We represent clients in Ocala, Crystal River, The Villages, and throughout Central Florida.
We know what a toll it can take on the whole family when a loved one sustains serious injuries. The outcome of your lawsuit may mean the difference between recovering full compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering and becoming destitute. We understand the physical, financial, and emotional challenges that come with any type of injury, and are prepared to represent you from start to finish.
Contact the dedicated Ocala personal injury lawyers at Dean Law Firm by phone or via our online form.
In addition to our personal injury practice, we serve clients facing a broad range of additional legal issues, including those related to real estate, estate planning, trusts, and probate administration. We can also help with probate disputes such as will contests, and challenges to the actions of an estate personal representative. Finally, we are available to assist with civil law matters including those related to business formation, advice, and litigation.
Building up your finances took years. You've worked hard for that psychological peace of mind. Probate laws, taxes and guardianship can deplete your assets and property, and result in your estate being distributed in ways that you never would have chosen. With careful guidance from estate planning attorneys, you can ensure your wishes are carried out with respect to the rewards of your life's work. Based in Ocala, the Dean Law Firm handles estate litigation, but also understands how to avoid it during the estate planning stage. Making a Living Trust in Florida
All Florida drivers are required to use reasonable care to avoid injuring others. Yet every year, hundreds of thousands of people are hurt on Florida roads, and many are killed. Tragically, most of these accidents could have been prevented with the exercise of due care. Drunk driving, distracted driving, speeding, and other forms of driver negligence are common causes of these accidents. At Dean Law Firm, our experienced Ocala car accident lawyers fight to hold negligent drivers responsible for their conduct. Taking Legal Action if You Are a Car Accident Victim
Wrongful Death
To learn more about our approach in a free initial consultation, please call at 352-387-8700 or complete the contact form below. We take all injury and wrongful death claims on a contingency fee basis. You will not pay attorneys fees unless we are successful in your case.
Traffic Violations
Florida follows the doctrine of comparative negligence. A defendant may raise as a defense the plaintiff's own culpability in the accident. For example, a plaintiff who is talking on her phone and speeding many miles above the speed limit might be partially responsible for her injuries, even where one defendant runs a red light and another is also speeding.
Drug Crimes
Hit and Run
Back on New Years Eve of last year, a young boy was struck by a hit-and-run driver and seriously injured as he was playing basketball with his…
In addition to our personal injury practice, we serve clients facing a broad range of additional legal issues, including those related to real estate, estate planning, trusts, and probate administration. We can also help with probate disputes such as will contests, and challenges to the actions of an estate personal representative. Finally, we are available to assist with civil law matters including those related to business formation, advice, and litigation. Our Family Helping Yours
Business Disputes
Doctors and nurses, as well as insurers who represent other defendants, often have the support of a legal team advising them regarding what to say, and specifically advising them not to accept responsibility. It is important for you to consult with attorneys who have significant experience, and who understand the art of building a strong case should you proceed to trial. Guidance in Real Estate, Probate and Business Law Matters
Trade Secrets
Intellectual Property
Ocala civil litigation lawyers Michael E. Dean, Timothy S. Dean and H. Edward Dean of the Dean Law Firm have eight decades of collective litigation experience in state and federal court. We have served as lead counsel or co-counsel in several complex litigation cases. Under Florida Rule 1.201 these are challenging cases involving multiple parties and numerous pretrial motions raising difficult or new intertwined legal issues. We have brought claims on behalf of individuals or businesses that have suffered losses, either personal or business-related. We have also defended businesses in cases involving matters such as debt collection or alleged intellectual property infringement. Finding Swift and Effective Resolutions to Business and Civil Disputes
One business in which civil litigation is very common is construction. Construction sites can be dangerous places with lots of potential for personal injuries. Both contractors and subcontractors are required to maintain workers' compensation for employees. Section 440.10(1)(a) of the Florida Statutes provides that if a contractor subcontracts work to another entity, all of the subcontractor's employees are deemed statutory employees of the contractor. This means both the contractor and the subcontractor may have workers' compensation immunity. However, a supplier who is injured due to a dangerous condition may have a claim against whichever party was responsible for that condition. Similarly, a visitor at the construction site who is injured may have a negligence-based claim against one or more businesses involved with the project and a premises liability case against the landowner.
Wrongful Termination
It can be daunting to choose a lawyer to represent you in a business dispute or litigation in another city or state. Our law firm maintains personal contacts with highly experienced attorneys throughout Florida and the United States. These lawyers assist Dean Law Firm clients in out-of-state cases related to business disputes, wrongful termination claims, wage and hour disputes, bankruptcy, patent and trademark, warranty claims, and contract disputes. Construction Lawsuits
Often, surveys should be performed prior to a real estate closing. No matter how long someone has lived on the property, or how old and well-established the neighborhood of the property is, there may be boundary disputes that have gone unrecorded. Sometimes boundaries are somewhere other than the place the property owner has assumed. Without a survey, you could find yourself in the midst of a boundary dispute somewhere down the road. These are expensive to negotiate and settle or litigate.
Premises Liability
Motorcyclists may suffer catastrophic injuries or even death after a collision or a near-collision with a larger vehicle. You may be able to hold a driver liable under a theory of negligence. Often, the driver or their insurer will defend the claim by saying that you were also negligent. If a jury finds that your own negligence contributed to your injuries, your damages likely will be reduced. This is one reason why seeking knowledgeable counsel early in a case is critical. Florida uses a pure comparative negligence rule, so even if you were somewhat at fault, you still may be able to recover damages in proportion to the defendant’s negligence. Premises Liability
Construction Litigation
We bring vitality to our practice on a daily basis. As business owners, we understand the highs and lows of operating a business in central Florida. We can assist you in preventing and resolving disputes that can derail your company's momentum. Whether you are located in Marion, Citrus, Lake or Levy Counties, we can handle any legal matter on behalf of your business. This includes matters such as business formation, business litigation, general counsel services, construction and mining law, construction litigation, banking law, collections, agricultural and equine law, and government representation. Forming Contracts and Dealing With Contractual Disputes
Real Estate Transactions
Real estate records are county public records. The records track ownership of land in various Florida counties that go back hundreds of years. Often they include historically dense documents. A critical aspect of a real estate closing is handling title adequately. It is wise to retain an experienced Ocala real estate attorney to conduct a title search in or around that area to confirm there is clear title before a real estate sale closes. Title Search
Eminent Domain
Whether buying your first home or leasing a commercial building, it is crucial to obtain sound advice from an experienced lawyer before signing a contract. Dean Law Firm, real estate attorneys can help people and entities in the Central Florida area protect their interests with regard to any real property transaction. We can help prepare purchase and sale agreements through closing, as well as review zoning changes, handle real estate litigation, and fight for your rights in an eminent domain dispute. As property owners and business owners ourselves, we understand the importance of your concerns and can advise you of the potential consequences of any transaction. Buying a Home in Florida
Easement
Land Use and Zoning
Property Damage
After a car accident in which you suffer serious injuries, you may be contacted by an insurance adjuster for the other driver who may try to get you to admit fault. You should speak to a car accident lawyer before discussing your situation with the adjuster. This is in part because Florida follows the doctrine of pure comparative negligence. A jury will consider the evidence and arguments and assign each party a percentage of fault, in addition to assessing the overall damages. Your damages award will be reduced by an amount equal to your percentage of fault, if any is found. At the Dean Law Firm, we know how to prevent a defendant from unfairly shifting the blame to a victim. Our attorneys can help you maximize damages for losses such as past and future medical expenses, lost income and earning capacity, pain and suffering, lost enjoyment of life, and property damage. Truck Accidents
Our Florida personal injury attorneys know just how much is riding on your case. We know what a toll it can take on the whole family when a loved one sustains serious injuries. The outcome of your lawsuit may mean the difference between recovering full compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering, and becoming destitute. We understand the physical, financial, and emotional challenges that come with any type of injury, and are prepared to represent you from start to finish. The experienced Ocala personal injury attorneys of Dean Law Firm work hard to make sure those that are responsible for your injuries are held accountable. Florida Law Protects Injured Victims
Medical Malpractice
Health care providers must also use reasonable care. By statute, Florida doctors are required to adhere to the level of care, skill and treatment that is considered acceptable and appropriate by reasonably prudent similar health care providers under similar circumstances. However, a medical malpractice lawsuit has a few more hurdles than an ordinary negligence lawsuit. For example, there are specific pre-suit requirements, and expert testimony is crucial in proving a breach in the applicable standard of care.
Auto Accidents
Dog Bites
Premises liability cases may involve slip and falls, dog bites, swimming pool accidents, dangerous property conditions, falling objects, or negligent security. Often, accidents happen because property is not properly maintained or managed. In Florida, property owners have a duty to manage their property in a reasonable manner for the protection of guests. When property owners don't take reasonable protections in this regard, they may be held liable for the injuries that result. If you have been injured as a result of the acts or omissions of a negligent property owner in Florida, the experienced Ocala slip and fall attorneys at Dean Law Firm can help. Florida Premises Liability Law
Because they sometimes have tax and financial advantages, trusts are increasingly the instruments of choice for getting your assets distributed after death. However, like any other estate planning instrument, trusts can be abused. Trust contests have become as common as trusts are. If you believe you have reason to dispute a trust, you should retain an Ocala estate litigation attorney to advocate forcefully on your behalf in negotiations and in the courtroom. Attorneys Michael E. Dean and Timothy S. Dean of Dean Law Firm understand a wide range of family dynamics involved in trust contests and help people throughout Florida with these technical but emotionally charged matters. How To Bring a Trust Contest in Florida
Wills
Will contests are adversary proceedings brought in probate court. Under Florida law, nobody can contest or challenge a will before the death of the person who made it. Often, beneficiaries and heirs do not know what was bequeathed or not bequeathed to them until after the testator’s death. Once you know what the will says, and know that you want to challenge it, you should be aware there are short deadlines for will contests. You have only 90 days to consider your options, get your case together, and file a formal will contest. This time frame is shortened to 20 days under particular circumstances, so you should contact an experienced lawyer as soon as you realize you may want to contest the will. The Ocala will contest attorneys of the Dean Law Firm represent clients in estate disputes throughout Florida, including in Crystal River and The Villages. Grounds for Will Contests in Florida
Trusts
If you do not create a will or a trust to dispose of your property and assets, Florida probate laws will determine how these are distributed upon your death. The probate system can be difficult, particularly for family members who do not live in Florida. A will is only put into effect upon death, but a trust can protect you while you are alive, allowing you to appoint somebody to handle your affairs if you become incapacitated. A trust is a private document that can protect your family from having to deal with probate court. Living trusts are less often challenged by potential heirs than wills are.
Title searches are conducted in connection with closings, mortgage foreclosures, partition actions, and quiet title actions. They help determine a parcel of real property’s legal status. Title searches reveal who owns a property and who has a claim to it.