Lake Placid Personal Injury Lawyers

Experienced Florida trial attorneys fighting for the injured and the accused.

Attorney Peter Catania co-founded Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers in 1992 to help injury victims get their lives back on track after an accident. He has helped recover over $500 million for individuals and families in Tampa when they needed it most. Mr. Catania graduated from the University of Florida and earned a Doctor of Juris Prudence from Loyola University in 1989. Following law school, he worked as a defense attorney for insurance providers and their clients. This experience gave him crucial insight into the methods insurance companies use to challenge injury claims, minimize claimants’ damages, and shift...

David Haenel protects the rights of the accused. His firm,The Law Place, has offices in Sarasota, Tampa, Orlando, and Clearwater but they represent people throughout the State of Florida. David is the former 2004 State of Florida DUI Prosecutor of the Year and has spent his entire legal career representing individuals charged with traffic and criminal traffic violations. David and his team of lawyers are relentless in their legal representation and are not satisfied until they have exhausted all possible defenses.

Shayna K. Cavanaugh is dedicated to the practice of issues involving families, including divorce, guardianship, children’s issues, child support and alimony, and domestic violence. Recognizing that every case is unique, we focus on the individual client and provide the personalized attention that each client deserves. We strive to listen to each client’s needs, to educate them regarding their options, and to advocate for their goals and desired outcomes.

Personal injury attorney Steven E. Heintz is a founding partner at Heintz & Becker. He grew up in Bradenton and has degrees from Manatee Junior College and the University of South Florida. Before attending law school, he was a private investigator. He received his Juris Doctorate from Florida State University, College of Law, in 1980. Admitted to the Florida Bar in 1980, Mr. Heintz worked in the Public Defender's office in Bradenton and the State Attorney's office in West Palm Beach. For the last 25 years, he's been exclusively representing catastrophic personal injury and accident victims. Mr. Heintz is a board...

Jonathan S. Corchnoy has been practicing law for over 40 years in the Philadelphia metropolitan area and now has opened an office in Sarasota, Florida. He is licensed to practice law in Florida, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, is a member of The Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA). Prior to coming to the Philadelphia area after graduating from law school, he clerked with the United States Department of Justice, Tax division. He is a 1981 graduate of American University’s Washington College of Law in Washington, D.C., and Allegheny College, in Meadville, PA. He spent his youth growing up...

Born and raised in Tampa, Drew attended Tampa Preparatory High School and then graduated from New College of Florida, The State’s Honors College, in Sarasota. During Law School at the University of Florida, Drew interned as a student law clerk for both State and Federal Judges in Tampa and worked as a certified legal intern at the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office.

At the State, Drew was able to conduct voir dire (jury selection) and prosecute criminal jury trials before he graduated from law school. It was during this later experience that he came to understand the invaluable...

Desireé Zornow is an experienced Tampa personal injury lawyer at Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers, an AV-rated law firm serving clients throughout the Tampa Bay area. After obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree from Penn State University, Desireé earned her Juris Doctor from Florida Coastal School of Law and was admitted to practice law in 2012. She has been fighting for injured and disabled victims ever since. Desireé has a passion for providing exceptional client service and treating her clients like family. She decided to become an attorney after the tragic death of her brother, which motivated her to stand...

Founded in 1994, our firm has been providing effective, affordable, and often untraditional legal solutions to our clients over the last 26 years.

Attorney Martin B. Schwartz specializes in processing family immigration petitions, applications for permanent residence, U.S. Citizenship, and visas; in addition to removal defense and criminal defense. Martin has successfully represented foreign nationals and family members for the past 26 years and has filed Habeas Corpus actions before District Courts and direct federal appeals. The Law Offices of Martin Schwartz also handle personal injury, auto accident, traffic, DUI, and family cases with compassion.

Martin is a...

Providing quality legal representation for family law clients and offers fair, flat fee pricing in addition to hourly billing options. Attorney Lauren Wages is an experienced litigation attorney who focuses her work exclusively on family related legal issues including complex divorce litigation. Wages received her Juris Doctor (cum laude) in 2011. Since graduating from law school, Wages has represented businesses and individuals in a variety of civil disputes and litigated complex issues. Wages has been practicing in the Tampa Bay area for over a decade. Wages represents clients in dissolutions of marriage, custody disputes, paternity and domestic violence matters.

Tampa personal injury attorney James D. Clark focuses his practice on general negligence, medical malpractice, products liability, and mass torts, which include pharmaceutical and medical products. Mr. Clark is a leading Tampa products liability and medical malpractice attorney, and is also the author of the chapter in the Florida Medical Malpractice Handbook entitled “Jury Selection” that is published by the Florida Bar. Notably, Mr. Clark briefed and presented oral argument before the Supreme Court of the United States on behalf of a client in 1983. The case resulted in a 9-0 decision in favor of his client that was...

Areas of practice Medical negligence Products liability Premises liability Personal injury Civil litigation Nursing home abuse Education South Texas College of Law, J.D., 2001 Stetson University College of Law, 2000-2001 Loyola University, B.A. Psychology, 1997 Memberships Florida Bar Association Hillsborough County Bar Association American Bar Association Florida Justice Association (formerly Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers) American Association for Justice (formerly Association of Trial Lawyers of America)—Traumatic Brain Injury Litigation Group Tampa Bay Trial Lawyers Association

After graduating from Harvard, I chose to attend Stetson University, the number one law school for trial advocacy in the country. I was on Stetson’s Law Review, and I also earned a Master’s of Business Administration from Stetson’s School of Business. I worked as a teaching assistant for pretrial practice while in law school, and I began clerking at a prominent law firm in the Tampa area. After law school, I jumped right into trial practice and began handling employment law and personal injury cases. I tried my first jury trial within my first year of graduating law school...

In 2001, Mr. Francis joined the law firm of Morgan and Morgan, P.A., as a partner. He focused his practice on medical malpractice, police misconduct, wrongful death and catastrophic personal injury cases. From 2004-2006, Morgan & Morgan, P.A., participated in a joint venture with famed trial lawyer Johnny Cochran and his national law firm to open an office in Miami, Florida. Mr. Francis served as the co-managing partner of the Miami office of The Cochran Firm. In 2006, Mr. Francis became a shareholder of Morgan & Morgan, P.A., where he strives to seek justice “for the least of these” EVERY...

William Vásquez is a native of Queens, NY. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 2000-2007. He is a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom and received the Joint Service Achievement Medal for his work as a Spanish linguist for the Defense Intelligence Agency in 2005. William graduated from Campbell University in 2007 with a degree in computer science. He earned his J.D. in 2011 from the North Carolina Central University School of Law. His practice areas include immigration law and criminal defense cases. He is licensed and in good standing with the State Bar of North Carolina and...

An arrest or accident, can have a far-reaching impact on your future. Misdemeanors and felony convictions can stay on your record indefinitely, casting a shadow on your future. Additionally, you may suffer from your car accident for many years to come.
I can advise you on the best course of action for your situation. I was admitted to the bar in 2004 and my law firm concentrates on criminal defense. My experienced, aggressive representation comes from 13 years of courtroom experience, including 6 years as a felony prosecutor.
I am tough in the courtroom, but I always put the needs of my...

Once you become involved in the criminal justice system every decision matters. You should not be forced to make serious decisions without the advice of an attorney. Every word you say or even what you don't say can be used against you. The decisions you make will have lifelong consequences on you, your family and your friends. The decisions can affect your employment, housing, driving privileges, immigration, voting rights, and rights to own or possess a gun. You need an attorney that will aggressively fight for you and protect your rights.

KAREN E. TERRY is a shareholder at Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley in West Palm Beach, and has been with the firm for 14 years. She recently received the highest honor of being chosen by the Daily Business Review as the "Most Effective Lawyer" in the State of Florida for products liability, along with Chris Searcy. She also was selected as one of The Best Lawyers in America. Ms. Terry has tried many big cases, but in August of 2007, Ms. Terry received a jury verdict of over 25 million dollars in Polk County, Florida against Walgreens for misfilling...

Michael “Mike” Celeste, Jr. was born and raised in Milford, Mass. He received his B.A. in American Studies at Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut in 1975, where he also played varsity football and lacrosse – with Bill Belichick, the head coach of the New England Patriots. Mike graduated with honors from Nova Law School in 1986, where he was the president of the student chapter of ATLA (American Trial Lawyers Association) and represented Nova Law in the Southern Regional Mock Trial Competitions. While attending Nova Law, Mike was the recipient of the first Krupnick & Campbell, P.A. award, which was...

A native Spanish speaker, Vanessa Cotto was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico and moved to Orlando, Florida when she was five years old. Ms. Cotto was born with a passion for helping others and a conviction to fight for justice. As a young lawyer, Ms. Cotto has demonstrated a rigorous work ethic, exceptional leadership skills, and an ability to motivate and mentor others. Before attending law school, Ms. Cotto gained valuable legal experience as a legal assistant in the Central Florida community for several years. While in law school, she was the recipient of a scholarship from the...

ADAM HECHT, a veteran of more than 75 felony and misdemeanor jury trials as an Assistant State Attorney, now works with Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley, P.A. handling medical malpractice, personal injury, wrongful death and products liability cases.

MARA RITCHIE PONCY HATFIELD, who holds dual degrees in environmental law, began consulting with Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley on issues related to environmental and entertainment law in 2006 before becoming an associate with the firm in 2012. Since then, she has assisted the firm’s clients in obtaining recoveries for injuries arising out of environmental contamination, medical malpractice, nursing home neglect, catastrophic automobile crashes, defective products and premises liability (including but not limited to slip and falls). She continues to work on intellectual property and consumer-based class action lawsuits as well.

I am a rare native Floridian, born in Clearwater and raised in St. Petersburg, Florida. I graduated from Osceola High School in Seminole, Florida and attended the University of Florida where I graduated with High Honors receiving both a Bachelor of Science and Juris Doctor. I proudly started my legal career in law enforcement as an Assistant State Attorney with the Hillsborough County State Attorney's Office. In 4 short years I was promoted to the Major rimes Bureau before deciding to venture out into private practice. After two years handling high end criminal defense at a private firm I opened...

Caroline Fischer Espi is an attorney that specializes in personal injury cases. She has worked in matters involving auto accidents, slip and falls, wrongful death, and civil rights violations.

Caroline was born in Sao Paulo, Brazil where she started her legal career. After earning her Bachelor of Law degree from Mackenzie University, she became an attorney in Brazil in 2011. After one year practicing Brazilian civil law, she decided to expand her education and experience. In 2012, she moved to the United States aiming to improve her legal studies. She earned her Master's degree from Boston University School of Law and...

Elizabeth (Beth) Aires practices law in the Personal Injury Division of NeJame Law. She handles claims in the areas of Auto Accidents, Slip and Falls, Wrongful Death, Premise Liability, Dog Bites, Medical Malpractice, False Arrest, Excessive Police Force cases and all Personal Injuries. Beth graduated from Florida A&M University College of Law. She demonstrated academic excellence earning the Book Award (highest grade) in Advanced Florida and Federal Rules of Evidence. Always caring for and protecting the underdog, Beth devoted over one hundred hours advocating for the indigent at the Orange County Legal Aid Society while still a student....

Bruce Burk is a Florida attorney with 7 years experience. Bruce graduated with a bachelor of Science from Palm Beach Atlantic University. He then worked as a financial analyst for 2 years before going to law school at the University of South Carolina School of Law. There, he was a research editor for the South Carolina Journal of International Law and Business and a member of the mock trial team. During school he was a general counsel for a real estate company, a clerk to the Chief Justice of the South Carolina Court of Appeals, and worked for various law...

Miles Hickman is a skilled personal injury attorney at Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers. A Lakeland, Florida native, he earned his law degree from Stetson University College of Law in 2017. Miles has significant experience leading legal teams and managing personal injury cases from pre-suit to trial, frequently serving as lead counsel. Committed to serving the Central Florida community, he aims to achieve board certification as a trial attorney. Outside of work, Miles enjoys outdoor adventures, attending sports events, and spending quality time with his family.

In 2020, Erin Whittemore Lohmiller was named Managing Attorney, and focuses her practice on probate administration and litigation, handling estates arising out of wrongful death matters, as well as personal injury cases. Erin brings a passion for helping others to her practice – something she learned being the daughter of founding shareholder, Kent G. Whittemore. Erin is also a wife and a mother, and understands the importance of family. She compassionately represents families to ensure their rights are protected, whether it is a right under a last will and testament, or a right to be compensated for injuries caused by another.

I have lived in Tampa since 1968 and practiced law in the Tampa Bay area since 1996. I have conducted over 100 trials and handled thousands of cases. I have the experience to help you with your situation. Call me for your free initial consultation.

Born and raised in Orlando, Florida, I attended the University of Florida for undergrad and the University of Miami School of Law. I moved back to Orlando after law school to be close to my family and started my career at the Public Defender's Office. After that, I opened a boutique law firm to focus on getting my clients the attention they deserve to solve the particular problems they have. Whether it's a DUI, a divorce, or a car accident injury, the focus is on the client, preserving their rights, and getting the best possible outcome for...

Jonathan is an AV Rated civil trial attorney whose practice is dedicated to representing a wide range of clients in disputes before state and federal courts as well as in alternative dispute forums. Jonathan left a large, international law firm so that he could provide personal attention and the highest quality of legal services to his clients. In his practice, Jonathan represents individuals in civil litigation and construction litigation. In addition to his litigation practice, Jonathan is both a Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator and a Florida Supreme Court Qualified Arbitrator, where is serves as a neutral in...

Attorney Nadine Diaz is an instrumental driving force behind Darrigo, Diaz & Jimenez's continued success and ability to protect the rights and futures of the clients we represent. Backed by 30 years of experience and as a Board Certified Civil Trial Law Specialist by The Florida Bar, she brings a wealth of professional experience to her firm.

Now, she focuses her legal practice on personal injury law and criminal defense law.

Her proven trial skills make her a bold advocate for injured victims and families that need a voice in our civil justice system, and enable her to secure full and fair...

Caryna Fuller is your local legal advocate with a deep connection to the Tampa community that will fight for your rights. An experienced trial attorney with over 7 years as a seasoned prosecutor and the past 3 years specializing in personal injury claims. Fluent in Spanish, Caryna brings a diverse skill set, ensuring effective communication and representation.

Flavia Marcus has been representing injured accident victims in Central Florida since 1997. During her experience as an Orlando personal injury attorney, she has negotiated millions of dollars for clients. Born in Brazil, Orlando attorney Flavia Marcus is fluent in Portuguese and Spanish.

Charlie "Chuck" E. Farah is a partner of Farah & Farah. He is dedicated to helping people who have suffered any type of injury by large corporations, insurance companies, or negligent parties. Their personal injury cases that Farah & Farah specialize in are car accidents, wrongful death, nursing home abuse, burn injury, pedestrian accidents, pharmaceutical litigation, birth injury, hospital malpractice, truck accidents, premises liability, and product liability. At Farah & Farah, we work together in groups to give your case the resources and dedication it deserves.