At The SOUD Law Firm, our civil trial practice centers around the representation of people who have been severely injured or the families of those who have been killed.
In this section we will attempt to provide an overview of the types of cases we handle and some of the common issues.
Animal Bites : Even trusted pets can cause injury, and many aggressive breeds are an outright hazard. With all the attention on animal bites and attacks in the media, it's clear that injuries from animal bites and attacks are a growing problem. Animal bites can cause infection, disfigurement, permanent disability, or be life-threatening. If you have been bitten by an animal, its owner or caretaker or their insurer may owe you for your injuries. The SOUD Law Firm has in-depth experience with animal bite and attack cases, and can maximize your recovery.
Slip and Fall Accidents and Other Premises Liability : The SOUD Law Firm also handles cases involving slip or trip-and-fall accidents, cases involving failure to provide adequate security, or other liability claims against property owners and managers. We have successfully resolved claims against a number of local property owners where they have failed to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition.
Insurance Coverage Disputes : The SOUD Law Firm handles a variety of insurance coverage claims, including both first-party claims (involving your own insurance company) and third-party claims (involving the insurance carrier for another party who may be responsible for payment of your claim if its insured was at fault). We have been involved in the successful prosecution of claims involving automobile PIP and uninsured motorist insurance coverage, homeowners insurance coverage, health insurance coverage, disability insurance coverage, and life insurance coverage, among others, and are familiar with the statutory and contractual issues that are involved with these types of claims.
Wrongful Death Cases : When death occurs because someone is negligent, careless or reckless, Civil Attorneys refer to this as "wrongful death". Criminal Attorneys, such as prosecutors, district attorneys and public defenders will refer to these same cases as murder, manslaughter or negligent homicide. Civil Attorneys, such as The SOUD Law Firm, are hired by the surviving family members to pursue individuals or companies responsible for their loved one's death. These are often very upsetting and unexpected cases. The SOUD Law Firm tries to help provide some resources for the surviving family's future needs.
Auto Accidents : From rear-end collisions to complex injury and death cases involving automobile, truck and motorcycle accidents, our firm routinely handles all aspects of motor vehicle accident litigation. At The SOUD Law Firm we stay well-versed in the constantly-changing laws relating to motor vehicle liability and motor vehicle insurance, including the no-fault and uninsured motorist laws. We are experienced in dealing with the sophisticated issues involving accident reconstruction, biomechanics, and human factors that often arise in significant motor vehicle accident cases. Often there are a number of questions that arise and we will try to address a few in The Frequently Asked Questions About Motor Vehicle Accidents Page. To read more about Motor Vehicle Insurance in Florida, please visit here.
Medical Malpractice Cases : Medical malpractice is negligence by a healthcare provider which causes injury. Those bringing suit have the additional burden on the injured party or their estate in the case of death, of showing by a greater weight of the evidence that the healthcare provider breached the prevailing professional standard of care. Those individuals who may bring such cases are limited. Individuals who may recover in such cases is limited. The time limitations within which you can bring a case are shorter than ordinary negligence cases. Medical malpractice cases are expensive as it relates to the costs that will be incurred to bring the lawsuit. This is why most law firms, including The SOUD Law firm, will have certain minimum criteria for accepting malpractice cases. It does not cost anything to ask if you have a case and we encourage you to contact us.
Nursing Home Abuse Cases : Nursing Home Residents have a Bill of Rights guarantee to them to ensure their dignity. When in residence at a home, each of the elder adults and special care individuals are entitled to (1) reasonable access to health and legal services; (2) To be transferred or discharged only for medical reasons; (3) To be free from mental and physical abuse, corporal punishment, seclusion and physical and chemical restraints; (4) To be treated courteously, fairly and with fullest measure of dignity; (5) Privacy; and (6) To receive adequate and appropriate healthcare. Indicators of abuse or neglect are bed sores, fractures, unexplained injuries, falls, malnutrition, unsanitary conditions, weight loss or gain, improper medication, poor staffing and unexpected death. Contact The SOUD Law Firm if you would like to discuss this further with one of our lawyers. If you are not ready to speak with a lawyer, you may want to notify your local sheriff's office if circumstances warrant, otherwise call the State of Florida's Abuse Hotline at 1-800-962-2873.
Governmental Liability/Sovereign Immunity Claims : There are unique laws relating to the liability of governmental entities such as administrative agencies, police departments, counties, cities and even some hospitals. Special procedures are mandated for the presentation of claims, and governmental entities and their employees may be wholly or partly immune from civil liability, depending upon the circumstances of a particular claim. Please contact us if you have questions about a potential claim involving governmental liability.
Medical Malpractice Cases : Medical malpractice is negligence by a healthcare provider which causes injury. Those bringing suit have the additional burden on the injured party or their estate in the case of death, of showing by a greater weight of the evidence that the healthcare provider breached the prevailing professional standard of care. Those individuals who may bring such cases are limited. Individuals who may recover in such cases is limited. The time limitations within which you can bring a case are shorter than ordinary negligence cases. Medical malpractice cases are expensive as it relates to the costs that will be incurred to bring the lawsuit. This is why most law firms, including The SOUD Law firm, will have certain minimum criteria for accepting malpractice cases. It does not cost anything to ask if you have a case and we encourage you to contact us.
