Blog

Is your loved one suffering nursing home abuse? Here’s what you need to do: read this article, then contact our Southwest Florida attorneys. Selecting the Best Attorney For You Nursing home negligence actions are very specific, and they are very fact- and detail-intensive. When choosing an attorney to handle that type of case for you, you want to make sure you are hiring and retaining an attorney and a firm that has experience in this specific area of law. Folks are injured in nursing homes, and they are at their most vulnerable before these bad acts occur that leave people in an even worse position. Making sure you are choosing an attorney that one, knows how to handle these types of cases, and two, is going to get in with you early and investigate the details of the incident. Being able to put the pieces together with you on the ground is paramount when you’re looking for an attorney to handle these types of complex cases. Taking the First Settlement Offer In a nursing home negligence type claim, it is rare to get an early offer from nursing home insurance companies. There is a procedure that has to be worked through that the legislature has set forth, and what we have to do is clear a lot of hurdles and make sure that we have all the documentation necessary to present your claim. At the time that a first offer is made, it is generally not in your best interest to accept that offer unless you simply want the case to go away. More facts are uncovered, and the offer typically goes up the more that we are able to put time and effort and energy into fully documenting and fully putting together your case and your injuries. Attorney Fees Hiring an attorney for a nursing home negligence claim at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz will cost you absolutely nothing upfront. We do not seek any money from you initially when you first come to speak with us and evaluate the case; even after signing you up as a client or your loved one up as a client, we will ask for no money upfront from you. You will never see a bill from us, and we will never ask you for a check. We also cover the initial costs that go along with putting these detailed and fact-intensive cases together. We will not ask you for a check for those expenses, either. We front those on your behalf. The only way that we get paid for your nursing home negligence case is if we are ultimately successful for you. At that point in time, we work on what’s called a contingency fee agreement where a portion or percentage of what ultimately is recovered for you or your loved one is paid to us for the work that we have done on the case, and then those expenses that we have had to take on to move your case along get reimbursed. At the end of the day, if we are ultimately not successful for you, you will never owe us a dime for looking into, furthering, and prosecuting your nursing home injury case. Mistakes To Avoid After a Nursing Home Abuse Claim The very biggest mistake we see in nursing home negligence cases in Florida is simply waiting and not addressing it immediately when it occurs or shortly thereafter. The legislature, the folks up in Tallahassee that make all the laws, have set forth certain procedures and requirements in nursing home negligence cases. These all involve timelines, so certain things need to happen at certain points in time along the way, otherwise your claim can be barred forever. As such, it is crucial that you are initially addressing the concerns and the complaints with a qualified attorney to make sure the documentation is there and completed and that we are working through those legislative mandates to cover and clear all of those hurdles that exist in a nursing home negligence case. Is your loved one suffering nursing home abuse? Here’s what you need to do: contact our experienced Southwest Florida nursing home abuse lawyers today for a free consultation and case evaluation. Like us on Facebook

If you were injured in a slip and fall in Florida, read our 5 frequently asked slip and fall questions. Then, contact our Florida lawyers now. 1) How Do I Select a Slip and Fall Attorney? To select the best slip and fall attorney in Florida, you really need to find an attorney that understands the intricacies of a slip and fall case, and our firm does that. You want to hire an attorney, in Florida, in a slip and fall case who understands the whole case, understands how to build your case appropriately, understands there’s evidence that needs to be preserved, and understands the right depositions to take to make sure they can build your case. 2) What Should I Do If I Slip and Fall on Residential Property? If you slip and fall at a residential property in Florida, you should contact an attorney right away. You want to make sure that, first of all, you preserve whatever the evidence was, whether it be a liquid on the floor, a defect in a walking surface such as a cracked walking surface, a raised walking surface, or some other defect. Then get an attorney involved. Let the attorney do an appropriate investigation. Make sure you get an attorney that knows how to do that appropriate investigation and has the resources to do that, and our law firm has that. We’ve been around for almost 60 years. We handle a lot of slip and fall cases. Ask that attorney whether they’re willing to go to litigation or go to trial for you in a slip and fall case because oftentimes what we see is attorneys really won’t want to litigate a slip and fall case, but our firm does. We often do. We take those cases to trial. We end up trying multiple slip and fall cases a year. Reach out to the attorney. Let the attorney do the heavy lifting for you, which will prevent you from saying or doing anything that could prejudice the value of your case down the road. 3) What are the Common Mistakes After a Slip and Fall Claim? A common mistake that someone may make with a slip and fall injury claim in Florida is not contacting an attorney immediately. If you hire an attorney right away, that attorney can then put the restaurant or premises on notice, and then they can get any evidence that exists, such as a video, potentially an incident report and witness statements. Those things can help ultimately maximize the value of your case. Try to hire an attorney right away. We have four board-certified civil trial attorneys at our law firm, which means we’re experts in the area of personal injury, and we understand how to handle slip and fall cases and help clients navigate through those. 4) Will my Slip and Fall Case Go To Trial? Most of these cases never have to go to trial. We can settle some of these cases early on with the insurance company by sending a demand letter and negotiating settlement. The demand letter just says what your injuries are, how the accident happened, what your medical bills are, what your pain and suffering is, and then we can negotiate settlement within the first few months after an accident. Sometimes, though, we have to file a lawsuit. A lawsuit just means that we file paperwork with the court and we proceed towards trial. Even when we do that, most of those cases settle before we go to trial. Why? Because the insurance company understands that our law firm is a trial firm, that we will try these cases, so that usually means we can maximize the value of the case before going to trial. Insurance companies also know the attorneys that don’t try cases, so they’ll continue to lowball the client because they know the attorney will push the client to settle the case. That’s not what we do. We have four board-certified civil trial attorneys – which is the highest certification you can receive for civil trial – and that makes us personal injury trial experts, and we’re willing to try these cases for you. Because we’re willing to do that, most of these cases never have to go to trial; in fact, a very small percentage do. 5) What if I Have a Pre-Existing Injury? If you have a slip and fall claim in Florida and you have a preexisting condition – say you have an arthritic knee – and then you get in this slip and fall accident and hurt that knee worse. While you had some pain in the knee before, you never needed surgery. After this accident, you need a surgery on the knee. The insurance company is going to say, “Well that was a preexisting condition, so we’re not going to pay you for that because it’s something that you would’ve had anyway.” This is a very common argument they make. Insurance companies hire defense doctors all the time, and those doctors will come up with these opinions. Those opinions oftentimes lack foundation because they do not take into account that you were hurt worse. The law in Florida says if you have a preexisting condition and it’s aggravated because of an accident, then the insurance company is responsible for that aggravation and responsible for that knee surgery if that knee is aggravated. Don’t let it scare you off if you have some preexisting condition. If you’re hurt worse, the law says that you can recover for that. You need a skilled attorney that’s able to make sure your treating physicians understand that you had this prior condition, that it got worse from the accident. Then the doctors can give appropriate opinions and we can recover appropriately for that aggravation of the preexisting condition. Were you ore a loved one injured in a slip and fall accident in Florida due to the carelessness or negligence of someone else and have questions? After reading our 5 frequently asked slip and fall questions, contact our experienced Southwest Florida slip and fall lawyers today for a free consultation and case evaluation. Like us on Facebook

Truck accidents can be devastating, leading to serious injuries, property damage, and legal complications. If you find yourself involved in a truck accident in Florida, it’s essential to know what steps to take immediately afterward. Your actions can significantly impact your safety, well-being, and the outcome of any potential legal claims. In this article, we will guide you through what to do right after a truck accident in Florida. Prioritize Safety The safety of all individuals involved in the accident is paramount. If possible, move to a safe location away from the traffic. This is particularly crucial on Florida’s busy roads, as the risk of further accidents is high. Turn on your hazard lights and use any warning triangles or flares you may have to alert other drivers to the accident. Check for Injuries After ensuring your own safety, check on the well-being of others involved in the accident, including drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately to request medical assistance. Florida’s emergency services are well-equipped to respond to accident scenes. Exchange Information While you’re waiting for emergency services to arrive, exchange information with the other parties involved in the accident. Gather the following information: Names, addresses, and phone numbers of all drivers and passengers. Driver’s license and insurance information for all drivers. License plate numbers and vehicle descriptions. Names and contact information of any witnesses. Document the Scene It’s essential to document the accident scene for insurance and potential legal purposes. Use your smartphone or camera to take photographs of the following: Vehicle damage. Skid marks or debris on the road. Traffic signs, signals, and the surrounding area. Weather and road conditions. Notify Law Enforcement In Florida, it’s mandatory to report a truck accident to law enforcement if it results in injuries, deaths, or property damage exceeding $500. Call the local police or Florida Highway Patrol to report the accident. A police report will be crucial for insurance claims and legal matters. Seek Medical Attention Even if you don’t immediately feel injured, it’s advisable to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries may not show symptoms right away, and prompt medical attention can help with a quicker diagnosis and treatment. Document any medical evaluations and treatments for future reference. Preserve Evidence Do not dispose of or repair any damaged property, including your vehicle, until your insurance company or legal counsel advises you to do so. The evidence can be crucial in determining fault and assessing damages. Contact Your Insurance Company Notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Cooperate with their investigation, provide accurate information, and follow their instructions regarding claims and repairs. Failure to report the accident promptly may affect your coverage. Consult an Attorney If you or anyone involved in the accident suffered significant injuries, it’s wise to consult with a personal injury attorney. They can help protect your rights, gather evidence, and navigate the legal aspects of your case. Follow Legal Requirements Ensure you comply with any legal requirements related to the accident. This includes providing a statement to law enforcement, cooperating with insurance companies, and following any court proceedings if legal action is taken. Truck accidents in Florida can be traumatic and complex, but knowing what to do immediately after an accident can make a significant difference in the outcome. Prioritizing safety, seeking medical attention, documenting the scene, and following legal procedures are key steps to take. By being prepared and following these guidelines, you can better navigate the challenging aftermath of a truck accident in Florida. How can Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz, P.A help you if you have been in a truck accident in Florida? At Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz, P.A., we are dedicated to providing comprehensive legal assistance and support to individuals who have been involved in truck accidents in Florida. Our experienced team of attorneys is well-versed in the complexities of personal injury law, particularly in cases involving truck accidents. Here’s how we can help you if you’ve been in a truck accident in Florida: Legal Experience: Our firm has a long-standing history of serving the Southwest Florida community, and our team of attorneys possesses extensive knowledge of Florida’s personal injury laws and regulations. We understand the intricacies of truck accident cases, including liability, insurance claims, and the specific regulations governing commercial trucking. Investigation and Evidence Gathering: We will conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances of your truck accident. This includes gathering evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, and any available surveillance or camera footage to build a strong case on your behalf. Determining Liability: In truck accident cases, determining liability can be complex. We will work diligently to identify the responsible parties, which may include the truck driver, the trucking company, maintenance contractors, or even manufacturers of defective truck parts. Establishing liability is essential for a successful claim. Insurance Claims: We will help you navigate the insurance claims process. Truck accidents often involve multiple insurance policies, making it crucial to understand how to approach the various insurance companies involved. We will work to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages. Compensation for Damages: Our experienced attorneys will advocate for your right to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and any other damages resulting from the truck accident. We will pursue all available avenues to secure the maximum possible settlement. Litigation, if Necessary: If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, we are prepared to take your case to court. Our trial-tested attorneys have a strong track record in the courtroom and will vigorously represent your interests in front of a judge and jury. Communication and Support: Throughout the legal process, we will maintain open and clear communication with you, keeping you informed about the progress of your case and addressing any questions or concerns you may have. Our goal is to provide you with the support and guidance you need during this challenging time. Contingency Fee Arrangement: At Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz, P.A., we understand the financial strain that can result from a truck accident. That’s why we offer our legal services on a contingency fee basis. This means that you only pay attorney fees if we secure a settlement or verdict in your favor, making our services accessible to all. If you’ve been in a truck accident in Florida, we are here to help you navigate the legal complexities, fight for your rights, and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and let our experienced legal team guide you through the process of recovering from a truck accident. Your well-being is our priority, and we are committed to advocating for your best interests every step of the way.

When you’re involved in a car accident case in Fort Myers, Florida, the legal process can be both daunting and complex. One crucial aspect of this process is the deposition. Depositions are an integral part of gathering evidence and testimony in a personal injury case. In this article, we’ll explore what to expect during a deposition in a Fort Myers car accident case, providing you with a better understanding of the process and how to prepare. Understanding Depositions A deposition is essentially an out-of-court sworn testimony given by a witness or party involved in a legal case. It’s conducted as part of the discovery process, where both the plaintiff and defendant have the opportunity to collect evidence and gather information. Depositions are typically held in a law office, and a court reporter is present to record the testimony. Attorneys from both sides ask questions, and the deponent is required to answer truthfully under oath. Preparation Consult with Your Attorney: Prior to the deposition, you should have a thorough discussion with your attorney to understand the purpose and process. Your attorney will help you prepare, ensuring you know what to expect. Review Case Details: Take some time to revisit the details of your car accident case. Familiarize yourself with the incident, the parties involved, and the evidence collected. Anticipate Questions: Your attorney will go over potential questions you may be asked during the deposition. It’s crucial to be honest and forthcoming in your responses. The Deposition During the deposition, there are several key elements to keep in mind: Location and Participants: Depositions typically take place in a law office, where a court reporter will record the proceedings. Both parties’ attorneys and the deponent (you) will be present. Oath: You will be sworn in before the deposition begins, emphasizing the importance of telling the truth. Questioning: The opposing attorney will ask you questions related to the car accident, your injuries, medical treatment, and other aspects of the case. It’s essential to answer truthfully and to the best of your knowledge. Your Attorney’s Role: Your attorney will be present to object to any inappropriate or irrelevant questions, but your main responsibility is to answer the questions asked. Clarifications: If a question is unclear, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification. You should respond honestly and concisely. Document Review: Be prepared to review any documents relevant to the case during the deposition. This may include accident reports, medical records, and photographs. Respect and Professionalism: Maintain a respectful and professional demeanor throughout the deposition. Avoid confrontations or emotional outbursts. Post-Deposition After the deposition, the court reporter will transcribe the testimony. You, your attorney, and the opposing party’s attorney will have the opportunity to review the transcript for accuracy. Any necessary corrections can be made before it is finalized. Depositions are a vital part of the legal process in a Fort Myers car accident case. They allow both parties to gather information, establish the facts, and build their cases. By understanding what to expect during a deposition and preparing accordingly, you can contribute to a more successful legal outcome. Remember, your attorney will be there to guide you through the process and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the deposition and the entire legal proceedings. How can Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz, P.A help you on Car Accident cases in Florida At Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz, P.A., we understand the significant impact a car accident can have on your life. Our experienced team of attorneys is dedicated to providing comprehensive legal support to individuals involved in car accident cases in Florida. Here’s how we can assist you: Legal Experience: With over five decades of legal experience, our firm has a proven track record of success in handling car accident cases. We possess the knowledge and experience required to navigate Florida’s complex legal landscape. Thorough Investigation: We will conduct a thorough investigation of your car accident to gather critical evidence. This includes reviewing accident reports, interviewing witnesses, and working with accident reconstruction experts to establish liability. Maximizing Compensation: Our goal is to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation to which you are entitled. We will assess your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering, to build a strong case. Insurance Claims: Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging. We will handle all communication and negotiations with insurers on your behalf, ensuring that you receive a fair settlement. Litigation if Necessary: If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, we are fully prepared to represent you in court. Our experienced litigators will advocate for your rights in front of a judge and jury. Personalized Guidance: We understand that every car accident case is unique. We will provide you with personalized guidance and support throughout the legal process. You will have a dedicated attorney by your side every step of the way. Client-Focused Approach: At Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz, P.A., our clients come first. We are committed to providing you with the attention, care, and respect you deserve during a challenging time. No Fees Unless You Win: We operate on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t pay any attorney fees unless we secure a successful outcome in your case. Legal Resources: Our firm has the resources and connections to access medical professionals, expert witnesses, and other resources to support your case, ensuring you receive the best possible care and legal representation. Local Knowledge: With offices in several Florida locations, including Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Naples, we have a deep understanding of the local legal landscape and can provide you with region-specific insights. When you choose Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz, P.A. for your car accident case, you are partnering with a firm that is committed to advocating for your rights, pursuing the compensation you deserve, and helping you navigate the legal process with confidence. We are here to ease the burden of your car accident case and guide you toward a positive resolution.

Were you hurt due to inadequate security in Florida and have questions about negligent security lawyer fees? Watch this video, then call us. Question: How much does it cost to hire a negligent security attorney in Southwest Florida? Answer: If you have a negligent security claim in Florida, it doesn’t cost you anything to hire our law firm. Our law firm works off a contingency fee basis, meaning that we only recover if we get a recovery for you. That goes for attorney’s fees and costs. If we have to hire an expert, which is often needed in a negligent security case to show that the property owner should’ve had proper security on the property, that’s not something we ask you to pay for either. You never spend any money out-of-pocket. Once we recover for you, as part of the contingency fee contract, we then get a portion of that recovery as the attorney’s fees and costs. If you have a negligent security case, don’t be afraid because you think you’ll owe something to us. You don’t. We only recover if we recover for you. Please feel free to reach out to us. Have you or a loved one been hurt due to the negligence of a business or property owner and have questions about negligent security lawyer fees? Contact our experienced Southwest Florida Negligent Security lawyers today for a free consultation and case evaluation. Like us on Facebook

Are you concerned about who pays your car accident medical bills after a crash in Southwest Florida? Watch this video, then call us today. Question: Who is going to pay for my medical bills after a car accident in Southwest Florida? Answer: The person that’s responsible for paying your medical bills after you’re involved in a car crash in Florida would be the at-fault driver. There are certain other things that go into that question though in terms of what insurance coverages are available both to you through your own insurance policy and also available through the at-fault driver. That’s why it’s incredibly important to hire someone who specializes in personal injury law to represent you when you’re injured in a motor vehicle crash because that attorney has the specialized knowledge to make sure that they are maximizing your recovery and any potential sources of insurance coverage or recovery for you. Have you or a loved one been injured in a car accident in Florida and have questions about who pays your car accident medical bills after a crash? Contact our experienced Southwest Florida car accident lawyers today for a free consultation and case evaluation. Like us on Facebook

Learn the differences between motorcycle and car accident cases in this video, then contact our Southwest Florida lawyers to get started. Question: How are motorcycle accident claims different than car accident claims? Answer: Motorcycle injury claims are a bit different than automobile crash claims in Florida for several reasons. One of the biggest things that we typically see in our practice with respect to motorcycle crashes is there’s oftentimes a tendency to blame the motorcyclist or try to put some type of fault on the motorcyclist as opposed to the automobile driver. For that reason, you need a personal injury attorney who specializes in motorcycle crashes to be in your corner and fight for you, and make sure that a proper investigation is done, and make sure that experts are hired if that’s something that is necessary. Another way that motorcycle crashes are different than automobile crashes is the types of insurance coverage that are available to you. That is why it’s particularly important to make sure that you hire a personal injury attorney who specializes in that area with respect to motorcycle crashes so that you can make sure that your recovery is maximized, and you are compensated for all of your damages. If you have questions about that, you can always feel free to reach out to us. We are happy to help you with your case. Have you or a loved one been injured in a motorcycle accident in Florida and have questions about the differences between motorcycle and car accident cases? Contact our experienced Southwest Florida motorcycle accident lawyers today for a free consultation and case evaluation. Like us on Facebook

Have you recently been injured in a boat accident in Florida? Learn about the 5 things to know about a boat wreck, then call our attorneys now. 1) Selecting a Boat Accident Attorney There are very specialized laws and circumstances that come into play when folks are injured out on the water. You want to find the right attorneys that deal with these cases not just once a month, not just once a year but continually over time. We handle boating accident cases from the very early stages all the way through trial. We are very experienced in putting together the certain factors that need to come into play to maximize the value of your boating accident injury case, and choosing the right attorney is making sure you have someone you can trust, that you know has experience in these areas. 2) Mistakes After a Boat Accident Claim The most common mistake we see with people in a boating accident injury case in Florida is not wanting to blame your friends. Let’s be honest. More times than not, boating accident injury cases occur when you’re out and about with friends, family members, and you’re out having a good time trying to enjoy the water, and you ultimately are severely and permanently injured by a simple mistake made by an acquaintance of yours often that is operating the vessel. A lot of people seem to believe that that’s not something that they should seek justice for because it’s their friend or a family member. We certainly understand that, and we can understand the apprehension that comes along with that kind of event. At the same point in time, this is an event more times than not that is going to affect you for the remainder of your days, weeks, and years on this planet, and these injuries can be very severe. So, instead of having the initial thought of “I don’t know if this is the right path to take for me” what we would suggest is contacting an attorney. In addition there, too, boating accident and injury cases generally involve multiple different facets. There can and more likely than not are multiple parties that are at fault, not including you, the injured party, for the incident occurring. For example, someone renting a boat to someone else requires duties and obligations. What we can do in addressing any of those concerns that you may have in your boating accident case is look at other potential avenues of recovery that are available to you. Simply because you’re injured and you may be a little bit apprehensive, we suggest you don’t sweep it under the rug and just think you’ll get better. These are going to be things that you’re going to deal with more often than not for the remainder of your years, and they’re certainly things you did not sign up for. 3) Taking the First Boat Accident Settlement Offer In a boat accident injury case, it is typically not advisable to take the insurance company’s first offer. Insurance companies are notorious for trying to move files off their desk and simply get you, the injured party, out of the way so they can deal with the many other claims that they have. A lot of times the first offer from an insurance company is not taking into account the full extent and amount of your damages because a lot of times you’re still working your way through your medical care and treatment. A lot of times the first offer is not really given with the full investigation underway into a conclusion, so taking the first offer more times than not is the insurance company’s attempt to get you out of their way. Don’t let the insurance companies win. 4) Boat Accident Attorney Fees For your boat accident injury claim, hiring us at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz costs you absolutely nothing. We are happy to evaluate your claim, talk to you first, and then hopefully sign you up as our client to pursue justice for you without any cost to you initially. You will never see a bill from us. We will never ask you to write us a check. What we do, and what we’re certainly happy to do, is work your case, develop your case, put together a comprehensive damages packet analysis for the insurance companies and try to get your case resolved, otherwise we go try your case. We’re happy to do that as well, but you do not owe us anything unless we are successful for you. We work on what’s called a contingency fee basis, which means a certain percentage of what we recover as a result of your injuries and damages would come to us for the work that we performed on your case. You also do not owe us anything for the costs associated with the case. That’s not something we would ask you to write us a check for up front. We incur those costs on your behalf, and later based upon the amount of the settlement or the judgment, we can recoup those costs based upon money that we have secure and achieved for you, so ultimately the idea is if we are not successful for you in your case, you will not owe us a dime. 5) Boat Accident Case Going to Trial Boat accident injury cases sometimes go to trial. More often than not, they settle short of trial, but certain circumstances, depending on the facts of the case, may entail your boating accident injury case to make its way all the way through the court system to a jury trial, but ultimately, there will be settlement offers along the way as long as you’ve hired the right attorneys to put the pieces together for you but also for presentation to the insurance company. Getting the case resolved can happen at any point in time along the way. There are cases that resolve very early. There are cases that resolve on the courthouse steps just before the trial begins. It all depends on the certain facts and circumstances in the case measured against your wants and desires as the client seeking full justice for you. Have you or a loved one recently been injured in a boat accident in Florida and have questions about the 5 things to know about a boat wreck? Contact our experienced Southwest Florida boat accident lawyers today for a free consultation and case evaluation. Like us on Facebook

Were you severely injured? Learn what to look for when selecting the right injury attorney in this video. Then, contact our Florida attorneys. Question: How Do I Choose the Best Personal Injury Attorney? Answer: Choosing the right and the best personal injury attorney for you in any state let alone in Florida needs to be based upon trust. Trust is something that’s developed through all relationships. When you retain an attorney, the law defines that coming together of you and the attorney as an attorney-client relationship. Trust is a paramount factor in looking to retain the right and the best personal injury attorney for you. Trust is based on many things, including finding an attorney that cares and that is honest with you and your case, cares about you and looks out for your best interest, and is also honest with you about the proceedings and how the case is going to develop. It’s also important to look at an attorney that is responsible and respectful, respectful to you and your desires, not necessarily what some talking head on a TV screen may tell you is important but what it is about your case that’s important to you and also someone that is going to be responsible for your case from beginning to end, from the time you walk through the door to the time when we trial your case at trial when that becomes necessary in certain instances. We believe it’s important in looking for an attorney that fits that criteria in talking to your friends, your neighbors, your family members, people that have gone through the unfortunate circumstance that you may find yourself in. Ask them who they trust, ask them who cares about them and who showed them honesty, respect, and responsibility throughout the handling of their case. At Goldstein Buckley Cechman, Rice & Purtz, we look forward to the opportunity of showing you that we care, that we are responsible, and that you can trust us. We hope you’ll call us, and we hope we’re able to talk you through what it’s going to take to maximize justice for you and your case. Have you suffered a serious injury at the hands of someone who has been careless or negligent and have questions about what to look for when selecting the right injury attorney? Contact our experienced Southwest Florida personal injury lawyers today for a free consultation and case evaluation. Like us on Facebook

Are you wondering about the differences between a bicycle and car accident case? Check out this video, then call our lawyers in Florida. Question: How does a bicycle accident claim differ from a normal auto accident claim? Answer: Bicycle accident injury cases are oftentimes different from other types of injury cases in Florida because, unfortunately, what we see oftentimes with bicycle accidents is that the severity of injury is much more significant than certain other types of cases. For that reason, you want to make sure that you hire an attorney who specializes in personal injury and specifically bicycle accidents to help you with your case from the very beginning. Unfortunately, oftentimes what we also see is that there’s sometimes a tendency to try to blame the bicyclist for the cause of a crash. If that’s the case, we are happy to help you. That does not mean that you don’t have a case; what that means is that we need to do an investigation and fight for you because oftentimes, insurance companies will try to use that against you to try to minimize the amount of damages that you can claim. For that reason, please call us. We specialize in these types of cases. We’re happy to help you even if there is a dispute about liability and who was at fault for the crash. Have you or a loved one been injured in a bicycle accident in Florida and have questions about the differences between a bicycle and car accident case? Contact our experienced Southwest Florida bicycle accident lawyers today for a free consultation and case evaluation. Like us on Facebook

Have you lost a loved one due to the negligence of another person and have questions about how to win your wrongful death claim? Call us now! Selecting an Attorney If you have a wrongful death claim in Florida, you’ve obviously lost a loved one, so hiring the right attorney is a very important thing to do. We had a lady come in who had lost her husband as a result of a motorcycle accident. She had consulted with a couple other attorneys and, actually, another attorney took on the case initially. Pretty early on in the case, there were some facts that came up – that potentially the motorcycle was speeding a bit and there were potentially some other things the motorcyclist did to be partially at fault – so the other attorney really cooled on the case and didn’t want to handle it. The lady came to us and we ended up handling the case. Those sort of things don’t dissuade us. We still want to get justice for our clients. We understand every case isn’t going to be perfect and have all the right facts. When somebody loses a loved one, even if there are some difficult facts, we’re still willing to pursue that case. In this case, we ended up getting a very favorable result for the client, much more money than she thought possible. It’s really important to hire an attorney in a wrongful death case that understands all of the damages, understands that they have to do an appropriate investigation, understands that some bad facts don’t mean it’s a bad case and that those bad facts can be used to your advantage in a way to try to maximize the value of the case. Our firm has been handling wrongful death cases, where folks have lost a loved one, for almost 60 years. We are skilled in that area. We handle these cases often, and we’d be happy to speak with you if you’ve lost a loved one and you have a wrongful death case. Filing a Claim The wrongful death action in Florida is brought by the personal representative of the estate. A deceased person cannot bring their own wrongful death case. A family member doesn’t bring a wrongful death case directly in that person’s name. It would be the personal representative of the estate. Our law firm actually has an estate department that can set that estate up, which makes it easier on you because you don’t have to hire multiple different law firms. Our law firm will set up the estate, name a personal representative. Usually there’s an agreement amongst family members that it would be one of the family members, but sometimes the family members feel stressed out and don’t want to be involved in that regard, so we can have an attorney act as the personal representative of the estate. It’s really whatever is best for the family of the deceased because the family is grieving and going through a lot, so we want to try to help make this is as easy as we can on them and do what they want to do to make them comfortable. If there’s a wrongful death case, the personal representative brings that case. Our law firm can set that up, and then also handle the wrongful death action. If you have a loved one that you’ve lost because of a wrongful death case, please feel free to reach out to us so we can help you. Wrongful Death Claims The most important thing to know about a wrongful death claim in Florida is that the insurance company is probably going to try to deny the claim or defend the claim; that is what they do to try to wear down on the family members that have lost their loved one. You need to hire the appropriate attorney that can handle the case, that has an understanding of the value of the case and has the assets to be able to push that case forward and fight the insurance company, and or firm has that. We’ve been around for nearly 60 years. Our law firm handles these sort of cases all the time. We have board-certified civil trial attorneys who try wrongful death cases, and the insurance companies know that. The number one thing is to understand that because there is substantial value in wrongful death cases, the insurance company is likely going to try to beat you down. We don’t let that happen when we’re involved in a case. If you’ve lost a loved one and you have a wrongful death case, we’d be happy to consult with you and happy to help you in that regard. Please feel free to reach out to us. Available Damages In a wrongful death claim in Florida, there are many different sorts of damages. We have family members of a deceased loved one come to us and ask us, “What can we recover in damages if we have a wrongful death case?” The Wrongful Death Act tells us what damages can be recovered, and it breaks it down into if you are surviving spouse versus a surviving child, versus a surviving parent, there are different sorts of damages for each of those that you can recover. Even someone that is further removed in the family chain can recover damages. That all depends on how the Wrongful Death Act lays out those damages. Generally speaking, the damages are loss of the familiar relationship with a parent or a child, that’s pain and suffering for the loss of that person. There is also loss of net estate accumulations. That is when you’re loved one was earning money that would’ve benefited you in the long run and you can show that there was that benefit through a 401k or some other sort of savings or some other sort of account. Then there are damages for loss of that person’s duties that they were doing on your behalf, where you now have to pay someone else to do those duties. The damages are complex, which is why you should really get an attorney involved early on. An attorney can identify all the potential damages, all the family members that can recover those damages, and then handle that case appropriately. Our law firm has been handling wrongful death cases for nearly 60 years, so we know how to maximize the value of all those different damages. Have you lost a loved one due to the negligence of another person in Florida and have questions about how to win your wrongful death claim? Contact our experienced Southwest Florida wrongful death lawyers today for a free consultation and case evaluation. Like us on Facebook

Are you choosing a spinal cord injury attorney? Learn what you should look for in an attorney in this video. Then, call our Florida attorneys. Question: How do I choose an attorney for a spinal cord injury in Southwest Florida? Answer: Choosing the right attorney to represent you in a spinal cord injury case is incredibly important. You need to pick an attorney who specializes in not only personal injury cases, but spinal cord injuries in particular. Spinal cord injuries are unique in that they’re very severe injuries and require a huge amount of medical care and medical attention, often for the rest of a person’s life. For that reason, it’s incredibly important to hire someone who specializes in that area of law, and can get the right experts involved, and can spend the amount of money needed to potentially try the case if necessary, because that’s the rest of your life. You need someone who is going to look out for you and fight for you in those types of cases in particular. We specialize in those types of injury cases and would be happy to help you. Please contact us if you have unfortunately suffered a spinal cord injury. We would be happy to help you with your case. Have you or a loved one been involved in an accident or event that caused a spinal cord injury in Florida and have questions about what to look for when choosing a spinal cord injury attorney? Contact our experienced Southwest Florida spinal cord injury lawyers today for a free consultation and case evaluation. Like us on Facebook