Car accidents can be traumatic and life-altering events, often leaving victims with physical injuries, emotional distress, and financial burdens. Determining fault in a car accident is crucial for insurance claims and legal proceedings. If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Port Charlotte, Florida, understanding the key factors that help establish fault is essential. This article will explore these factors to help you navigate the process more effectively.
Florida’s Comparative Fault System
Florida operates under a “comparative fault” system, which means that multiple parties involved in an accident may share responsibility for the incident. In such cases, fault is assigned as a percentage, and this percentage determines the extent of each party’s liability for damages. Even if you believe you may have contributed to the accident, you may still be eligible for compensation.
Traffic Laws and Regulations
One of the primary factors that determine fault in a car accident is whether any traffic laws or regulations were violated. This includes obeying traffic signals, speed limits, and yielding right of way. If one party is found to have violated these laws, they are more likely to be considered at fault.
Eyewitness Testimonies
Eyewitnesses play a critical role in establishing fault. Their testimonies can provide valuable information about the sequence of events leading up to the accident. Be sure to obtain contact information from any witnesses at the scene, as their statements can be instrumental in supporting your case.
Police Reports
After a car accident in Port Charlotte, law enforcement officers will typically arrive at the scene to prepare an accident report. This report can be a crucial piece of evidence when determining fault. It will include details such as the date, time, location of the accident, descriptions of vehicles and damages, statements from parties involved, and any traffic citations issued.
Video Footage and Photographs
In today’s digital age, it’s becoming increasingly common for accidents to be captured on video by dashcams, security cameras, or even smartphones. If available, video footage and photographs can provide objective evidence of the accident’s circumstances, making it easier to establish fault.
Expert Witnesses
In some complex cases, expert witnesses may be called upon to provide their analysis. For example, accident reconstruction experts can use scientific methods to recreate the accident, helping to determine factors like vehicle speed, braking distances, and points of impact. Their testimony can carry significant weight in court.
Insurance Claims
The insurance companies involved in the accident will conduct their own investigations to determine fault. They will review all available evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and photographs. Keep in mind that insurance companies may attempt to minimize their liability, so it’s essential to have your own representation to protect your interests.
Medical Records
Injuries sustained in a car accident can help establish fault. Medical records detailing the nature and extent of your injuries can demonstrate the severity of the accident and who was likely at fault. Seeking prompt medical attention and following through with recommended treatments is essential for both your health and your claim.
Determining fault in a car accident in Port Charlotte, Florida, involves careful examination of various factors, including traffic laws, eyewitness testimonies, police reports, video evidence, expert witnesses, insurance claims, and medical records. Understanding the nuances of the comparative fault system in Florida can also be beneficial in pursuing a successful claim.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced attorney who specializes in personal injury cases. They can help you navigate the legal complexities, negotiate with insurance companies, and work to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve, whether you are partially at fault or not at fault at all. Remember that the ultimate goal is to recover physically, emotionally, and financially after a car accident, and determining fault is a crucial step in that process.
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 that a car accident can be a life-changing event, often resulting in physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens. Our dedicated team of attorneys has been serving clients in Florida for over 50 years, and we have a proven track record of helping individuals involved in car accidents navigate the legal process and obtain the compensation they deserve.
Here’s how Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz, P.A. can assist you with car accident cases in Florida:
Legal Experience: Our attorneys have extensive experience in handling car accident cases in Florida. We are well-versed in state laws, regulations, and the intricacies of the legal system. This experience allows us to provide you with the best possible guidance and representation.
Investigation and Evidence Gathering: We thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding your car accident. This includes reviewing police reports, obtaining witness statements, and collecting any available video or photographic evidence. We leave no stone unturned in building a strong case on your behalf.
Medical Expertise: We work closely with medical professionals to assess the extent of your injuries and their impact on your life. This ensures that we accurately calculate the compensation you deserve, covering not only immediate medical expenses but also future medical needs and any resulting disabilities.
Negotiation with Insurance Companies: Dealing with insurance companies can be complex and challenging. We handle all communication and negotiations with insurance companies on your behalf, ensuring that you are not taken advantage of and that you receive a fair settlement offer.
Litigation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, we are prepared to take your case to court. Our experienced trial attorneys will vigorously represent your interests in the courtroom, advocating for the compensation you deserve.
Compassionate Support: We understand the physical and emotional toll that car accidents can take on individuals and their families. Our team provides compassionate support throughout the legal process, guiding you step by step and addressing any concerns or questions you may have.
Personalized Representation: Every car accident case is unique, and we treat each client with personalized attention. We tailor our legal strategies to your specific circumstances and goals, ensuring that your voice is heard and your rights are protected.
Maximizing Compensation: Our primary goal is to maximize the compensation you receive. This includes seeking damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and any other losses you have incurred due to the accident.
At Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz, P.A., we are dedicated to helping you rebuild your life after a car accident. We have a deep commitment to justice and a history of securing favorable outcomes for our clients. When you choose our firm to represent you in your car accident case in Florida, you can trust that you are in capable and caring hands. Your well-being is our top priority, and we will work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards the justice and compensation you deserve.
Common Mistakes After a Motorcycle Accident Claim
Do you know what common mistakes after a motorcycle accident claim to avoid? Watch this video, then call our lawyers in Southwest Florida.
Question:
What are common mistakes people make if they have been injured in a motorcycle accident?
Answer:
Some of the most common mistakes that we see people involved in motorcycle crashes in Florida make are Number One, not hiring an attorney as quickly and as soon as possible. This is important because in motorcycle crash cases in particular, we oftentimes see people try to blame the motorcyclist. That’s why it’s important to get someone who specializes in personal injury and particularly in motorcycle crash cases to do the investigation as quickly as possible after the crash. If there are witnesses, we need to get witness statements. If we need to hire an expert, it’s important to do that as quickly as possible so that we can make sure that you are compensated for all of your damages and that any bogus liability arguments are basically taken off the table when we do our investigation and potentially hire an expert on your behalf.
The second biggest mistake that we see people make who are involved in motorcycle crashes in Florida is not hiring an attorney who specializes in motorcycle crashes and personal injury cases. Unfortunately, there are many attorneys out there who say that they specialize in those types of cases, but they don’t. You need someone who can potentially litigate and try your case if it becomes necessary. You need someone who is specifically familiar with motorcycle crash cases and the issues that often arise in those cases.
Unfortunately, we see many motorcycle crash cases and have represented many victims of motorcycle crashes. The level of injury in those types of accidents is often very severe and more significant than crashes sometimes involving an automobile and another automobile. That’s why it’s very important to make sure that you’ve got someone in your corner representing you who will fight for you in those types of crashes in particular. We of course are happy to answer any questions that you have and are always happy to hear from you if you need help. Please give us a call.
Have you or a loved one been injured in a motorcycle accident in Florida and have questions about what common mistakes after a motorcycle accident claim to avoid? Contact our experienced Southwest Florida motorcycle accident lawyers today for a free consultation and case evaluation.
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When it comes to personal safety, we all expect that the places we visit, whether they are public or private, will be reasonably secure. However, there are times when property owners and businesses fail to meet their obligation to provide adequate security, resulting in accidents, injuries, or even violent crimes. If you find yourself a victim of such an incident in Lehigh Acres, Florida, you may be wondering if you need a lawyer to pursue a negligent security claim.
Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz, P.A. has been serving the legal needs of the residents of Southwest Florida for decades. In this article, we’ll explore the intricacies of negligent security claims in Lehigh Acres, Florida, and help you understand when and why you may need a lawyer to protect your rights and seek compensation.
Understanding Negligent Security Claims
Negligent security claims fall under the broader category of premises liability. Property owners and businesses have a legal duty to provide a safe and secure environment for their guests and customers. This duty extends to taking reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable criminal acts on their premises. When property owners fail to meet this duty, and someone is injured or harmed as a result, they may be held liable for the damages through a negligent security claim.
Key Elements of a Negligent Security Claim
- Duty of Care: The first element of a negligent security claim is establishing that the property owner or business had a duty of care to protect you from harm. In Lehigh Acres, Florida, this duty extends to reasonably safeguarding visitors from foreseeable criminal activities.
- Breach of Duty: To succeed in a negligent security claim, you must prove that the property owner or business breached their duty of care. This could involve showing inadequate lighting, malfunctioning security systems, or other lapses that contributed to your injuries.
- Causation: You must establish a direct link between the property owner’s breach of duty and your injuries or damages. This means demonstrating that the inadequate security measures were a substantial factor in the incident that led to your injuries.
- Damages: Finally, to recover compensation in a negligent security claim, you must prove that you suffered damages as a result of the incident. This can include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
When Do You Need a Lawyer for Your Negligent Security Claim?
Now that we’ve outlined the basic elements of a negligent security claim, it’s essential to understand when you may need a lawyer to assist you with your case in Lehigh Acres, Florida.
- Complex Legal Process: Negligent security claims can be legally complex, and the process can be overwhelming for an individual without legal expertise. An experienced attorney can guide you through the process, ensuring all necessary steps are taken to build a strong case.
- Investigation and Evidence Gathering: Proving negligence often requires a thorough investigation and gathering of evidence. Lawyers have the resources and expertise to collect evidence, interview witnesses, and consult with experts if necessary.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Property owners and businesses often have liability insurance to cover negligent security claims. Negotiating with insurance companies can be challenging, and an attorney can help you navigate these negotiations to maximize your compensation.
- Legal Knowledge and Experience: Attorneys specializing in premises liability cases, like those at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz, P.A., have the legal knowledge and experience to handle these types of claims effectively. They understand the nuances of Florida law and can anticipate potential defenses from the opposing party.
- Personalized Legal Strategy: Each negligent security case is unique, and a skilled attorney can develop a personalized legal strategy tailored to the specific circumstances of your case. This ensures that your claim is handled with the utmost care and attention to detail.
- Courtroom Representation: In some cases, litigation may be necessary to secure the compensation you deserve. Having a lawyer by your side in the courtroom can be invaluable, as they will advocate for your rights and present your case persuasively to a judge and jury.
In addition to the legal aspects of negligent security claims, it’s crucial to examine the specific circumstances surrounding your case to determine whether hiring a lawyer is the right choice for you.
- Severity of Injuries: If you sustained minor injuries that required minimal medical attention and did not result in significant financial losses, you might consider handling the claim on your own. However, if your injuries are severe, involve long-term medical treatment, or have caused permanent disability, seeking legal representation becomes more important. A lawyer can help you pursue the compensation necessary to cover extensive medical bills, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
- Liability Disputes: Property owners and businesses may dispute their responsibility for the incident or argue that they took reasonable security measures. When liability is contested, having an attorney who can build a strong case and counter opposing arguments is invaluable.
- Multiple Parties Involved: In some cases, multiple parties may share liability for the negligent security incident. This could include property owners, security companies, or other third parties. Determining who is responsible and to what extent can be complex, and an attorney can help navigate these intricacies.
- Evidence Challenges: If collecting evidence, such as surveillance footage or witness statements, proves difficult, a lawyer’s investigative skills and resources can be instrumental in building a compelling case.
- Statute of Limitations: Florida has a statute of limitations that sets a deadline for filing a negligent security claim. If you wait too long, you may lose your right to pursue compensation. An attorney can ensure that your claim is filed within the required timeframe.
- Insurance Company Tactics: Insurance companies often employ tactics to minimize their payouts, such as offering low settlements or delaying the claims process. An attorney experienced in negotiating with insurance companies can help protect your interests and ensure you receive a fair settlement.
- Emotional Stress and Trauma: Dealing with the aftermath of a negligent security incident can be emotionally distressing. A lawyer can take the legal burden off your shoulders, allowing you to focus on your recovery and well-being.
If you’ve been the victim of negligent security in Lehigh Acres, Florida, it’s important to understand your rights and options. While not every case requires legal representation, seeking the assistance of an experienced attorney can significantly improve your chances of a successful outcome. Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz, P.A. has a team of dedicated lawyers ready to assist you in pursuing your negligent security claim and ensuring that your rights are protected.
Don’t navigate the complexities of the legal system alone. Contact us today to discuss your case and explore your legal options. Your well-being and financial recovery matter, and we are here to help you every step of the way.
Community Commitment: Supporting Others
Luke Carney knew from working at the firm of our community commitment to supporting area nonprofits. Luke worked as a legal secretary before recently leaving the firm to pursue a law degree at Ave Maria University.
While he worked at the firm, he also volunteered at a support group for teenagers at Valerie’s House. After Luke lost his mother when he was 14, he learned about the need for grief support. As a result, he decided to volunteer for the nonprofit dedicated to helping children and caregivers process grief.
Luke observed the firm’s community commitment to many other organizations, including MADD Southwest Florida, Gulf Coast Humane Society and veteran’s groups.
To celebrate its fifth anniversary, Valerie’s House asked volunteers like Luke to spread the word about the nonprofit. So, Luke asked if the firm would support Valerie’s House on Facebook during the month of June. “In helping the community, we pay it forward,” Luke said.
Our Staff’s Community Commitment
Our attorneys are committed to active involvement in the communities where we live and work. We proudly donate our time and resources for the benefit of the many worthy organizations. Additionally, we contribute to the success of local schools and athletes.
Part of our commitment is to support causes that are important to our employees, like Luke. Christopher and Andrea Smith have rescue dogs and volunteer at Gulf Coast Humane Society. Our attorneys see the impact of drunk driving accidents on our clients. As a result, the firm supports Walk Like MADD every year. John Cechman is a veteran and encourages the firm’s support of veteran’s groups. Legal assistant Emily Miller uses her extensive couponing skills to buy items for donation to a variety of organizations.
“I’ve been at the firm since 1998, and I do not remember a time we weren’t supporting Toys for Tots,” said Tina Helton, the firm’s business manager. “I love this program and feel especially at Christmas time, kids need to feel wanted and recognized. Receiving the smallest item will lighten a child’s face. Very humbling experience to see!”
Every year, Southwest Florida witnesses numerous truck accidents that result in serious injuries and fatalities. Victims and their families often suffer significant physical, emotional, and financial consequences. In some cases, these accidents are not just the result of negligence but may involve egregious behavior on the part of the responsible party. When this happens, punitive damages may come into play as a means of seeking justice and deterring future misconduct. In this article, we will explore punitive damages in Southwest Florida truck accident cases, the requirements for pursuing them, and how experienced attorneys can help you seek the compensation you deserve.
What Are Punitive Damages?
Punitive damages, also known as exemplary damages, are a form of compensation awarded to the plaintiff in a civil lawsuit with the primary aim of punishing the defendant for their egregious misconduct and deterring similar behavior in the future. Unlike compensatory damages, which are designed to reimburse the victim for their actual losses, punitive damages are intended to serve as a form of punishment and a deterrent against reckless or malicious actions.
Requirements for Punitive Damages in Southwest Florida
In Southwest Florida, as in most jurisdictions, punitive damages are not awarded automatically in personal injury cases. To be eligible for punitive damages in a truck accident case, several criteria must be met:
- Egregious Conduct: The defendant’s behavior must go beyond ordinary negligence. In Southwest Florida, punitive damages are typically reserved for cases involving intentional misconduct, gross negligence, or a willful disregard for the safety of others.
- Clear and Convincing Evidence: The plaintiff must provide clear and convincing evidence of the defendant’s wrongful conduct. This is a higher burden of proof than the standard “preponderance of the evidence” required for most civil cases.
- Proximate Cause: The egregious conduct must be a proximate cause of the plaintiff’s injuries or damages. In other words, there must be a direct link between the defendant’s actions and the harm suffered by the victim.
- Limitation on Damages: In Florida, there is a statutory cap on punitive damages in most cases. The cap is typically set at three times the amount of compensatory damages awarded to the plaintiff or $500,000, whichever is greater.
- Pleading Requirements: To pursue punitive damages, the plaintiff must include a specific claim for punitive damages in their lawsuit. This claim must provide notice to the defendant that punitive damages are being sought.
How Punitive Damages Benefit Southwest Florida Truck Accident Victims
Pursuing punitive damages in a Southwest Florida truck accident case can have several advantages for victims and their families:
- Deterrence: Punitive damages send a clear message to trucking companies and drivers that reckless or dangerous behavior will not be tolerated. This can help deter future misconduct and promote safer practices on the road.
- Compensation for Pain and Suffering: While compensatory damages cover economic losses such as medical bills and lost wages, punitive damages can provide additional compensation for the victim’s pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Justice: Punitive damages can provide a sense of justice for victims and their families by holding wrongdoers accountable for their actions.
- Protecting the Community: Pursuing punitive damages in a truck accident case can help protect the community by discouraging dangerous driving practices and encouraging responsible behavior among trucking companies and drivers.
- Legal Representation: Pursuing punitive damages requires the expertise of an experienced personal injury attorney who understands the complex legal requirements and can build a strong case on your behalf.
How Experienced Attorneys Can Help
- Navigating the legal complexities of punitive damages in Southwest Florida truck accident cases can be challenging. It requires a deep understanding of state laws, court procedures, and the ability to gather and present compelling evidence. Experienced attorneys, such as those at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz, P.A., can play a crucial role in your pursuit of punitive damages. Here’s how they can help:
- Case Evaluation: Attorneys can assess the circumstances of your truck accident case to determine whether punitive damages may be appropriate.
- Gathering Evidence: Experienced lawyers have the resources and knowledge to collect and present clear and convincing evidence of the defendant’s egregious conduct.
- Legal Strategy: Attorneys can develop a sound legal strategy that includes filing the necessary pleadings and presenting a compelling case to the court.
- Negotiation: In some cases, the defendant may be willing to settle out of court to avoid punitive damages. Attorneys can negotiate on your behalf to secure a fair settlement.
- Trial Representation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, attorneys can represent you in court, advocating for your right to punitive damages.
The Pursuit of Justice Through Punitive Damages
When it comes to truck accidents in Southwest Florida, the pursuit of justice is of paramount importance. These accidents can result in life-altering injuries, devastating financial losses, and profound emotional trauma for victims and their families. Punitive damages, as we’ve discussed, play a crucial role in achieving justice in such cases. Let’s delve further into the significance of seeking punitive damages in the aftermath of a truck accident.
Deterrence and Accountability
Truck accidents are often the result of various factors, including driver fatigue, speeding, inadequate maintenance, or even violations of federal safety regulations. When these accidents occur due to the reckless or willful actions of trucking companies or drivers, punitive damages can serve as a powerful deterrent.
Trucking companies and their drivers have a responsibility to prioritize safety on the road. Pursuing punitive damages sends a clear message that negligence or intentional misconduct will not be tolerated. By holding wrongdoers accountable for their actions, we create a safer environment for all road users in Southwest Florida.
Compensation Beyond Financial Losses
While punitive damages are not intended to compensate for economic losses like medical bills or property damage, they can provide something equally important – compensation for the intangible losses that victims endure. Truck accident victims often face immense physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, and a diminished quality of life. Punitive damages can help address these non-economic losses, acknowledging the profound impact the accident has had on the victim’s life.
Promoting Safer Practices
Punitive damages not only seek to compensate victims but also aim to change the behavior of those responsible. When trucking companies and drivers understand that their actions could result in punitive damages, they are incentivized to adopt safer practices. This, in turn, contributes to an overall reduction in truck accidents and the injuries they cause in Southwest Florida.
Punitive damages in Southwest Florida truck accident cases serve a vital role in seeking justice, deterring misconduct, and compensating victims for their pain and suffering. To pursue punitive damages successfully, victims and their families should seek the guidance and representation of experienced personal injury attorneys who understand the legal requirements and are dedicated to fighting for their rights. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in Southwest Florida, contact Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz, P.A. today for a consultation to explore your options and pursue the compensation you deserve. Your safety on the road matters and punitive damages can play a pivotal role in promoting it.
Fort Myers Attorneys Named As Super Lawyers in 2020
The law firmGoldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz was proud to have J. Jeffrey Rice, John B. Cechman and Richard L. Purtz, their Fort Myers attorneys named as Super Lawyers on the prestigious 2020 Florida Super Lawyers list.
Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters business, is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. They are named as Super Lawyers and receive accolades each year. The annual selections are made using a patented multiphase process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, an independent research evaluation of candidates and peer reviews by practice area. Super Lawyers represent the top 5% of legal professionals in each state.
Three Attorneys Named As Super Lawyers
Rice was first named to the list in 2006. Cechman was named to the list in 2007, 2009 and 2020. Purtz was first named in 2009, and each year since 2017.
Rice emphasizes his practice on commercial law, construction law and real estate. Cechman and Purtz are personal injury attorneys for the firm. All three, as well as managing partner Christopher J. Smith, are Florida Board Certified in Civil Trial, an honor approximately only 1% of trial lawyers achieve by trying a certain number of civil trials to verdict and passing a written exam. Rice is also Board Certified in business litigation and construction law.
In addition, Cechman, Rice and Purtz, as well as partner Stephen Buckley, Chris and Smith are also AV Preeminent rated, the highest rating attorneys can receive by Martindale Hubbell’s peer attorney and judges review. Smith, Rice, Cechman and Purtz are also members of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), a prestigious national invitation-only group of trial attorneys that has stringent requirements attorneys must meet in order to qualify.
Super Lawyers magazine features Cechman, Rice and Purtz in its June issue, which will be distributed to more than 62,000 attorneys and posted in an online directory. For more information about Super Lawyers, visit SuperLawyers.com.
About Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz
Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz, P.A., has offered a full complement of professional legal services to Southwest Florida clients since 1962. The firm’s experienced attorneys are board certified by the Florida Bar, and their areas of practice include personal injury and accidents, fall and premises liability, wrongful death, motorcycle and truck accidents, medical malpractice, real estate, commercial litigation, construction law, wills, estate planning and administration, social security law and criminal law. With offices in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, Lehigh Acres and Port Charlotte, these attorneys named as Super Lawyers can be reached by calling 239-334-1146 or visiting our contact us page.
Boat Accident Claim Timeline
Were you injured in Southwest Florida and have questions about boat accident claim timeline? Check out this video to learn how long a case can take.
Question:
How long will my boat accident claim take in Southwest Florida?
Answer:
Resolving a boating accident injury claim in Florida can under certain circumstances take some time. There are other circumstances where once the pieces are all put together early and we tie a tight, nice little bow around the facts of the case, how the accident occurred, your injuries, your damages, ultimately what this meant for you – documentation is obviously key, so the earlier on you get an attorney involved, the more likely your case is to resolve at some point in time early in the process. That’s not to say they all do, but documenting and getting the right folks attorney-wise involved in your case early on helps you try and put the case to bed before jumping through all the legal hoops that come along with filing a lawsuit and working through a court system in order to potentially try your case in front of a jury if we can’t get it settled at any point in time along the way. It depends on so many facts and so many variables, but getting the right attorneys involved like us at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz goes a long way to hopefully getting this put behind you at some point in time early on in the process as opposed to letting it drag out for years and years, which can occur working our way through the court systems.
Have you or a loved one recently been injured in a boat accident in Florida and have questions about boat accident claim timeline? Contact our experienced Southwest Florida boat accident lawyers today for a free consultation and case evaluation.
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For nearly 60 years, the staff at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz has supported our communities. Our most recent support has been our 2020 Gulf Coast Humane Society donation of pet food.
We don’t mind that Gulf Coast Humane Society (GCHS) Community Relations Coordinator Brian Wierima brings his four-legged assistant to our office. Lemmy, a French and English bulldog mix Wierima adopted, comes to our office to pick up donations.
In addition, my husband and fellow partner Christopher and I have two rescued pups of our own. Our dogs, Boo and Thunder, come to the office with us sometimes, too. Boo, a deaf Catahoula mix, was adopted from GCHS. We recently adopted Thunder from another local rescue.
2020 Gulf Coast Humane Society Donation
Our office’s expert coupon-clipper, legal assistant Emily Miller, stretches donated dollars to maximize our support. With Miller’s help, a recent 2020 Gulf Coast Humane Society donation of food was worth more than $4,800. The 1,066 cans of cat food, 314 bags of dog food and 186 treats bags were enough to fill a van and a pickup truck!
To help people struggling after losing their jobs, GCHS has been collecting donations of pet food and treats. The food is distributed at Community Cooperative’s area food pantries to make sure people can keep their pets at home. Since the beginning of April, GCHS has given out 7 tons of pet food at 26 mobile food pantries in Lee County.
Wierima said our humane society donation was the largest single one he has seen in his four years with GCHS. The food was helpful in launching the Pet Food 4 Furever Families. In addition, people fostering shelter pets received food. Shelter officials expected to see owners giving up their pets during the pandemic, but the food seems to have kept that from happening.
About the Gulf Coast Humane Society
GCHS is a nonprofit, no-kill shelter that does not receive any government or Humane Society of the United States support. To supply medical care, shelter and adoptive homes, GCHS relies on community funding.
Pets are important to ease loneliness during the pandemic. Also, they can reduce anxiety and depression. Additionally, companionship, routine, connection, touch, attention and affection are just some of the other needs met by pets. Animals can teach us the importance of helping and relying on each other. In addition to excellent legal services, helping community is at the center of our firm’s core values.
Other Community Support
In addition to our 2020 Gulf Coast Humane Society Donation, we are sponsoring Walk Like MADD in September and DUI enforcement efforts. We also collect donations for veterans, Community Cooperative, Eva’s Closet, area schools, Alliance for the Arts and Toys for Tots. We educate motorcyclists through Bike Night, and other outreach events.
As a law firm, our mission is to help those who need someone to fight for them. As a part of the community, our goal is to make a positive difference through support, leadership and volunteering. To support the Gulf Coast Humane Society, visit here.
Choosing a Boat Accident Attorney
Are you choosing a boat accident attorney? Learn what you should look for in an attorney in this video. Then, call our Florida lawyers to get started.
Question:
How do I choose a boat accident attorney in Southwest Florida?
Answer:
Finding the right boating accident injury attorney is paramount in Florida. 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 at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz 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.
Being in southwest Florida here locally where we all practice, we see cases like this, and we handle cases like this from our local offices. They don’t go out of our office to be handled by other firms or other offices in other parts of the state. You’re going to have an attorney on the ground with you to handle your case from the very beginning all the way through trial if that’s necessary, and you need to have those attorneys that have the experience to deal with the multifaceted claims and issues that arise in a boating accident case.
Have you or a loved one recently been injured in a boat accident in Florida and have questions about what to look for when choosing a boat accident attorney? Contact our experienced Southwest Florida boat accident lawyers today for a free consultation and case evaluation.
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