If you were subjected to force that was unwarranted during an arrest or the arrest itself was illegal, you may have a path to seeking justice through a police misconduct case. Civil rights are in place to protect the public from police misconduct and brutality.

Choosing to fight for your rights after mistreatment in the Tampa area or anywhere else in Florida is the first step. Then, connect with a Florida law enforcement liability lawyer who has the experience and talents to aggressively fight for justice.

Fourth and Fourteenth Amendment Guarantees

There are civil rights protections within the United States Constitution.  For example, within the Fourth Amendment, individuals are shielded from police brutality and illegal seizures and searches. And the Fourteenth Amendment guarantees due process, which can be pointed to in order to protect people who are wrongfully convicted or are victims of illegal arrests.

Beyond constitutional amendments, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 carries additional protections, such as prohibiting federal and state governments, officials, and employers from race, color, religion, sex or national origin discrimination.

Litigation of a civil right case could be possible if you or someone you care about has been involved in one or all of the following:

• Illegal seizures and searches
• Unlawful arrests
• Law enforcement brutality
• Wrongful convictions

While law enforcement professionals are often depended on by Florida residents, because they have a responsibility to maintain safe environments, there are situations in which individuals who are overworked, are not trained properly, or have their own personal issues that result in them using force that is excessive when interacting with the public. Reach out and talk to a lawyer if you were illegally detained, racially profiled, abused, or pulled into warrantless interrogations and searches. Investigations will follow to be sure there is evidence to prove the need for justice.

There could be medical evidence, for instance, when there is use of a taser, stun gun, pepper spray, or broken bones and bruises connected to abuse or assault. Any force that is beyond what a police officer needs to effectively do their job could be deemed police brutality.

Speak to an Attorney About Police Misconduct

There are legal professionals who are committed to fighting for your rights and holding all parties accountable. Suing law enforcement could be an option, share the facts of your case with a Florida law enforcement liability lawyer to discuss paths forward.

An attorney can fight for justice if you were a victim of abuse or defend you if you are a law enforcement professional who has been accused of misconduct but have evidence of you legally doing your job throughout the interaction.

Could a law enforcement liability lawyer help you? Connect with a Florida legal team who has been successful in representing both defendants and plaintiffs in these cases. The compassionate lawyers at HD Law Partners know how to fight for citizens who have been victims of civil rights violations and law enforcement officers who were acting properly but have been accused of misconduct. To have your case reviewed as soon as possible, call 813-964-7878 to schedule your no-fee consultation.

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Timeshares are properties that have a divided type of ownership, or in some cases simply use rights are divided. Often timeshares are condominium units at resort locations. They are a way for multiple parties to have access to a property. Because Florida is a popular vacation destination, there are many timeshare opportunities for those who are interested.

Unfortunately, not everyone who buys into a timeshare understands the arrangements they are agreeing to, they find themselves committed to terms that are not favorable. When you hire a , you will obtain information on various legal issues related to timeshare properties. And if issues arise, an experienced lawyer will assist you in taking legal action against the timeshare company. This can be advantageous when negotiations do not result in the outcome you are seeking.

Shifty Sales Practices and Cancellation Rights

While there are reputable timeshare sales people, there are also many examples of sales teams using misleading data, false promises, and pressure tactics in order to secure a sale. Then, timeshare buyers are signing contracts they do not fully understand. When you talk to an attorney, you could learn about legal actions to take against a timeshare company if you were subjected to deceptive sales strategies.

Additionally, according to Florida law, timeshare buyers have rights when it comes to rescinding their contracts, should they change their minds or realize they made a mistake. Typically the timeframe to rescind a timeshare contract is within 10 days of the purchase, but each situation needs to be analyzed individually.

Exit Strategies and Legal Representation

Sometimes a timeshare owner keeps the property for a period of time but then, when they want to exit the agreement, have trouble getting out of their contracts. An attorney can explore some possibilities with you, including the following:

• Transfer ownership of timeshare to another party
• Sell the timeshare ownership to someone interested in buying it
• Relinquish ownership to the timeshare company
• While relinquishing ownership means you will not get your original purchase investment back, it frees you from ongoing fees, property maintenance bills, and all of the additional costs of keeping your timeshare.

Hiring a Tampa timeshare attorney means you will have an expert to guide you through the process of buying, selling or canceling your timeshare contract. They can explain the legal jargon and the ramifications of your decision if you choose to purchase, sell, or relinquish your timeshare. And if you are in a situation that is already heated, and you need to take further legal action, your lawyer will be by your side, giving you peace of mind and providing representation throughout a dispute and through the judicial process, if needed.

What timeshare questions do you have? Investing in legal representation is a path to protecting your rights and interests when it comes to timeshare properties. Talk to the legal team at HD Law Partners about the best way to achieve the timeshare deal you are hoping for and push back when you are receiving blocks to releasing or selling your timeshare ownership. Call 813-964-7878 to schedule a free consultation.

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When there are family matters that are leading to disputes, or legal documents that need to be drafted in order to move forward, there can be a lot of stress for yourself and others involved. You may be unsure how to handle the legal details of your situation, but there are Florida family lawyers available to provide you with guidance and assist you in navigating your complex situation.

A skilled Tampa family law attorney will carefully listen to the details of your circumstance and provide you with next steps. Each state has its own family law intricacies, be sure you are connecting with a lawyer who understands the ins and outs of Florida family law in order to achieve the outcome you are seeking.

When to Hire a Florida Family Attorney:

• Divorce: If you are considering divorce, a family lawyer can assist you in negotiating and finalizing a divorce settlement if you and your spouse are open to communication or represent you in court if the divorce is contested.
• Child custody and support: A family lawyer can help you with the details and procedures related to child custody and support. This could include drafting a parenting plan or representing you in court to advocate for the best interests of your children.
• Modification of court orders: If your circumstances have changed and you wish to modify a court order related to child custody, support, or alimony, a family lawyer can inform you of what modifications could be in reach and file the appropriate paperwork for you.
• Paternity: Establishing paternity, or pushing back on a paternity accusation, could launch a legal process. A family lawyer will advocate for you, whether you are a mother who wants to verify paternity for financial support or a father who believes a paternity request is not appropriate.
• Adoption: When adopting a child, a family lawyer can guide you through the process, including the legal and administrative aspects.
• Pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements: If you are getting married or are already married, a family lawyer can help you to understand the legal process for creating a pre-nuptial or post-nuptial agreement. Also, they will ensure that the agreement is legally binding.
• Guardianship: To be appointed as a guardian for a minor or an incapacitated adult, reach out to ask a family lawyer to explain the legal process to you and represent you in court, if required.
• Mediation: When trying to reach a settlement agreement without going to court, a family lawyer can be beneficial as they can assist you in mediation. Additionally, they can explain the legal ramifications of any agreement reached.

And there are issues beyond those listed in which a Tampa family law attorney can provide support as well.

Are you wondering how a Tampa Bay area family attorney could help you? Bring your questions and concerns to the attention of the compassionate lawyers at HD Law Partners. Skilled lawyers are available to compassionately listen to your situation. Then they will aggressively fight for the future you want. Connect with a veteran attorney today, call 813-964-7878 to schedule a free consultation.

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1. LONG TERM PARKING: Some people left their car in the long-term parking at the airport while away, and someone broke into the car. Using the information on the car’s registration in the glove compartment, they drove the car to the people’s home and robbed it. So, I guess if we are going to leave the car in long-term parking, we should NOT leave the registration/insurance cards in it, nor your remote garage door opener. This gives us something to think about with all our new electronic technology.
2. GPS: Someone had their car broken into while they were at a football game. Their car was parked on the grass which was adjacent to the football stadium and specially allotted to football fans. Things stolen from the car included a garage door remote control, some money and a GPS which had been prominently mounted on the dashboard. When the victims got home, they found that their house had been ransacked and just about everything worth anything had been stolen. The thieves had used the GPS to guide them to the house. They then used the garage remote control to open the garage door and gain entry to the house. The thieves knew the owners were at the football game, they knew what time the game was scheduled to finish and so they knew how much time they had to clean out the house. It would appear that they had brought a truck to empty the house of its contents. Something to consider if you have a GPS – don’t put your home address in it. Put a nearby address (like a store or service station or nearby police station) so you can still find your way home if you need to, but no one else would know where you live if your GPS were stolen.
3. MOBILE PHONES: I never thought of this! This lady has now changed her habit of how she lists her names on her mobile phone after her handbag was stolen. Her handbag ,which contained her mobile phone, credit card, wallet, etc., was stolen. Twenty minutes later when she called her hubby, from a pay phone telling him what had happened, hubby says, “I received your text asking about our Pin number and I’ve replied a little while ago. “When they rushed down to the bank, the bank staff told them all the money was already withdrawn. The thief had actually used the stolen mobile phone to text “hubby” in the contact list and got hold of the pin number. Within 20 minutes he had withdrawn all the money from their bank account.
4. PURSE IN THE GROCERY CART SCAM: A lady went grocery-shopping at a local supermarket and left her handbag sitting in the children’s seat of the cart while she reached something off a shelf….Wait till you read the WHOLE story!. Her purse was stolen, and she reported it to the store personnel. After returning home, she received a phone call from the supermarket Security to say that they had her purse and that although there was no money in it, it did still hold her personal papers She immediately went to pick up her wallet, only to be told by Security that they had not called her. By the time she returned home again, her house had been broken into and burglarized. The thieves knew that by calling and saying they were Security, they could lure her out of her house long enough for them to burglarize it.
5. MORAL LESSON: 5.1. Do not disclose the relationship between you and the people in your contact list. Avoid using names like Home, Honey, Hubby, Sweetheart, Dad, Mom, etc.5.2. And very importantly, when sensitive info is being asked through texts, CONFIRM by calling back.5.3. Also, when you’re being texted by friends or family to meet them somewhere, be sure to call back to confirm that the message came from them. If you don’t reach them, be very careful about going places to meet “family and friends” who text you.

*PLEASE PASS THIS ON* Even if this does not pertain to you, please let your family and friends know so they don’t get caught in a scam

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In part because Florida is a prime vacation destination, timeshares properties and opportunities are abundant. While timeshares can be a great investment for some, they are not the right match for all, and sometimes miscommunications and bad business practices lead to legal disputes.

From contract disputes to property ownership battles, there are many reasons why you may need to talk to a Tampa timeshare attorney. Some use a timeshare lawyer as they navigate a timeshare purchase while others reach out when they are trying to get out of a contract or hold a timeshare business that was engaging in bad business practices accountable.

Contract and Property Ownership Disputes

Common legal battles in connection with Florida timeshares are contract disputes. These can occur when there is a disagreement over the terms of a timeshare contract, such as the maintenance fees, the right to use the property, and the duration of the timeshare.

Property ownership disputes are also widespread, and these happen when multiple parties claim ownership of the same timeshare property or there is a fight about how the property should be divided. Additionally, how a property can be used or when.

Unfortunately, there are also times when legal counsel is sought because a timeshare salesperson used fraudulent sales practices to sell the property. A sales team could have misrepresented the value of the timeshare or made false promises about the services that a purchaser would have access to once they signed a contract.

Failing to Disclose and Contact Breaches

Similar to a salesperson lying to you, there can be seller dishonesty. Failing to disclose is when a seller does not disclose important information about the timeshare, such as the condition of the property, the amount of maintenance fees, or any restrictions on the use of the property. They could do this alone in a self-serving way or they may do so with guidance from a shifty salesperson who is helping them offload the property.

Florida timeshare owners may also face legal battles related to a breach of contract if one party failed to meet the obligations outlined in the timeshare contract. For example, if a timeshare developer does not provide the promised unit or amenities, this could be considered a breach of contract.

If you’re facing a legal battle related to a timeshare property you have already agreed to buy or currently own, it’s important to speak with a Tampa timeshare attorney who can help you navigate the complex legal process and protect your rights. Remember, investing in a timeshare can be a significant investment, so it’s important to protect your investment by seeking legal assistance when problems arise.

Are you tangled in a timeshare dispute with no clear idea of how to solve the problem? Even when it feels like an impossible situation, a resolution you had never considered could be in reach. Share your concerns, worries, and hopes with a skilled timeshare attorney. Speak to the legal team at HD Law Partners about your rights. Call 813-964-7878 to schedule a free consultation.

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

If you are not pleased with the result of your personal injury case, you could explore filing an appeal. For example, if you had documentation that you believe would have swung the final decision in your favor but submitting the evidence was blocked for one reason or another, you could appeal a judgment. In the state of Florida, all personal injury case appeals must be filed within 30 days of the initial verdict.

There are ways to appeal a personal injury case as it is well understood that mistakes can be made and remedies for those errors is required in order for there to be justice. The appeals process is not always simple. When you hire a Tampa appellate attorney they can file a brief with an appellate court. Then, legal issues will be assessed, which could lead to another trial or an overruling of a prior judicial decision.

Present Tangible Reasons for an Appeal

Once a filing reaches an appellate court, it is their job to see if there is a tangible reason to appeal the original judgment. A lawyer representing you can gather evidence to present, documents that show there were legal missteps during the trial or evidence of unfair legal proceedings. Without evidence, an appeal will likely not be granted.

If your appeal is granted, a court could award you a higher damage amount. Or, if you are appealing a decision that ordered you to pay, proof of you not being liable could lead to the appellate court vacating the ruling, meaning you are not obliged to pay. While this can appear clearcut, the reality is convincing an appellate court to overturn another court’s ruling is difficult. After all, the judgment of other courts is respected by appellate courts, until there is watertight evidence to call the original ruling into question.

Settlements Are More Common than Court Fights

Making the decision to hire a Florida attorney early in your quest for a maximum compensation amount is advised, and with legal support it may be possible to land on a full and fair settlement without taking the dispute to court.

Legally binding, settlements are beneficial for both parties in different ways. For the individual seeking financial recovery, they access the funds needed to pay their expenses. And the other party is then satisfied with a resolution, knowing they will not be facing the time commitments, stresses, and costs of a legal battle.

A Tampa personal injury attorney can answer your questions about settlements, court appearances, and the appeals process. Once your lawyer understands your goals and how you feel about possible timelines, a strategy can be built and put into action.

Can you file a personal injury appeal? Have your case looked over by the compassionate and aggressive legal team at HD Law Partners. With extensive knowledge of Florida law, attorneys can guide you through all of your legal options, from accepting agreements to going to trial and filing appeals. Connect with the legal support you need, call 813-964-7878 to schedule a free consultation.

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Sinkhole damage can be extremely expensive, and because of Florida’s unique geology, compared to other US states, sinkholes happen more often than they do in other areas of the country. Because of this, there are specific regulations and laws when it comes to assessing sinkhole damage and obtaining compensation through insurance claims.

Insurance companies have a responsibility to follow through on the promises made in policies purchased by members of the public. That said, there are many examples of insurance companies trying to underpay on sinkhole damage claims. After all, insurance companies are like other businesses, they want to turn a profit. Legal teams work within insurance companies to protect their organization and their assets, you need a Tampa insurance attorney to protect your interests. A skilled lawyer will work to ensure you receive the settlement you need.

Structural Damage and Legal Assistance

Florida law makes it a requirement for state insurance companies to offer their policyholders coverage for sinkhole activity. But even if you do opt for sinkhole coverage, it is possible your path to compensation could be complicated. This is because there is a lot of documentation needed to prove you are eligible for recovery.

An insurance company could assert the damage sustained was due to another issue, but the reality is that sinkhole activity can result in an array of damages. There may not be a huge crater on your property, but if you notice one or more of the following issues, it could be due to a sinkhole.

• Sagging trees or fence posts
• Cracked walls or pavement
• Fissures on pool decks
• Doors and windows don’t close and lock correctly
• Water collecting in unexpected areas of your property

Once you alert your insurance company, they should investigate your claim thoroughly, fully inspecting your property.

If you believe your sinkhole claim was not investigated properly or was denied without assessing all the details that you shared with an insurance adjuster, talk to an attorney. In addition to negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf, many lawyers work with investigators who can give a value to your property damage.

Complete Information Submitted by Set Deadlines

When you hire a Tampa insurance attorney, they will work to be sure all of the paperwork connected to your sinkhole claim is complete. Too often, claims are denied simply because reports do not provide adequate information to support your compensation request. Don’t give insurance companies a chance to undervalue your settlement, have a legal professional working on your claim each step of the way.

Are you coping with property damage due to sinkhole activity or another issue? To be sure you are accessing a full payout from your insurance company, reach out and connect with the legal professionals at HD Law Partners. Sinkhole activity can be difficult to prove, leading to denied insurance claims, but a skilled attorney knows how to secure the evidence required in order for you and your family to obtain monetary compensation. Call 813-964-7878 to schedule a free consultation.

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If you are wondering about what the responsibilities are for Florida insurance companies, know that there is an area of law specifically designed for these determinations. Property and casualty law in Florida refers to the legal principles and regulations that govern the insurance industry in the state. Property and casualty insurance covers a wide range of risks, including damage to property (such as homes and buildings) and liability for injuries or damages caused by an individual or a business.

When questions about property and casualty laws arise, connect with a Tampa insurance attorney. Skilled lawyers with a background in this area of law will know about all of the details that could apply to your situation, such as the time limit for policyholders to file a claim and how long an insurance company has to respond to that filing. Additionally, there are rules about how disputes should be resolved, should they arise.

Overview of Insurance Guidelines

In Florida, insurance companies have several rights and responsibilities when it comes to property and casualty laws.

Rights of insurance companies:

• Charge premiums for insurance coverage.
• An ability to deny coverage or cancel a policy if the policyholder fails to pay premiums or violates the terms of the policy that they purchased.
• The right to investigate claims and determine whether they are covered under the policy.

Responsibilities of insurance companies:

• An insurance company needs to provide coverage as outlined in the policy.
• It is a requirement that valid claims are paid in a timely manner.
• The responsibility to act in good faith when handling claims and policyholder interactions.
• Comply with all state laws and regulations regarding insurance.

It is important to note that there may be variations on the basic rights and responsibilities depending on the specific type of insurance and policy.

Assessing and Analyzing Policy Details

While it is always recommended that you review a policy before purchasing it and contact your insurance company with any questions or concerns, there are situations when a person only explores the insurance coverage they have when they need to use it.

For example, you may be working to access damages from a variety of insurance types, such as homeowners insurance, commercial property insurance, automobile insurance and general liability insurance. Whenever you feel overwhelmed by the claims process or find yourself believing you should be receiving a settlement that is far higher than what you have been offered, speak to a Tampa insurance attorney.

Lawyers who specialize in Florida property and casualty law understand the rights and responsibilities of both policyholders and insurance companies. As a result they can guide the businesses themselves or their customers, as needed.

Do you have insurance questions? Talk to the legal professionals at HD Law Partners to have your inquiries answered by a professional. Insurance companies have their own attorneys, so if you are having trouble asserting your rights as a policyholder, you need a lawyer who works for you. Then, you will have an expert with decades of insurance claim knowledge on your side. Call 813-964-7878 to schedule a free consultation.

Posted in Insurance Litigation | No Comments »

The Tampa Bay area is a popular destination for motorcycle riders. For example, many Tampa motorcycle enthusiasts enjoy riding the Tail of the Gecko, a ride that goes from State Road 62 to County Road 672, or cycling around North Tampa. While there is a lot of enjoyment to be had, the increase in popularity among Florida residents and visitors has also led to more accidents and injuries.

While a range of injuries are possible, the most common motorcycle injuries in the Tampa Bay area are head injuries, which can lead to life-threatening outcomes. Many also sustain injuries to their legs, arms, or torsos. Motorcycles do not have the safety features that cars do, and injuries can be devastating, both physically and financially, for families. Connect with a Tampa personal injury attorney to access the financial support you need for medical treatments and care.

Severity of Injury and Lost Wages

Medical bills and fees after a Tampa Bay area motorcycle accident victims can be substantial, especially if they require hospitalization or surgery. Having documentation of all the care you or your loved one has received is an important factor in connecting with a full and fair settlement. Additionally, if there will be future medical expenses or physical therapy costs, those can be calculated in order to be sure a recovery amount will cover all of your injury expenses, both current and upcoming costs.

Also, there are times when a victim is unable to return to work due to their injuries or needs to take significant time off of work in order to fully heal from an accident injury. Just as there can be current and future medical expenses, lost wages could include past and future earnings. For instance, if a motorcycle accident victim is unable to return to their previous job or if their earning potential is impacted by their injury, they may be entitled to a settlement amount that covers the wages they have already missed out on and future earnings.

Settlement Amounts Vary Widely

As you move toward a personal injury claim filing following a motorcycle accident, it’s important to keep in mind that settlement amounts can vary widely. The amount that is accessible depends on the specific details of your case.

An experienced Tampa personal injury attorney can evaluate your case and determine the best course of action for seeking compensation. Having a legal professional on your side is a path to receiving a full and fair combination amount for your losses. This is essential as motorcycle accidents in the Tampa Bay area can result in significant injuries and financial consequences.

Is an accident claim needed in order for you to pay your motorcycle accident injury expenses? Share the facts of your case with the legal professionals at HD Law Partners. Our lawyers have over 40 years of combined experience and have secured successful outcomes for a range of clients, including those injured in motorcycle accidents. When you need someone to fight for your right to damage recovery, call 813-964-7878 to schedule a free consultation.

Posted in Auto Accidents, Personal Injury | No Comments »

There are a lot of different types of jobs, and each industry has its own terms that are familiar to those who work in the industry daily but may not be familiar to others. For instance, if you work at an insurance company or in a law firm you know what a demand letter is, but if you were recently injured in a Florida accident and have never filed a personal injury claim before, this term may be new to you.

Essentially, a personal injury demand letter is a written document that lays out the details and evidence of a personal injury. It also requests compensation from the responsible party or their insurance company. A qualified Tampa personal injury attorney can draft a demand letter for you.

What Is Included In a Demand Letter?

Each case is unique, and there may be specific things included in one demand letter that are not included in another, but generally a demand letter will include the following:

• A description of what happened. This part of the letter, the first section, will outline who was involved, where the accident happened, and when it occurred.
• Next, the letter will point to facts of the case, including witness accounts and police reports, to illustrate who is liable for damages.
• Connecting injuries to the event is required, so facts need to be shared about the injury, such as you seeing a medical professional soon after the accident and medical reports saying the injury is a result of the accident.
• If applicable, pain and suffering will also be discussed in a demand letter.
• Finally, an amount will need to be within the letter, one that you can clearly prove with your list of medical expenses and other accident costs and fees.

The demand letter is usually the first step in negotiating a settlement in a personal injury settlement. Your attorney will ask for an amount within the demand letter, but it’s important to keep in mind that the insurance companies may not accept a first offer. Instead, a process of negotiation, with settlement amounts being exchanged back and forth, could happen until a final compensation amount can be reached.

Can I Write a Demand Letter On My Own?

While you can write your own demand letter, making the decision to work with a Tampa personal injury attorney can shield you from accepting an amount that is too low. Your attorney will give your case a full review and will take care to provide all the information required to strengthen your claim.

Could a well-crafted demand letter help you to secure the financial award you need to move forward after a Florida accident injury? Bring your questions to the skilled legal professionals at HD Law Partners. Working with a lawyer who has a background in personal injury law can introduce you to all of your options so you can achieve a maximum recovery amount. With combined experience of over 40 years, the professionals at HD Law Partners will guide you through the personal injury process, call 813-964-7878 to schedule a free consultation.

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