Law professional giving legal advice to a client

If you were recently involved in litigation and found yourself unhappy with the outcome, there may be another way to secure the results you were seeking. The judicial system offers citizens appeal options if they believe errors were made. Appealing a ruling is entering the appellate process. Essentially, another court will review the case and will determine if there were mistakes or if the ruling that was made is solid and should stand.

The appeal process can be complicated, but there are Tampa appellate attorneys who can guide you each step. This is true if you are looking for a professional to review a case determination and assess the strength of your appeal or are already confident in your appeal and need a seasoned lawyer to represent you from start to finish.

Strengths and Weaknesses Must Be Assessed

Before taking action, an attorney will look over all the facts of your case and provide an honest assessment of the possibility of a successful appeal. Candid review is essential, as you do not want to enter the appeal process without an understanding of the costs associated with appealing and what strengths and weaknesses exist.

Some of the things an appeal lawyer can provide:

  • Assessment of strengths and weaknesses
  • Creation of appellate strategies
  • Review of trial transcripts to look for mistakes
  • Research issues that can support your appeal
  • Draft briefs and edit petitions
  • Analyzing past cases and case laws to support your claim
  • Present arguments on your behalf
  • Prepare and file motions

And, depending on the type of case you are appealing, an attorney could also negotiate settlements. For instance, if you are appealing the decision in a personal injury case because you believe you did not receive the financial compensation you deserve, your attorney could fight for your rights throughout the appeal process and negotiate a new offer, if appropriate.

Talk to a Lawyer About Your Case

If you are ready to have extensive knowledge and persuasive representatives working to fortify your appeal, talk to a Tampa personal injury attorney. There are many details to consider and a professional can promote your best interests in ways you are likely to be unaware of without extensive judicial knowledge.

Litigation is not always simple, but there are individuals who work on litigation and appeals for decades, learning the ins and outs of how to help individuals who feel they have been wronged by the justice system in the process.

Do you need the analytical talents of an attorney on your side after losing a case? You may have the opportunity to secure a win through the appeals process. To learn what options you have, discuss your case with a seasoned attorney. The compassionate and aggressive legal team at HD Law Partners is committed to fighting for your rights, from an initial filing through an appeal process, if needed. We won’t stop fighting until you receive fair treatment from the Florida judicial system.  To access the legal support you need, call 813-964-7878 to schedule a free consultation.

There are many reasons why Florida residents and visitors to the Sunshine State opt to order a taxi. Some people are on vacation and do not have a car of their own to transport them while others simply choose to pay another to drive them to work meetings or outings with friends. But too often, people riding in taxis and rideshare services forget that crashes and accident injuries are possible whenever you are in a vehicle. So, for example, always buckle your seatbelt when riding in any vehicle, taxi or your own car.

If you took all the precautions you could but were still injured when riding in the back of a taxi, you may be able to hold the liable party responsible. When reckless behavior leads to an injurious collision, compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and non-economic damages could be possible. Work with a Tampa personal injury attorney to secure a maximum settlement amount. Too often, reluctant insurance companies result in low offers. If this happens, an auto accident attorney can push for a higher amount.

Taxis and Insurance Coverage

There are regulations in place for Florida taxis, including rules surrounding what type of driver’s license individuals driving a cab need and how much insurance must be carried by a taxi company. The minimum insurance requirements for taxis are higher than those carried by passenger car operators.

Insurance minimum amounts for taxis:

  • $50,000 for property damage
  • $125,000 per person bodily injury
  • $250,000 bodily injury for all persons

Just as accident reasons range from situation to situation for passenger car operators, there are a variety of reasons taxi drivers have been involved in collisions, from sleepy drivers to individuals not paying attention to the road because they are distracted by their cell phone or other items.

Rideshare Vehicles Are Not Taxis

If you were hurt while riding in the back of a rideshare vehicle, such as a Lyft car or an Uber SUV, your path to damage recovery will likely be different than it would be if you were hurt in a taxi. Rideshare vehicles do not have the same insurance requirements that cabs do, for instance. Determining who is responsible, the driver or the rideshare company will be part of the process.

Whether you were injured in a taxi, Lyft, or Uber, you need an experienced Tampa personal injury attorney to review your claim. Because personal injury lawyers have worked on many different vehicular crash cases, they know how to secure a full and fair damage recovery settlement.

Did you sustain an injury when riding in a rideshare vehicle or taxicab? Bring all the records you have to a skilled attorney to learn what options are available. The aggressive legal team at HD Law Partners will advise you on next steps. We are committed to fighting for your rights and will inform you of offers throughout the process, letting you know once an amount is full and fair. To get started, call 813-964-7878 to schedule a free consultation.

couple with divorce attorney

Marriages end in a range of ways. There are some spouses who know the union is in trouble for years before one person brings up the topic of divorce. In other situations, one spouse believes everything is fine and is then shocked when their partner shares a desire to dissolve the union. Asking your husband or wife for a divorce is never easy. Whenever possible, take steps to make your discussions as constructive as they can be.

Schedule a meeting with a Tampa family law attorney as soon as you are considering divorce or have been told by your spouse that they want to end the marriage.  Then, you can plan the next steps to create the future you want. Talking to a lawyer is productive and proactive, which can be empowering during the divorce process, an incredibly emotional time of life.

When to Talk About Separation or Divorce

Before you bring up the possibility of separation or divorce, be sure this is a path you want. If you believe there are problems that are in need of care, counseling could be pursued, for instance. Many find that talking through issues with a third party allows them to work through frustrations and pain. Sometimes, a marriage can be repaired.

If you have explored counseling but it is clear to you the marriage should end, choose to bring up divorce at a time when you and your spouse have time and space to discuss the topic. Sit down when the kids aren’t home, set your phones to the side, and have an honest conversation. Your spouse may have thoughts about the possibility of divorce that they want to share right away or they may need time to process what you have shared. Do not immediately jump to negotiations about custody or assets, that can all be done with legal guidance.

Of course, there are times when a calm, honest conversion is not the best choice. If abuse is present in a relationship, documents can be drafted by a lawyer. You should not put yourself in a situation that could result in physical abuse or emotional abuse.

Talk to an Attorney About Your Options

If you have gone to counseling or are not interested in counseling and believe your marriage is beyond repair, talk to a Tampa family law attorney about the pros and cons of arbitration, mediation, or litigation for your specific situation. When mediation is possible, for example, the process could be a lot faster and less expensive than it would be for someone who pursues litigation. That said, if you are in a high conflict situation, litigation may be required to achieve the outcome you are seeking.

Has your spouse asked for a divorce? Whether you are surprised or suspected the marriage was ending, you now need to talk to an experienced legal professional. Determining what your goals are post-divorce is important. Then, you can share your objectives with the legal team at HD Law Partners and our experienced attorneys can work to secure the future you want. Call 813-964-7878 to schedule a free consultation.

Maintaining a space that is safe for others is the responsibility of property owners. For example, a building or property that is open to the public needs to be a reasonably safe environment, and if it is not, there are steps a person can take following an injury under Florida law.

While some injuries lead to premise liability claims, it is important to recognize that not every injury will lead to financial compensation. In order to obtain a successful outcome for your premise liability claim, you need to prove the owner negligent. The recklessness needs to be in respect to property maintenance. This could be true if an owner or manager knew of a danger and failed to do anything about the risk, for instance.

Share the details of your injury and what unsafe conditions led to your injury with a Tampa personal injury attorney. Then, your attorney can share next steps with you.

Trespassers Do Not Have the Same Protections as Invitees

In the state of Florida, individuals trespassing on a property do not have the same levels of protections. This is because they are not considered a public or business invitee. An invitee has the highest level of protection under premise liability law in Florida. A public invitee is invited onto a property as a member of the public and a business invitee is invited to conduct business dealings.

Situations that could lead to a premise liability claim:

  • Slip, fall, and trip accidents
  • Harm due to inadequate security
  • Animal bites, such as a dog attack
  • Amusement ride or entertainment accidents
  • Escalator or elevator injuries

Certain expectations may be met in order for you to damage recovery.

Constructive Knowledge and Time Considerations

For example, you need to be able to prove the property was aware of the danger, that they had constructive knowledge of the situation yet did not take immediate action to fix the problem. Or, if the danger has been present for a long time, it may be possible to provide documentation that proves routine maintenance should have brought the issue to light, that poor maintenance created the danger.

A Tampa personal injury attorney can walk you through what strategy could be successful given the particulars of your case. Premise liability law can be complicated, but if you sustained an injury because of another’s irresponsible and reckless behavior, you could be eligible for monetary relief when proof the other was liable can be gathered.

Are you ready to hold a property owner responsible for your injury expenses? To understand all of the options that could be available to you, talk to the compassionate and aggressive legal team at HD Law Partners. Our lawyers are committed to fighting for your rights, whether you were hurt tripping on an uneven sidewalk on the grounds of a local restaurant or sustaining an injury when merchandise fell recklessly in a shopping mall. The sooner you get your claim started, the sooner you will receive compensation. Call 813-964-7878 to schedule a free consultation.

There are many specialty areas when it comes to practicing law. Some lawyers are trained and have experience as insurance defense attorneys. These legal professionals are skilled in understanding when an insurance company is responsible for paying a claim and protecting the rights of policyholders. Because these attorneys are knowledgeable in current laws and regulations, they can shed light on an issue when a policyholder is unjustly denied compensation.

If you believe your insurance company is working in bad faith or you are not accessing the damage recovery you are entitled to, connect with a Tampa insurance attorney. A skilled insurance lawyer can help you with property damage claims, including fire, flood, water, mold, and other insurance issues.

Insurance Companies Must Follow Regulations

There are regulations surrounding how insurance companies operate, these rules are set through state law. But just because rules are in place does not mean that they are never broken. Or an insurance company could attempt to bend the rules to serve their purposes and protect their bottom line.

Additionally, there are situations in which you and your insurance company are responsible for paying out on a claim. You may not think you should have to pay out. Next, you or your insurance company could hire an insurance defense lawyer to represent their best interests, as a policyholder, during the negotiation process. If an agreement can’t be reached through negotiation, litigation could be a possible path to resolution.

Policyholders often want to have a lawyer represent them so they are able to pay less when it comes to another’s damage claim. An attorney can help an insurance company in the same manner, and help to stop fraudulent or false claims from moving forward.

Disputes Surrounding Coverage

There are many, many different forms of insurance coverage. Some insurance policies protect homeowners in the event of damage while others are designed for motor vehicle operators. One of the first steps a Tampa insurance attorney will take is to fully assess the claims involved and determine if coverage is in order and what the specific terms of the policy are. Additionally, it will need to be determined if the policy coverage applies to the situation that is leading to the move toward damage recovery.

Whenever there is a coverage dispute, a skilled attorney could be an important advocate for you and your goals. Legal action, including litigation, may be required. Share your questions and concerns with a legal professional as soon as possible so they can guide you toward the best resolution path for your unique goals.

Do you believe you are being mistreated by an insurance company? Seek the guidance of an insurance defense attorney if you need the guidance of an experienced legal professional. With a lawyer on your side, you may be able to pay less toward damages or finally secure the compensation you need to move past an event. Talk to the legal team at HD Law Partners to learn more. Our experienced attorneys will work diligently to secure the future you want. Call 813-964-7878 to schedule a free consultation.

Accidents, such as car wrecks and slip and fall incidents, can result in a range of injuries, including bone breaks, and when fractures are sustained treatment plans vary. For instance, more severe leg breaks could require a lot of tests, such as MRIs and CT scans, and surgeries. While these are important parts of healing properly, they can often come at a high cost. Damage recovery may be needed in order for you to protect yourself from years of medical bills.

Securing an insurance settlement holds responsible parties accountable and allows you the financial funds you need in order to access the care to heal fully. Check with a Tampa personal injury attorney to learn about the worth of your personal injury claim.

Listen to Your Doctor and Strengthen Your Claim

What treatment plan is put in place will depend on your injury. Some fractures require immobilization and surgery, others are able to heal with reduced use and a lot of home rest. Whatever your healthcare team says you should do, do it. Listening to your doctor is necessary for you to heal as quickly and as fully as possible, and it is also essential to strengthen your claim.

For example, if your healthcare team tells you not to work for a set amount of time, listen to them. If you are worried about how to keep up with expenses or believe your employer won’t allow you to take time off, talk to an attorney about your situation. You need more information, it may be possible to secure funds for lost wages as part of your personal injury claim and there could be a path to taking time off of work under the Federal and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Because of FMLA protections, employees can often access job-protected leave for qualified healthcare reasons. While FMLA is unpaid, compensation could come later in your damage recovery award.

Disputes Typically Settle Through the Negotiation Process

If you find yourself stressed out about the thought of your broken leg injury leading to a personal injury lawsuit, know that the majority of personal injury disputes settle through the negotiation process. When an insurance company offers a settlement, it does not mean it is the final offer. A Tampa personal injury attorney can gather the evidence needed to argue your need for a higher amount. Lawyers who have had results in cases similar to your own can advise you on paths forward.

Do you have a lot of expenses due to a fracture, such as a broken leg, following an accident in Tampa or the surrounding area? Compensation could be likely and the compassionate and aggressive legal team at HD Law Partners can guide you through the process. To achieve the maximum recovery amount, share the specifics of your accident and medical recovery plan with our lawyers. The sooner you get your claim started, the sooner you will access the funds you need to secure the medical care required. Call 813-964-7878 to schedule a free consultation.

family cut out with gavel

While a court battle is often the divorce process illustrated on television shows and movies, there are, in reality, a variety of family law resolution options. When the individuals are able to communicate effectively, they could be able to negotiate the terms of a divorce agreement with the guidance of their attorneys. And even when this is not possible, arbitration or mediation solutions could be explored before deciding to leave the decision making up to a judge in a court of law.

When you share your priorities with a Tampa family law attorney, they can advise you on what resolution path could be appropriate for you. For example, each option has its own pros and cons when it comes to time frame, costs, and the amount of input you and your spouse have into the final outcome.

Ongoing Disagreements and Resolution Options

If you are unable to negotiate a divorce agreement with your spouse because of ongoing disagreements, you may be interested in pursuing mediation, which means you and your spouse will each have your own attorneys and a neutral third party, a mediator, will guide the negotiation discussion toward a resolution. The agreement is, in essence, still negotiated and consensually agreed upon by the individuals divorcing.

Arbitration is different from mediation because it is an adjudicatory process, but a private one as opposed to a public adjudication in a court. A legal process, an adjudication means an arbiter or judge will make a final decision after reviewing evidence provided by both parties and listening to the arguments of each side. When you agree to the arbitration process, the final decision is binding.

Litigation, meaning a judge will make the final decision in the details of your Tampa divorce is often seen as a last resort for couples. This is because it can extend the timeline before a divorce can be finalized, which can add to the expense and emotional impact of a divorce.

Arbitrators Could Be Retired Legal Professionals

Because arbitrators need to have a full understanding of Florida and federal laws in order to decide disputes, they are often retired legal professionals, such as retired judges, for example. After you decide to go through arbitration and schedule a hearing with an arbitrator, you and your Tampa family law attorney will spend time gathering information to support the outcome you are seeking.

Arbitration hearings could be scheduled months into the future. It is important to remember these decisions are binding, if you want more control over the terms of your divorce, mediation may be a better option.

Would you like a lawyer to walk you through your options as you move toward divroce? For some couples, arbitration or mediation are great resolution options. Other divorces require litigation, particularly if a case involves high value assets and the individuals involved are unable to communicate effectively. Connect with the legal team at HD Law Partners and share details of your situation and your desired outcome. Then, our experienced attorneys can work to secure the future you are seeking. Call 813-964-7878 to schedule a free consultation.

When a person is attacked or assaulted on private property, it may be possible to hold the owner liable. If you feel you were hurt because there was inadequate security in place at a hotel, private club, restaurant, shopping center, or bar, discuss your situation with a negligent security attorney.

Property owners must correct dangers that can injure the public once they are aware of them, and they need to keep their properties reasonably free of risks. Security is part of providing a place that is safe for public use. If reasonable precautions were not taken, legal action to obtain compensatory damages for medical expenses and lost wages as a direct result of an unsafe premises is likely. Talk to a Tampa personal injury attorney to learn more.

Local Law, Property Owners, and Crime

There are local laws in place to protect individuals from crimes, including the requirement that property owners take steps to maintain a safe environment for visitors and customers. A property owner could have one or all the following security measures in place:

  • Working security cameras that are maintained.
  • Lighting that adequately illuminates walkways and foyers.
  • Security guards or staff that are trained in handling security concerns.
  • Functioning doors, gates, and windows.

And any security issues that are discovered need to be addressed promptly and efficiently. If there is a reason a security concern can’t be fixed immediately, guests of the property should be alerted and informed of the known risk.

So if you were the victim of a crime, and believe the environment allowed that crime to occur, proving negligence could be possible. There have been unsafe premises cases connected to parking lots that were not lit properly, apartment buildings with broken locks, sports venues not staffed with enough security guards, and businesses with poorly maintained security cameras.

Connect with an Attorney

While negligence may be clear to you, it can be difficult to prove a crime was preventable if a security feature had been in place. Before moving forward with your claim, connect with an experienced attorney. A Tampa personal injury attorney can walk you through the process and let you know if securing more documentation would be helpful in holding the property owner accountable for your losses. Compensation for medical bills and expenses, pain and suffering, and income loss all could be possible when it can be proven these losses were a result of the incident.

Do you believe the harm you sustained was a direct result of negligent security? Property owners have a legal obligation to provide reasonably safe spaces. If they were negligent, discuss the details of the dangers and your injuries with a seasoned attorney. The legal team at HD Law Partners is committed to fighting for your rights. Our lawyers have successfully obtained compensatory damages for a wide range of clients, so we can let you know how much your claim is worth and will not stop fighting for your until a full and fair settlement is reached. Call 813-964-7878 to schedule a free consultation.

You have likely had discussions about the current economy with friends and family lately. Inflation is impacting grocery bills and monthly budgets while shifts in investment balances have individuals close to retirement wondering if they should handle their portfolio differently. Because asset division and maintenance payment are part of the divorce process, economic issues are on the mind of many couples ending their marriages, too.

There are many worries and concerns when you are separating and divorcing in Florida. Connecting with a Tampa divorce attorney as soon as possible can help to ease your mind. Once you share the financial situation of you and your spouse, a lawyer can share possible divorce agreement options with you. Then, they will fight for your goals and negotiate with your spouse’s attorney on your behalf.

Investments Will Be Assessed at Fair Value

When assessing the value of assets to distribute, the fair value of investment balances will be used. This means how much investments are currently worth. Sometimes this is difficult for one or both spouses to accept as their investment could have been worth far more in past years or they expect the investment to gain value in upcoming years.

If you want to retain stock because you believe the asset will become more valuable, that could be one of your objectives. But if you have other priorities that are more important to you, such as a desire to become the sole owner of a vacation property you and your spouse currently share, you may have to accept that the stocks will be sold and distributed or that your spouse will retain the stocks so you can take another asset, in this example the vacation home.

Monthly Support Options and Personal Incomes

The personal incomes of each spouse and other resources will be considered when it comes to support payments, either spousal maintenance payments or child support payments. But it is important to realize that the calculations are done with the current incomes of each spouse. If one or both spouses have a large shift, such as a huge income increase, those payment plans could be modified. Filing for a modification is done at a later date, after a divorce has been finalized.

Today’s economy has led to many people having questions about their investments, and this is true for couples who are ending their marriages as well. An experienced Tampa family law attorney has the background needed to create a strategic approach for your unique situation.

Are you separating and want to talk about asset division, including investments? To learn what is possible given the details of your situation, talk to the legal team at HD Law Partners. Our experienced attorneys will review your case and listen to your objectives. The strategy for a person without kids who is seeking spousal support will be different than a parent who is seeking full custody and retention of the marital home. Our attorneys have the skills and knowledge to make your goals a priority. Call 813-964-7878 to schedule a free consultation.

Trusting your doctor and medical team is essential. After all, people are often seeking medical care when they are ill, injured, and feeling vulnerable. Individuals going into a medical setting or hospital emergency room are typically expecting to have their condition improve.

While most medical professionals work hard to do all they can to help injured individuals, sometimes mistakes are made. If you sought medical attention and now believe your current health concerns are the direct result of a medical error, talk to a Tampa personal injury attorney. There are standard of care rules under Florida law.

Medical Malpractice and Compensation

Under Florida law, you are permitted to take legal action against medical professionals, such as surgeons or hospitals, if you were injured as a result of reckless or negligent behavior. To secure compensation, the following factors have to be proven.

  • Health professionals did not act with the attention and caution a reasonable person would use.
  • There was a breach in the standard care provided.
  • Injury, illness, or damages sustained are legally recognized.
  • Clear connection between the breach of care and the harm sustained.

Often disputes over if a medical professional or organization is responsible for the expenses of an injury or illness is an argument over standard of care. Often an insurance company or legal professional representing the healthcare provider will argue that healthcare professionals are human and perfection isn’t a requirement.

But there are plenty of situations in which proving negligence is possible, such as the following:

  • Wrong medications administered or prescribed.
  • Conditions were unhealthy and led to infection.
  • Health issues were misdiagnosed or mistreated.
  • Miscommunication between staff led to harm.

When documentation is available and errors that should have been detected can be proven, you could have a strong path to pursuing compensation. Recovering from an illness or injury can be all consuming, painful, and stressful. If a mistake could have been avoided, you should access the recovery you need to settle medical bills and other economic stresses.

Connect with a Florida Lawyer

Talking to a Tampa personal injury attorney does not necessarily mean you will be involved in a long drawn out legal battle. Discussing the details of your injury and the possibility of negligence is a path to knowledge. Once you understand your options, you can decide what is best for you and your family. Your lawyer may be able to access funds through negotiation, many claims and cases are settled before they go to court.

Has a medical error resulted in you needing further medical care? Expenses for doctors appointments, medications, hospital stays, and emotional suffering may be overwhelming, but you may be eligible for financial recovery. Share the specifics of your situation with a seasoned attorney. Hospitals have legal professionals on hand, you need the aggressive legal team at HD Law Partners working for you. Our attorneys are committed to fighting for your rights and a maximum compensation settlement for you and your family could be in reach. Call 813-964-7878 to schedule a free consultation.