous businesses, universities, sports and entertainment venues, financial institutions, and hospitals. Interstate 95, Route 1 and the A1A are key thoroughfares; and, as the city grows, its local roads are becoming increasingly crowded. Even so, Miami is still undoubtedly a great place to live and work, and we are proud to represent so many local residents. We Handle Personal Injury Claims Throughout Miami With a permanent population of nearly 500,000 and a heavy tourist population year-round, Miami is a busy place. While this is part of what makes Miami great, it is also a major contributing factor in the high number of accidents in the city each year. Our lawyers handle claims against insurance companies, businesses, property owners, hospitals, and other entities throughout Miami, including areas such as: Allapattah Coral Gables Coral Way Downtown Miami Grapeland Heights Little Havana Miami Beach South Miami Wynwood The surrounding areas of Miami-Dade County Regardless of whether you live in Miami, work in Miami or were visiting Miami from out of town, we can help you if you suffered injuries in an accident that was someone else’s fault. We can also help you if your spouse or child has been injured, or if you have tragically lost a loved one under circumstances in which someone else was to blame. We are passionate, meticulous and relentless advocates for our clients, and you can rest assured that we will do everything we can to recover the financial compensation you and your family deserve. About Our Personal Injury Practice At Searcy Denney, our practice is devoted to helping individuals and families who have suffered losses due to others’ negligence and mistakes. If you are in need of legal representation in Miami, here is what we want you to know about our firm: Who We Are Though we offer a host of practice areas, we are primarily a Florida personal injury and wrongful death law firm. We have been fighting for residents of Miami and other areas for more than 45 years, and our lawyers have centuries of combined experience securing settlements and verdicts for our clients. We also have a staff of dedicated legal professionals who are available to assist our clients with any questions they may have about seeking medical treatment, dealing with the insurance companies or dealing with their employers. What We Do Our lawyers represent individuals and families in cases involving... - Published: 2022-01-07 - Modified: 2025-06-23 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/key-west/ Key West Injury Lawyers with Billions of Dollars Recovered Serving Residents and Tourist Are you entitled to financial compensation? While this is a question you probably never thought you would have to ask, it is now one of the most important questions on your mind. You or a loved one has been severely injured, and you are going to need help as you try to move forward. We are here for you. Whether you live in Key West or you are visiting from out of town, our lawyers can help you assert your legal rights. We have represented thousands of accident victims in Florida over the past 45 years, and we can use this experience to help you recover the financial compensation you deserve. About Key West Key West is among the most famous locations in the United States—and with good reason. It is truly unique; and, while visitors come for tours and key lime pie, local residents stay for Key West’s one-of-a-kind laidback lifestyle. Getting to Key West generally means driving through the Florida Keys on Highway 1. On the island, Roosevelt Boulevard sees the most traffic, but local streets around Mallory Square, the Hemingway Home and the Southernmost Point of the Continental U. S. can get busy as well. While Key West’s full-time population is small, there are lots of local businesses on the island, and most residents can get by without ever leaving their slice of paradise. About Our Practice While Key West is paradise for many people, there are still issues from time to time. Car accidents, medical mistakes, dangerous premises and product failures can – and do – lead to serious and fatal injuries. At Searcy Denney, our Key West lawyers represent local residents and visitors who need help recovering just compensation due to: Car Accidents Mass Torts Medical Malpractice Dangerous and Defective Products Dangerous and Defective Premises Truck Accidents Unsafe Medical Devices Watercraft and Boating Accidents Wrongful Death We handle many other types of accidents as well. From pedestrian and bicycle accidents to dog bites, no matter what happened, we encourage you to contact us if you or a loved one has been severely injured in Key West. One of our lawyers will be more than happy to speak with you, review the facts of your case, and determine if you have a claim for just compensation. What You Need to Know about Filing a Claim If you are like most people, you have lots of questions about filing a claim. Here are some of the key facts you need to know: 1. It is Important to Seek Help Promptly After any type of accident or medical mistake, it is important to seek help promptly. This means seeking medical treatment right away (from a new doctor if you have concerns about medical malpractice), and it means consulting with a lawyer as soon as possible. 2. Your Losses May Continue to Grow While many accident victims and families focus on their immediate costs, the costs of a serious accident will continue to grow. In order to avoid paying the cost of someone else’s mistake, you will need to make sure you seek just compensation for your current and future losses. 3. You Will Need Help from a Florida Lawyer Whether you live in Key West or were visiting from out of town, you will need to hire a Florida lawyer to represent you. We have multiple offices throughout Florida, and we regularly represent clients who have claims in Key West. 4. Hiring a Lawyer Costs Nothing Out-of-Pocket It costs nothing out-of-pocket to hire a lawyer... - Published: 2021-08-27 - Modified: 2025-06-09 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/areas-served/naples-injury-lawyer/ Our Naples Injury Law Firm Help Individuals and Families Recover Just Compensation Dealing with the aftermath of a serious or fatal accident can be extremely challenging. Whether you were injured in a collision, you have lost a loved one to medical malpractice or you are facing any other life-altering scenario, you will need help to move on. At Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley, our attorneys bring centuries of experience to helping individuals and families in Naples. Regardless of what happened, if you have questions about your legal rights, you owe it to yourself to speak with an attorney. We offer free consultations in Naples, and we are more than happy to come to you. Don’t let your uncertainty keep you from moving forward. Talk to a lawyer today and start making informed decisions with your (and your family’s) best interests in mind. About Naples Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Naples is the county seat of Collier County. Surrounding areas include Golden Gate, Coquina Sands, Port Royal and Verona Walk. Known worldwide for its golf courses and white sand beaches, residents love Naples for its year-round sunny weather and local feel. Do You Need a Lawyer in Naples? There are several reasons why someone might need a lawyer in Naples. While Naples is relatively small compared to Florida’s larger cities, there is still a lot going on. Highway 41 and many local roads are becoming increasingly congested, there is seemingly non-stop construction, and new medical offices and other businesses are constantly moving in. We represent individuals and families in Naples who need help recovering just compensation for all types of accidents, product failures and medical mistakes. If you need a lawyer in Naples for any of the following, we encourage you to contact us promptly for a free consultation: Car Accidents We have helped thousands of drivers, passengers, cyclists and pedestrians recover just compensation for car accidents. Our lawyers can deal with the insurance companies for you; and, if you have a claim outside of auto insurance, we can fight to win the compensation you deserve. Mass Torts Mass tort litigation involves claims against product manufacturers and other companies that have caused harm to a substantial number of individuals and families. We have successfully pursued mass tort claims against numerous large companies on behalf of clients in Naples, throughout Florida and nationwide. Medical Malpractice Medical malpractice is far more common than any of us would like to believe. If you or a loved one has received substandard medical care in Naples, our medical malpractice lawyers can pursue a claim for just compensation on your behalf. Personal Injury All types of accidents can lead to medical expenses, loss of earnings and other losses. At Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley, we have experience handling all types of personal injury claims. Product Liability Dangerous and defective products are to blame for numerous serious and fatal injuries every year. Our lawyers represent individuals and families in product liability cases involving vehicles, home goods, tools, machinery and equipment, toys and all other types of business and consumer products. Premises Liability Slips, trips and falls can happen for a variety of different reasons—many of which have to do with the condition of the property where the accident occurs. In these cases, property owners and tenants can be held liable under Florida’s law of premises liability. Truck Accidents Commercial trucks are a constant presence on Naples’ roads. If you have been injured or a loved one has been killed in a commercial truck accident, our lawyers will fight to make sure you and your family receive... - Published: 2021-08-27 - Modified: 2025-06-23 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/areas-served/orlando-injury-lawyer/ Orlando Lawyers for Cases Involving Personal Injuries, Product Defects, Mass Torts, Medical Malpractice and More We are a Florida law firm that has recovered billions of dollars in compensation for our clients. If you or your child has been seriously injured in Orlando, or if you have lost a loved one to an accident or medical malpractice, we can use our experience to help you seek just compensation. Contact us 24/7 for a free, no-obligation consultation. The costs of a serious or fatal accident can add up quickly, and taking action promptly can be critical for maximizing your financial recovery. At Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley, we are intimately familiar with the challenges of pursuing complex claims—and we have theresults to prove it. When you choose Searcy Denney, you will work with an experienced lawyer one-on-one, and your lawyer will use the facts of your case to seek maximum compensation on your behalf. About Orlando Located in central Florida, the Orlando area is best known as the home of Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and Sea World. But, Orlando also has much more to offer. It has several bustling residential communities, and many different types of businesses call this beautiful city home. While Orlando is many travelers’ final destination, Interstate 4 and the city’s other major highways see a lot of through traffic as well. As the city continues to grow, congestion is becoming a bigger issue—and this means accidents are becoming a bigger issue as well. But, Orlando is still a great place to visit or live; and, from local restaurants to museums and the Orlando Science Center, there is plenty to do without straying too far from your home or hotel room. About Our Orlando Personal Injury Practice Our lawyers represent Orlando residents and visitors who need help recovering just compensation following serious and fatal accidents. We also have extensive experience in cases involving unsafe medical devices and medical malpractice. We represent locals and visitors in serious injury and fatal accident cases throughout the Orlando area. Whether you are a full-time resident or you got injured while visiting Orlando on vacation, we can help you assert your legal rights under Florida law. We handle cases throughout the greater Orlando area, including cases involving accidents in the areas of: Baldwin Park Belle Isle Celebration Doctor Phillips Downtown Orlando Fairview Shores Lake Apopka Lake Hart Orlando International Airport Orlando’s Central Business District Universal Orlando Walt Disney World Windermere Winter Garden Winter Park The surrounding areas of Orange County Regardless of where your (or your loved one’s) accident happened, regardless of the circumstances involved and regardless of who you believe may be to blame, we strongly encourage you to contact us to learn about your legal rights. Florida law entitles accident victims and families to financial compensation in many cases; and, if you have a claim, our Orlando lawyers can use their experience to help you recover the compensation you deserve. Serious and Fatal Accident Cases All types of accidents can lead to serious or fatal injuries. Our experience includes recovering just compensation on behalf of individuals and families in cases involving: Car Accidents – Whether you were injured in a traffic accident on the highway or an intersection collision in downtown Orlando, we can help you deal with the insurance companies and make sure you receive just compensation. Mass Torts – If you or a loved one has been injured by a dangerous or defective product, you may be able to join a mass tort lawsuit to recover your losses. Personal Injury – From accidents in amusement parks to... - Published: 2021-08-27 - Modified: 2025-06-09 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/areas-served/lakeland-injury-lawyer/ Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice, Mass Tort and Wrongful Death Lawyers Serving Lakeland, FL When something beyond your control changes your life in the blink of an eye, it can be difficult to grapple with the consequences. But, it is important to recover as quickly as possible, and you also need to be careful to protect your legal rights. In many cases, victims and families will be entitled to significant financial compensation, and securing this compensation can be crucial for managing the long-term effects of another person’s or company’s mistake. At Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley, we help victims and families in Lakeland recover just compensation. We have been doing so for more than 45 years. If you need help, we are here for you, and you can contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation 24/7. About Lakeland Located between Tampa and Orlando, Lakeland is a growing city known for its rich history. Home to several museums and Florida Southern College, which has buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, it is a place that local residents are proud to call home. As a result of its location and ease of access from Interstate 4, it is a popular stop for vacationers as well, and Lakeland is fast becoming a destination of its own. Cases We Handle in Lakeland We handle many different types of cases on behalf of residents and visitors. Our Lakeland injury lawyers have recovered billions of dollars in compensation for individuals and families in cases involving: Vehicle and Watercraft Accidents Vehicle and watercraft accidents often result in serious injuries. Tragically, some of these accidents prove fatal. If you have been injured or lost a loved one in Lakeland, our lawyers can fight for the compensation you deserve. Car Accidents Truck Accidents Watercraft and Boating Accidents Medical Claims Seeking medical treatment should not be risky. Unfortunately, it is. Medical malpractice is a very real concern for patients seeking all forms of treatment, and unsafe medical devices are to blame for numerous injuries and fatalities each year. Medical Malpractice Unsafe Medical Devices Product Defect and Mass Tort Claims We represent victims and families in individual product defect claims as well as mass tort litigation. If you or a loved one has been injured by a dangerous or defective product in Lakeland, you should speak with a lawyer about your legal rights promptly. Product Liability Mass Torts Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Our lawyers handle many other types of personal injury and wrongful death claims as well. Whether you were injured in a fall, a loved one was killed while cycling, or you need to seek just compensation for any other reason, our lawyers can help you assert your legal rights. Personal Injury Premises Liability Wrongful Death Talk to a Lakeland Injury Lawyer about Your Case For more information about how our lawyers can help after a serious or fatal accident, contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation. Call 800-780-8607 or contact us online to schedule an appointment or via phone today. - Published: 2021-08-27 - Modified: 2025-06-23 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/areas-served/fort-lauderdale-injury-lawyer/ Need a Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale? Get a Free Injury Consultation 24/7 Recovering from an accident is never easy. But, it can be especially difficult if another person or company is to blame. While you may be entitled to significant compensation, recovering this compensation requires perseverance, patience and a relentless desire to win. At Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley, these are what we offer. We are passionate about helping victims and families in Fort Lauderdale, and our track record shows it. Our lawyers have helped our clients recover billions of dollars in financial compensation. Whether you need an injury lawyer in Fort Lauderdale for a car accident, product or premises liability claim, or medical malpractice lawsuit, you can rely on the team at Searcy Denney to help you win the compensation you deserve. About Fort Lauderdale Located in Broward County, Fort Lauderdale is among Florida’s fastest-growing cities. Known as the Yachting Capital of the World, it is a haven for boaters, and it is an extremely popular tourist destination as well. With its beaches, restaurants, businesses and water views, Fort Lauderdale is a desirable destination for people from all walks of life; and, while this has many positive attributes, it also means that Fort Lauderdale’s roads, sidewalks and neighborhoods are becoming increasingly crowded. Fort Lauderdale is home to ports, marinas, entertainment venues, numerous public parks and all types of businesses. Whether you are a local resident or you are visiting from out of town, just about anything you could ever want is just a short walk or drive away. These are the Cases We Handle Despite all that it has to offer, Fort Lauderdale – like all cities – can still be a dangerous place to visit, live or work. This is a fact that we know all too well. We have helped numerous local residents, families, and travelers file successful claims in cases involving: Car Accidents Mass Torts Medical Malpractice Personal Injury Product Liability Premises Liability Truck Accidents Unsafe Medical Devices Watercraft and Boating Accidents Wrongful Death These are Our Results Lots of potential clients have questions about our results. At Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley, we are proud to share the results we have obtained in the past. Here is just a small sampling of some of the recent results we have secured on behalf of our clients: $1 billion verdict for victims of defective Stryker hip replacement devices $25. 8 million verdict from Walgreens for a prescription error $23 million verdict for the victim of a police shooting $16 million verdict for a patient who suffered permanent blindness and paralysis following two misdiagnoses $10 million verdict for a client who suffered severe injuries in a multi-vehicle accident $6 million verdict for passenger who suffered severe injuries in a hit-and-run crash $4. 25 million verdict for a patient whose healthcare providers repeatedly failed to diagnose his pancreatic cancer $2 million verdict for the family of a victim tragically killed in a commercial truck accident $1. 2 million verdict for a client who suffered severe injuries due to a mall escalator malfunction $1 million verdict for a high school student who suffered a traumatic brain injury in a commercial truck accident We cannot guarantee any particular outcome in your case. The amount you are entitled to recover for your case (if any) depends entirely on the unique circumstances involved. However, what we can guarantee is that we will thoroughly assess your legal rights, we will use our experience to accurately calculate your losses, and we will do everything we reasonably can to help you collect the compensation... - Published: 2021-08-27 - Modified: 2025-05-28 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/areas-served/ Winning Attorneys Throughout Florida and Nationwide At Searcy Denney, our skilled lawyers and litigators help clients throughout Florida in a host of personal injury, medical malpractice and motor vehicle accident claims. Below is a sampling of some of the cities we help. Additionally, our mass tort team helps clients throughout the United States. We hope you select our firm to help with your case. - Published: 2020-08-24 - Modified: 2025-06-09 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/must-have-resources/of-counsel-newsletter/ sds oc 1-24-0424v2. indd - Published: 2020-08-19 - Modified: 2025-06-09 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/must-have-resources/brochure/ Searcy Brochure Updates May 2024 - Published: 2020-04-02 - Modified: 2026-07-15 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/how-we-care/covid-19-business-continuity-a-message-to-our-clients-community/florida-coronavirus-resources/ Florida Coronavirus Resources The Searcy Denney team has compiled a list of resources for our clients and the South Florida community. Searcy Denney law is monitoring how the virus impacts your legal rights and the South Florida community. Understanding The CARES Act The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) is the largest stimulus package in American history. While the legislation outlines specific relief options for businesses, education and hospitals, the two key points that likely have the largest impact on you are (1) the availability of forgivable loans to small businesses (2) the direct cash payment of $1,200 per adult and $500 per dependent child for most Americans. Use the resources below to determine your eligibility and calculate your expected payment. F. A. Q. on Stimulus Checks, Unemployment and the Coronavirus Plan SUMMARY: The IRS is using 2019 income to determine your payment, 2018 income if you have not yet filed your 2019 tax return. Unemployed people and veterans are eligible for checks, but anyone who is claimed as a dependent on another’s tax returns is not eligible (which includes some college students). Calculate how much you’ll get from the $1,200 (or more) coronavirus checks SUMMARY: Answer questions and add your gross 2019 income to determine the amount of your stimulus check. When Will You Get Your Stimulus Payment SUMMARY: If the IRS has your direct deposit information you should receive your check in mid-April. There will be a separate form for Americans who cannot accept direct deposit. Economic impact payments: What you need to know SUMMARY: Check back at this webpage in the coming weeks to update your direct deposit information if it is not already supplied as part of filing your 2019 taxes. As coronavirus spreads, undocumented immigrants are losing jobs with no financial safety net SUMMARY: Undocumented workers won’t benefit from the stimulus package. The stimulus check won't be in the mail for Americans who owe child support SUMMARY: If you owe child support you don’t qualify for a check, but if you owe back taxes or are late on your student loan payments, you do qualify. Your Money: A Hub for Help During the Coronavirus Crisis SUMMARY: You can pause federal student loans, secure unemployment insurance, file for paid leave. If You Think You Might Be Sick Cold symptoms don’t necessarily mean you’ve contracted COVID-19. It is still cold and flu season. Hospitals need to stay open for emergency cases and tests reserved for those with severe symptoms. If your symptoms wouldn’t warrant a trip to the hospital six months ago, it is recommended that you do not go to the emergency room. Coronavirus Self-Checker SUMMARY: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have developed a guide to help identify if your symptoms require urgent care. COVID-19: Should I Get Tested? SUMMARY: International travel and shortness of breath are the two main indicators for determining whether you should be tested. What you need to know now about COVID-19 in Florida SUMMARY: Review guidelines for washing your hands, identifying your symptoms and practicing social distancing. Educational Family Resources 50 Virtual Museum Tours Around the World Palm Beach County Beach Cams WPB Community DIY Guide WPB Community Events Common Sense Media Listen Live: Supreme Court Arguments Storyline Online Library Delray Library - Live & Local: Authors Read from Home Virtual Happenings at Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach Famous Museums Virtual Tours Virtual Tours – Museums, Zoos & Theme Parks Virtual Tours – 5 National Parks Google Earth – Virtual Tours of 31 National Parks NASA Virtual Tours South Florida Science Center... - Published: 2020-04-02 - Modified: 2025-06-09 - URL: https://www.searcylaw.com/how-we-care/covid-19-business-continuity-a-message-to-our-clients-community/coronavirus-lawsuit-faqs/ Coronavirus Lawsuit FAQs As the coronavirus continues to spread throughout the country, Americans are becoming increasingly concerned about protecting their legal rights. And for good reason. Business owners are struggling financially and employers are laying off workers in record numbers. Governments are making decisions about their communities that have far-reaching consequences for everyone. People are turning to the legal community for advice and counsel. Searcy Denney law is following developments in our South Florida community and throughout the state. As more and more families face the reality of infection, it’s more important than ever to understand your rights as a citizen, as a patient, and as an employee during the coronavirus crisis. Can coronavirus victims sue for personal injury/illness? The circumstances surrounding each COVID-19 case is unique, so there is no one answer to the question of whether COVID-19 victims have a cause of action for personal injury. Our COVID-19 personal injury lawyers will look at your circumstances and determine (1) how you became exposed to the illness (2) the extent of your illness and (3) whether “all reasonable measures” were taken to prevent your exposure to the virus. What other types of coronavirus lawsuits are possible? The legal implications of the coronavirus extend beyond personal injury claims. Family, business, insurance and employment lawyers are facing an influx in cor