Lawyer Rating Services

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There are a number of online organizations that investigate and rate lawyers and law firms throughout the country. This handy tool is one way consumers can determine where their attorney stacks up among the competition. Martindale-Hubbell is well known and probably the most prestigious. www.martindale.com.  Lawyers rated on this website are “peer reviewed” meaning other attorneys have given them a particular grade, not the folks at Martindale.   Lawyers are graded on a scale of A, B or C, with “B” being, by far, the grade Read More +

The Very Serious Subject of “Statutory Rape” in Florida

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As an attorney I am often asked why some people in Florida are arrested after having consensual sexual relations with a minor and some aren’t, and it’s a very good question. There is an article in the Tampa Bay Times this week about a 30 year old New Port Richey woman who was arrested for statutory rape with a minor. This relationship was not only consensual, this woman was actively living with her 17 year old boyfriend in a committed relationship and she is currently pregnant Read More +

Sylvester – Our Law Firm Mascot

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We want our clients to feel comfortable, peaceful and at home while visiting our Palm Harbor law office. Since we mainly represent seriously injured people, the last thing clients want to see when they come to a firm is an uptight, starched formal setting full of dark mahogany, law books and oversized leather furniture. When people are in pain or not feeling well, you want them relaxed and at ease. “You’re welcome here”, should be the ambiance. One thing that definitely adds to the color Read More +

Are You Safe in Your Hotel? Maybe Not….

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One of the most interesting cases I’ve ever handled as a lawyer is the case of “Betty Darlington”. Because of the very personal nature of her case, I’ve changed a few facts for privacy, but it is still true to the spirit of the claim. Betty was a widow and an early retiree, barely minted as an entry level senior citizen. While she retired somewhat young she wasn’t rich by anyone’s standards. She had a very simple lifestyle, lived inexpensively and she decided to pool Read More +

Facebook, Death & Missing Passwords

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Tragically, in January, 2011, a family in Virginia lost their teenaged son to suicide and looked to his Facebook account for some answers. A quiet, but seemingly happy 15 year old, Eric Rash shot himself in a field in Nottoway County, Virginia. He left his family a note apologizing, but gave no answers to the big, haunting question of “why?” As their grief gave way to despair, Eric’s family craved more information. They wondered if he was a silent victim of bullying but no one Read More +

Slip Slidin’ Away – The Difficulty of Slip and Fall Cases

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Underneath the heading of “personal injury” comes many types of cases, but typically the two most common are car accident cases and slip and fall cases. While they may both result in injuries, they are very different legal beasts. Car crash cases are generally uncomplicated: There are two wrecked cars, usually one driver has gotten a ticket which establishes fault, and the other driver is now injured as a result of this explosive impact. Since liability is established and causation of injury is as well, Read More +