Best Slip and Fall Lawyers in Florida
Jack G. Bernstein
Personal Injury Lawyer
Jack G. Bernstein has a passion for helping people through his ideas and strategies. He built his legal career on the belief that clients always come first.
Mr. Bernstein’s education began at the Fredonia campus of the State University of New York where he was named president of the Honor Society his freshman year. He was also selected to serve on the university president’s cabinet, which provided opportunities for debate and brainstorming sessions with others to improve campus life for all students. Mr. Bernstein majored in accounting, with minor studies in politics and economics. He graduated with cum laude honors.
Mr. Bernstein received his legal education at the University of Miami. During his attendance, he served as a clerk to Manuel A. Crespo, who was a circuit court judge and the president of the Cuban American Bar Association. Judge Crespo taught Mr. Bernstein the value of honor and always making the client’s needs a top priority.
When he became an attorney 37 years ago, Mr. Bernstein opened his law office. He is a member in good standing of the Florida Bar Association and the Cuban American Bar Association. Mr. Bernstein practices in the courts of Florida at both the state and federal level.
Tina Willis
Personal Injury Lawyer
I graduated from Florida State University College of Law, back in 1995, 2nd in my law school class. Then, I worked as a big firm defense attorney, very often on cases valued more than one or several million dollars. I also worked as a law professor at Barry University, and have since won many awards.
My days working in large defense firm taught me the value of telling clients exactly what they needed to get the most money from their cases. So I still provide exceptionally personalized service. Many of my clients have called me complaining about not being able to speak with attorneys at other firms. I am an Orlando personal injury attorney with a low volume case approach, which allows me to give all of my clients as much attention as their case needs. During every initial consultation, I explain what to expect, how to get the most money, and how the entire process works. You will feel comfortable about what should happen, when, and why, as soon as we talk.
George H. “Dutch” Anderson III
Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Dutch Anderson, Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney. My passion is helping injured victims receive justice. Its always been and it always will be! I know that when I am representing a client, insurance companies will give the claim the respect it deserves – or the jury will! Whether it’s working late into the night to prepare for a court appearance or explaining the details of a confusing court system to my clients I will work hard and do everything the law allows to win my clients’ cases.
My desire for specialization helping injured people led me to undergo the rigorous task of becoming Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by the Florida Bar (the licensing Board for attorneys in Florida). This required numerous personal references including judges, a review of cases I had tried and a day-long exam. Very few attorneys can claim this credential. I can truthfully say that I am an Expert in this area of law.
In addition to my Board Certification, I’ve been fortunate to be recognized for my professional efforts by Martindale Hubbell, an international lawyer rating service that has been rating attorneys for over 100 years. I have received their highest rating, that of “AV” and have been included in their directory of Preeminent Attorneys.
James D. Payer
Personal Injury Lawyer
James D. Payer was born in Nashua, NH. In 1976 his parents moved their family to South Florida, where he attended Elementary School and then High School at St. Thomas Aquinas in Fort Lauderdale. After completing High School Mr. Payer attended Stetson University in Deland, Florida and majored in accounting.
Today, Mr. Payer continues to reside in South Florida together with his wife and child and has called South Florida home for more than 30 years. Mr. Payer is active in the South Florida community and contributes to numerous local and national charities. Mr. Payer firmly believes that it is important to work hard in order to adequately represent his clients as well as to give back to the community where he is privileged to live and work. Mr. Payer’s hobbies include spending time with his family, golf, SCUBA diving, fishing and attending local sporting events.
Education
- Juris Doctor, University of Miami School of Law, 1995
- Inter American Law Review
- B.B.A., Stetson University, Deland, FL, 1991
- Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Director of University Fitness Center (work study program)
Jurisdictions Admitted To Practice
- State of Florida, 1996
- United States District Court – Middle
- District of Florida, 1996
- United States District Court – Southern District of Florida, 1996
Professional & Bar Association Memberships
- Florida Bar Association
Member Since: 1996 - Florida Workers’ Advocates
Member Since: 2000 - Florida Justice Association (EAGLE Member)
Member Since: 1997 - American Bar Association
Member Since: 1999 - Miami-Dade Trial Lawyers Association
Member Since: 2000
Peter F. Catania
Personal Injury Lawyer
Education
University of Florida
Bachelor of Arts
Loyola University
Juris Doctorate
Memberships And Awards
Trial Lawyers of America
Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers.
Practice Areas
Personal Injury/Wrongful Death
Auto Negligence
Medical Malpractice
Nursing Home Neglect/Abuse
Product Liability
After graduating from the University of Florida, Peter received his Doctor Juris Prudence from Loyola University in 1989; Peter is licensed to practice in the Courts of Florida and is a member of Trial Lawyers of America and Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers.
Peter Catania knows the other side of personal injury and wrongful death claims. He began his career in 1990 as a defense lawyer, representing insurance companies and their insured. He worked for an insurance defense firm, which provided him with a unique insight into the inner workings of insurance companies.
In 1992 he established Catania & Catania with his brother Paul to represent the people, not the powerful corporations. As a personal injury lawyer in Tampa, FL, Peter is currently practicing in the areas of plaintiff’s personal injury and wrongful death, insurance law and trial practice. Peter lives in South Tampa with his three children.
Christopher D. Russo
Personal Injury Lawyer
Mr. Russo was admitted to the Florida Bar in 2006 and started practicing in the area of personal injury in 2007. Mr. Russo has since spent his legal career in Polk County, Florida and is proud to live and work in this community.
Education
Mr. Russo grew up in Lakeland, Florida, attended Lake Gibson High School, and returned to his hometown to practice law after graduating from the University of Florida, Fredric G. Levin College of Law prior to establishing a personal injury law firm. Before law school, Mr. Russo obtained a Bachelor of Science, magna cum laude, from the University of Central Florida in Orlando and attended the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
A Legal Career Of Helping People
Mr. Russo has spent his entire legal career representing and helping real people. Prior to becoming an attorney, he worked as a certified legal intern with the Virgil Hawkins Civil Clinic which provided pro bono legal services to victims of domestic violence. Thereafter, Mr. Russo served as an assistant Public Defender for the Tenth Judicial Circuit in Bartow, Florida. Serving as an attorney in the Office of the Public Defender, Mr. Russo worked with real people to help them make the right decisions on their cases knowing that those decisions have an impact on their future. This was the pure practice of law without the influence of financial pressure and was an invaluable experience for Mr. Russo as an attorney.
Avnish K. Mangal
Personal Injury Lawyer
Avnish has consulted with Fortune 500 companies internationally, was a member of Fisher Professional Services at The Ohio State University and is the founder of San Francisco based Hexna Corp. After receiving his undergraduate degree in Finance from The Ohio State University, Mr. Mangal attended Cornell Law School where he earned his Juris Doctorate and released a note on Bitcoin’s regulation as a security before taking work in Manhattan, New York for a prestigious “big law” firm.
Today Avnish enjoys a large extended family in Florida, and his interests in biotechnology, law, and medicine have brought Mr. Mangal to serving the State of Florida with his personal injury law practice. MANGAL, PLLC provides the best available attorney representation in cases of Personal Injury, Auto Accident, Slip and Fall, and PIP Litigation.
PRATICE AREAS
EDUCATION & BAR ADMISSION
Member of Florida Bar
Member of New York Bar
Cornell Law School, J.D.
The Ohio State University, B.S. in Finance
Wil H. Florin, B.C.S.
Personal Injury Lawyer
Wil H. Florin was born in Salzburg, Austria and raised in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. He received his B.A. from Ball State University where he was captain of the varsity soccer team and President of the University’s largest social fraternity (Sigma Phi Epsilon). He obtained his Juris Doctorate from Stetson University College of Law in 1980 where he won the school Moot Court competition and was a State Moot Court finalist. He has remained actively involved with the law school since graduation, having served as an Adjunct Professor in Trial Practice, as well as a host and keynote speaker for the annual “Friends and Family Day” event. Wil has also proudly served Stetson as a member of its University Board of Trustees and its Law School Board of Overseers.
EDUCATION
- 1980 – J.D. / Stetson University College of Law
- 1977 – B.A. / Ball State University
MEMBERSHIPS & ADMISSIONS
- Texas Bar, Member, 1980
- Florida Bar, Member, 1982
- U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas
- U.S. District Court, District of Colorado
INDIVIDUAL ACCOLADES
- Top 100 Verdicts in America by National Law Journal, 2016
- Top 100 Verdicts in America by National Law Journal, 2014
- The Best Lawyers in America by Best Lawyers, Medical Malpractice – Plaintiffs, 2008-2023
- Leading American Attorneys by American Lawyer
- Top Rated Medical Malpractice Attorney by Super Lawyers
- Elite Trial Lawyers by National Law Journal, 2015
- Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Florida by The National Trial Lawyers
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
- Adjunct Professor of Trial Practice, Stetson University College of Law, 1987
- Stetson University College of Law, Board of Overseers
- Stetson University, Board of Trustees
Sunshine State Stumbles: Why You Need the Best Slip and Fall Lawyer in Florida
Florida, the “Sunshine State,” beckons with its pristine beaches, vibrant cities, and endless sunshine. But paradise can have hidden dangers. Slip and fall accidents are a surprisingly common occurrence in Florida, leaving victims with physical and emotional scars. If you’ve been unfortunate enough to take a tumble in the Sunshine State, securing the services of the best slip and fall lawyer in Florida can make a world of difference in navigating the legal complexities and securing the compensation you deserve.
A Landscape of Liability: Understanding Florida’s Slip and Fall Laws
Florida operates under a comparative negligence system, meaning the percentage of fault you share in the accident affects your compensation award. However, the state also adheres to premises liability laws, which hold property owners responsible for maintaining a safe environment for visitors. Here’s a breakdown of these key legal concepts:
- Premises Liability: Property owners (including homeowners, business owners, and government entities) have a legal duty to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition. This includes regular inspections, prompt repairs of known hazards, and providing adequate warnings for potential dangers like slippery floors or uneven walkways.
- Comparative Negligence: If you were partially responsible for the accident (e.g., texting while walking on a wet sidewalk), your compensation award could be reduced by the percentage deemed your fault. However, even if you share some blame, you may still be entitled to compensation.
Beyond the Beach Blanket: Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in Florida
Florida’s unique climate and tourist-driven economy create specific hazards that can lead to slip and fall accidents:
- Wet Surfaces: Florida’s frequent rain showers and humidity can leave floors in stores, restaurants, and sidewalks slick and treacherous. Imagine exiting a pool and slipping on a wet pool deck at a hotel.
- Improperly Maintained Sidewalks: Uneven pavement, cracked sidewalks, or tree roots protruding from walkways can all pose tripping hazards for pedestrians. A crumbling sidewalk on your morning walk could lead to a nasty fall.
- Negligent Pool Maintenance: Slippery pool decks, malfunctioning pool drains, or poorly maintained walkways around swimming pools can all cause accidents. A loose pool tile could send you tumbling into the water, leaving you hurt and frustrated.
- Spilled Food and Drinks: Florida’s bustling restaurant scene can present hazards with spilled beverages and food debris left unattended. Imagine stepping on a spilled drink in a crowded restaurant, resulting in a fall and potential injuries.
- Construction Hazards: Florida’s ongoing construction boom can create uneven surfaces, debris on walkways, and poorly marked hazards. A missing barricade at a construction site could lead you to trip and fall.
The Aftermath of a Fall: Why You Need a Skilled Slip and Fall Lawyer
The aftermath of a slip and fall accident in Florida can be physically, emotionally, and financially draining. Here’s where a skilled slip and fall lawyer becomes your champion:
- Understanding Complexities of Florida Law: Florida’s comparative negligence laws and specific premises liability considerations require a lawyer with deep knowledge of the state’s legal landscape.
- Investigating the Incident: A lawyer will meticulously investigate the accident scene, gathering evidence like photos, witness statements, and property maintenance records. This evidence is crucial for establishing the property owner’s negligence and the severity of your injuries.
- Building a Strong Case: A lawyer can develop a strategic case that demonstrates the property owner’s failure to maintain a safe environment and how this negligence caused your fall and injuries.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Slip and fall claims often involve dealing with the property owner’s insurance company. A skilled lawyer knows how to effectively negotiate with insurance adjusters to secure the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and potential future medical needs.
- Maximizing Compensation: A lawyer can fight to ensure you receive full compensation for all your damages, both current and future.
Finding the Right Advocate: Resources for Legal Representation
- Seek Recommendations: Reach out to friends, family, or colleagues who have faced slip and fall accidents in Florida and inquire about their lawyers.
- Florida Bar Association: Contact the Florida Bar Association for referrals to qualified personal injury attorneys specializing in slip and fall cases. Many bar associations have lawyer referral services available.
- Online Resources: Several online legal directories allow you to search for slip and fall lawyers in your specific Florida location based on experience, client reviews, and areas of expertise.