If you or a loved one were injured in an accident here in Odessa, you have important legal rights that must be protected. The experienced Odessa personal injury lawyers at Nicoletti Accident Injury Lawyers are here to help. We fight hard for accident victims and helped many injured Floridians get the compensation entitled to them.Learn more about dangerous spots here in Odessa, the types of accidents that lead to personal injuries, the types of injuries that are common in these accidents, and how a personal injury claim works.
Getting Around Odessa Safely
Historically, Odessa was a rural community of ranches and horse properties. However, Tampa’s suburban sprawl has caused massive growth in our community, with our population more than doubling between the 2000 and 2010 census. This explosive growth meant more suburbs, more businesses, more jobs, and more traffic, all of which are key components supporting the infrastructure of any growing community. The growth also means an increase in accidents and injuries.
Odessa has many recreational activities for outdoor enthusiasts. The Suncoast Trail provides biking paths, and the Lutz Lake Fern Trailhead is the starting point for many hiking enthusiasts. The Lake Rogers Park and Brooker Creek Headwaters Nature Preserve offer scenic options to those who would like to enjoy the outdoors at a slower pace.
It is good to enjoy our natural beauty here in Odessa, but recreation can lead to injuries. Biking accidents, boating accidents, and other recreational accidents can lead to painful injuries. If you are a victim of such an accident, it is imperative to consult with your lawyer to ensure your rights are protected.
Common Accidents That Result in Personal Injuries
Auto accidents are one of the most common sources of personal injuries in the United States. Here in Florida, thousands of people are killed every year in auto accidents. It is not just drivers and passengers who are at risk of death on the road, however.
Orlando Weekly reports that Florida had the highest number of bicycle deaths in the United States in one recent year. That year, 783 cyclists died in the United States, and 125 of them (or 16 percent) were here in Florida.
The figures are not much better for pedestrians. According to the Miami Herald, nine of the twenty deadliest cities for pedestrians in the United States are right here in Florida.
While fatalities among motor vehicle occupants in the United States actually decreased over the last decade or so, the total number of pedestrian deaths across the country increased by a whopping 35.7 percent in that same time.
Motor vehicle accidents are not the only way a person can sustain injuries in Odessa. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 332 workers sustained fatal occupational injuries here in Florida in a single year, which is an average of almost one per day.
The deaths were largely the result of transportation accidents, as well as slips, trips, and falls. Together, these two categories accounted for sixty percent of the fatal occupational injuries in Florida that year. The private construction sector accounted for 101 injuries that year—nearly a third of the total. Construction consistently rates as one of the most (if not the most) dangerous industries to work in across the country.
Personal injuries can also result from inadequate medical care. The term medical malpractice refers to negligence on the part of a healthcare provider. Every year, thousands of innocent patients suffer severe injuries and death as a result of medical errors. Poor medical care also takes the form of nursing home abuse and neglect.
Such abuse is a particular problem here in Florida because our state is a popular retirement destination. As our population ages, it is more important than ever to protect our elderly neighbors and loved ones from inadequate medical care.
Common Injuries Resulting From Accidents
Every accident is different. Different victims can sustain different types of injuries in the same accident, and the recovery time for victims who sustain the same injuries differs too. A negligent defendant is responsible for compensating you for your injuries, making it very important to hire an Odessa personal injury attorney who understands the specific types of injuries that you have sustained.
What follows are some of the most common injuries our lawyers see among injury victims.
Head Trauma
According to the Centers for Disease Control, there were approximately 2.87 million traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in the United States in one recent year (including nearly a million children). Such a high number of injuries resulted in billions of dollars’ worth of medical care, lost wages, decreased productivity, and other expenses. More than fifty thousand victims died of a TBI in that single year.
Head injuries are among the most dangerous of all accident injuries since brain damage can affect even your most basic bodily functions, such as breathing and the regulation of your heart. Even minor brain injuries can leave lasting damage. Many head trauma victims cannot mentally operate as they did before the accident or work at the same level. Some victims never return to work at all. The most severe cases of brain damage can leave the victim in a coma or even dead.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Injuries to the spinal cord can also cause serious damage. Even if the victim survives a spinal injury, they could be left paralyzed. The higher the injury on the spinal cord, the more paralysis will affect parts of the body. High spinal cord injuries can result in a loss of use of all four limbs.
Even if the spinal cord itself is not injured, damage to the vertebrae endangers the entire spinal cord. For example, bone fragments can cause serious damage to the spinal cord. Damage to the soft tissues of the spine, such as the discs between the vertebrae, can be extremely painful.
Nerve Damage
Nerve damage is also incredibly painful. It can impair your sensation of touch or the ability to move various parts of your body. These sensory and motor neurons are critical to almost every aspect of daily life. Injury victims who suffer permanent nerve damage might experience limited mobility or a dangerous lack of sensation. They will also endure years of pain and frustrating rehabilitative services.
Damage to Your Heart
There are many ways to injure the heart. Serious accidents, for instance, might deprive the cardiac muscle of oxygen, leading to a heart attack. Heart attacks can lead to death or damage the heart. Even a simple bruise can cause complications in the long-term health of your heart.
Lung Injuries
Like the heart, the injuries you sustain in an accident can impair your lungs. Your lung might collapse or become clogged by a blot clot. You might receive inhalation injuries from smoke. Secondary injuries, such as a broken rib, can cause more damage to your lungs. All of these injuries can lead to long-term complications involving your ability to breathe.
Internal Injuries
An accident can also damage other internal organs. The liver and kidneys perform vital functions and, if injuries to them are left untreated, a patient could eventually die. Surgeons may entirely remove organs like the spleen, appendix, or gallbladder. Even bleeding can become a life-threatening condition if it is left untreated. See a doctor as soon as possible after an accident.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Damage to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments can be incredibly painful. Whiplash is a common injury after an auto accident. While this condition usually resolves on its own after a few days, the injury can be quite painful. Insurance companies are notorious for downplaying the value of soft tissue injuries.
Never take legal advice from an insurance company, because they don’t have your best interest in mind. Instead, consult your own personal injury lawyer to get a fair assessment of what your injuries are really worth.
How a Personal Injury Claim Works
Personal injury claims are complex, involving insurance regulations, contractual obligations, confusing paperwork, and a claims adjuster who is actively trying to lower the value of your claim. You don’t have to go through this process alone. A personal injury lawyer will fight for you and guide you through every step of the process.
While every personal injury claim is different, it is helpful to understand how the basic process works. What follows are the steps in a typical personal injury case.
File a Claim With the Insurance Company
The first step is to open a claim with the defendant’s insurance company. You might not know who the defendant is or should be, but an experienced lawyer will know how to find all parties potentially legally responsible (liable) for your injuries and pursue compensation from them.
When you open a claim, the insurance company will usually request a recorded statement from you about how the accident happened. Never agree to this request without talking to your personal injury lawyer first. Your attorney will be present when you make the recorded statement and prevent you from saying anything that could accidentally hurt your case.
Prove Liability
In some accident cases, the at-fault party is clear, and the insurance company will accept liability very quickly (this is often the case with rear-end accidents). Other times, the insurance company will deny that their client was at fault, instead asserting that a different person or entity is responsible for your injuries. They might even try to blame you. Your attorney will know how best to stop these tactics.
Sometimes, it takes expert witnesses (like an accident reconstructionist) to determine what exactly happened in an accident. Some injury victims have to take their case to trial just to prove it was, in fact, the defendant’s fault.
Determine the Value of Your Claim
A defendant who is at fault for an accident has a legal obligation to compensate victims of that accident for their injuries and losses. The defendant’s insurance company has a contractual obligation to pay claims (up to the limits of the defendant’s policy coverage), meaning the insurance company has the opportunity to decide what your claim is worth. Remember, the insurance company is on the defendant’s side, not yours.
Never take advice from them about how much your claim is really worth or whether you can win at trial. Your attorney can tell you the worth of your claim based on similar claims and jury verdicts.
Negotiate a Settlement With the Insurance Company or File a Lawsuit
Your attorney will handle negotiations with the insurance company. If they can secure a fair settlement offer, your case will come to a resolution without going to trial. If the insurance company refuses to make a reasonable settlement offer, you might have to file a lawsuit to get the compensation you deserve.
Sometimes, the mere act of filing a lawsuit is enough to get the insurance company to raise its offer. Other times, your attorney must litigate the case all the way through trial. Whatever happens, your attorney will prepare you for every step in the process.
The Right Odessa Lawyers for All Personal Injury Cases
The personal injury claims process can be overwhelming for anyone. After an accident, you should focus on recovering from your injuries, not trying to learn how personal injuries claims work, or fighting the insurance company and their army of lawyers.
At Nicoletti Accident Injury Lawyers, our experienced Odessa personal injury lawyers have helped many Florida injury victims get the compensation they deserve. We will handle all the paperwork so you can focus on your recovery, knowing that professionals are protecting your legal rights. Call (727) 845-5972 or contact us online for your free consultation.
The Odessa personal injury lawyers at Nicoletti Accident Injury Lawyers have helped many Florida injury victims get the compensation they deserve. Call (727) 845-5972 or write to us using our confidential contact page for your free consultation. We will fight hard to protect your right to compensation. Don’t delay—the sooner you have an attorney fighting on your side, the better protected your legal rights will be.
CLIENT TESTIMONIAL
Professional, courteous and friendly staff! Everyone makes you feel like a family member.
Rating: 5/5Sandra H.
Great law firm, I wouldn’t go anywhere else. Nikki and Anthony treat you like family.
Rating: 5/5Susan D.
Really appreciate it. Good job!
Rating: 5/5John M.
Great firm. Down to earth people. Would recommend to all. 👍😊
Rating: 5/5Lou M.
This is an amazing law firm and exceptional services, and professionalism. Thanks to Nicoletti, his wife, and Rita, as well as the receptionist. Everyone is on their game in that office. They make u feel like family, not just another case. I am completely satisfied with the job this office has done for me and my family. I will definitely reccomend this office to anyone. Services, above all the rest, now won’t u try the best. Thanx Nicoletti Firm, Love u guys Pedro Martinez
Rating: 5/5Pedro M.
Everyone that works there is very professional and cares about your needs.
Rating: 5/5Janet T.
Absolutely love this firm! They took care of me from day one between checking on me and working the case efficiently.
Rating: 5/5Jasmine S.
These guys are great used them twice and each time settled for full amount!!!!!
Rating: 5/5Robert
Switched over from a different firm and couldn’t be happier with my decision. Nicoletti Law Firm went above and beyond to settle my case while checking in constantly and working things out super fast!
Rating: 5/5Jasmine S.
Hands down the best lawyer in FL they are very professional . 5 star forsure
Rating: 5/5Anthony P.
They were extremely professional and thoroughly answered my questions when I was confused and explained what was going on step by step . I’m very happy with the team
Rating: 5/5Tabatha I.
I first started out with another lawyer in the area and for a few months of not great communication and such I decided to switch. I called on a weekend and got a call back within an hour. When I first went into the office I actually met the lawyer which never happened at the other place and Nicoletti expained more in an hour than everyone at the other office. They constantly kept in contact whether through phone or email and explained anything I asked. They treat you like they actually care not just another case to them. I would recommend them to anyone that asked about a personal injury lawyer.
Rating: 5/5Brandie T.
The person who referred us said Nicoletti Law Firm treats their clients like family. My husband and I couldn’t agree more! They not only showed genuine concern for his overall condition but they exceeded our expectations on what his case would yield. This respectful, discreet and family oriented team of professionals works alongside some of the best doctors and medical teams out there to provide only the best services ensuring that their clients have the most comfortable future ahead of them that they can possibly have. My husband and I highly recommend this team to help in any and all personal injury cases you might have. If needed we will definitely and only go back to them!
Rating: 5/5Crystal D.
Everyone was so helpful along the process for an unfortunate time. I’m so thankful to have worked with them. If you want kind , honest, and hardworking people represent you, please choose this firm!
Rating: 5/5Michael D.
The staff at Nicoletti Law Firm provided great service for me. The staff was kind and always there to assist me with any questions and answers. I definitely recommend this office to anyone. I greatly appreciate everyone who helped me throughout this. Thank you!
Rating: 5/5Ashley C.
Beth B.
I felt safe and trusted my attorneys the whole time , everything was explained and I had no dumb or wrong questions to them , everyone was very nice and thorough in their work.
Rating: 5/5Tabatha I.
Levi L.
If your looking for the best. The Nicoletti Law Firm is the one you want. They were very professional and walked me through the whole process without talking down to me. They are always in touch. They care cause they were there. Nicolette was in a head on accident with a 18 wheeler. Anthony was in his own terrible accident at one point too. Seeing first hand what they went through made them get into this area of law. If you want the best forget the rest and call them. You will be as happy as I am!!!!
Rating: 5/5Tony S.
Handled everything with professionalism and empathy. Great people with great souls really care about there clients and their safety. Thank you for taken care of me thru this processes forever thankful.
Rating: 5/5Sonya M.
Karen G.
The Nicoletti Law firm is by far the best law firm for your needs. The entire firm treats you as family and are there for you when needed the most. Above all else they will give you straight honest answers and guide you to the best outcome for your case. Highly recommend this firm.
Rating: 5/5Leanne R.
This is a great law firm with very friendly staff and a beautiful office. Nicoletti Law Firm meets your needs, accommodates you and goes above and beyond the call of service and everyone’s expectations. Attorney Nicoletti is an expert in her field and loved by her clients. She was voted one of the top 10 attorneys in Florida pertaining to client satisfaction by the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys. An acquaintance of mine named George, and his wife, rated her #1 in the entire state of Florida. They were in a major car accident in September of 2019. Attorney Nicoletti is handling the case expeditiously with expertise, kindness and efficiency. The case isn’t over yet, but the couple can’t stop singing the praises of this law firm. Furthermore, this law firm supports many community events and donates money to a variety of organizations and churches. I would give Nicoletti Law Firm a rating of 100 out 100. You should contact them. You will definitely be extremely satisfied.
Rating: 5/5Chris F.
This law firm is not only the best professional people but they also treat you like family ♥️♥️♥️
Rating: 5/5Carole I.
We just finished with my case and I honestly could not be any happier ! From the moment I made my first phone call to them to my last meeting, they have always been so kind. A potentially stressful situation was made simple and worry free. I would definitely recommend to anyone in search for a great law firm. Any questions always answered or they definitely find out in a timely manner. 10/10 Yes. Stop searching and hire them right away and get what you deserve.
Rating: 5/5Mileyza P.
They did real good for me I’m very happy with the outcome. All staff was very friendly I’ll definitely refer them to anyone. Thank you
Rating: 5/5Frank D.
Family owned Injury law firm. Anthony and his wife were very professional and thorough.
Rating: 5/5Tim R.
Hands down best attorneys office I’ve ever dealt with. From start to finish. Would definitely use again.
Rating: 5/5Rob K.
Great staff. Great communication. Very thorough. Fast services. Thank you for all your kindness as well. Could give them more stars lol. Will definitely refer them out.
Rating: 5/5Jenny
I highly recommend this law firm. They are very professional and courteous. They made a stressful time a lot easier to bear. Anthony Lograsso was very professional and made the process clear and easy to understand.
Rating: 5/5Franny N.
Our family will always refer and support Nicoletti Law Firm. Their team is truly top notch. Everyone on staff is kind, understanding and hard working. Nicoletti Law Firm hears what you have to say and puts fourth their best in action for your interest. I am personally grateful and happy with our choice after speaking with other 4 firms. Nicoletti Law Firm is the way to go!
Rating: 5/5Kara M.
Shes gorgeous & they all are very cordial. Exellent service.
Rating: 5/5Robert S.
I highly recommend this law firm! They have been extremely helpful and caring through the whole process. My case is over now and I couldn’t be happier with the result.
Rating: 5/5Suzannah N.
Started with another firm and decided to get my second opinion from Nicoletti. I AM SO GLAD I DID! No more runaround and playing phone tag. Kevin jumped in quick and literally took care of everything right out of the gate. I honestly was treated so well and I believe we got all we were entitled too leaving no money behind! I will always “Call Kevin” when I need help! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Rating: 5/5Jerry C.
Thank you to Nicoletti Law Firm! They took care of every part of my case so I didn’t have to worry about anything. Everyone is super nice and professional. I highly recommend them and I’d definitely use them again if needed.
Rating: 5/5Perry F.
Service is paramount and response time extremely quick. Attorney Kevin, took time to understand my situation and provided me with knowledgeable legal feedback. Nicoletti Law Firm is more then just another firm, they are a family!
Rating: 5/5D Lewis
Kevin Sullivan is the definiton of an exceptional attorney. He fights vigorously for his clients and will not settle for anything less than what his client rightfully deserves. His attention to detail is impeccable and he is able to clearly communicate complex issues. 5 stars!
Rating: 5/5Adam L.
Excellent service and friendly staff. Very knowledgeable and professional firm. Beyond exceeded my expectations. Anthony L. made the process so easy and was very personable. Overall beyond grateful to have chosen the Nicoletti Law Firm for my case. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rating: 5/5Evelyn V.
I have know Kevin Sullivan for almost 17 years and have always know him to have an outstanding work ethic. He can win any argument and attorney is a perfect career for him. Kevin’s priority is the best outcome for his clients.
Rating: 5/5Firemedic
I can’t express how much I’m grateful to have a law firm like nicoletti by my side, they answered all my questions made sure I was aware of what was going on with my case. Thank you so much for all you have done for me and my family. I really appreciate it
Rating: 5/5Amy C.
Zachary M.
When working with an attorney, trust is crucial. Having an attorney you can trust to do their best for you is necessary. Kevin and the folks at Nicolleti treat you like family and you can always have faith in family. Kevin is very knowledgeable, experienced and has gained my trust for all my legal needs. He even offers free consultations to help steer you in the right direction so you’re getting the best service in the industry. Trust me when I tell you that if you need legal assistance you can trust in Kevin Sullivan and the Nicolleti Law Firm
Rating: 5/5Joshua W.
I have known Kevin for several years now and he has always been someone I could trust and turn to in time of need. He treats all his clients with the upmost respect and is a true professional, and it is wonderful to know that in the case of a true tragedy that I have someone as competent as Kevin in my corner.
Rating: 5/5Will J.
Outstanding professionals who know what they are doing. They will help you through every step of the process no matter what the problem is.and they where there every time i called to ask a question A-PLUS ALL THE WAY
Rating: 5/5Daniel H.
I had the pleasure to work with Kevin Sullivan. I needed advice and he was always available for me. Kevin even gave me his personal cell in case I needed further assistance. I would recommend Kevin at Nicoletti Law Firm to anyone seeking help.
Rating: 5/5Nelson B.
Great friendly staff act more like you known them for years. Very quick and efficient with best outcome possible. Anthony is a great guy and makes sure you are comfortable every step of process
Rating: 5/5Rob A.
Kevin was absolutely amazing! Everything was handled with no stress to me besides getting better. Will recommend and use again if need be.
Rating: 5/5Danielle R.
I highly recommend the Nicoletti law firm. The lawyers there really care! Highly recommended for anyone involved in a car accident.
Rating: 5/5Jamie D.
I was recommended to go with the nicoletti law firm and I was definitely not disappointed. They answered all my questions (i had a million) promptly and in a way i could understand. They have your best interest at heart and will take care of you.
Rating: 5/5Marie D.
I would personally recommend them to all of my friends and family. They are really quick and get the job done fast. Quicker than any other law firms around here. Anthony and Nicolette treated me like family and truly cared about me and helping me! They are the best.
Rating: 5/5Susan D.
I can personally say that nicoletti Law Firm has gone above and beyond their Call of Duty for for me when handling my recent case even while being represented poorly by Stacey Kemp, rouge and green the nicoletti law firm came right in and fix all my previous lawyers mistakes and laziness and got more accomplished n one week then my previous lawyer did in one full calendar year. I can’t express how thankful I am to Anthony for truly making me understand what was going on with everything so I physically knew what was going on with in my case instead of being left in the dark they’re always available they have an amazing team and I would use them ten times over if I had to. When it comes to needing a lawyer in a time of need you need honesty trustworthiness and to know you can depend on them to represent you correctly and not only are they all those things but they are all truly down-to-earth people and I appreciate them more than they can ever understand. Thank you guys for all your hardWork and dedication.
Rating: 5/5Megan P.
Would highly recommend this firm. You can tell the attorneys care about their clients which you can’t say for the majority of firms out there. They acted professionally from the first time I contacted them and throughout my case.
Rating: 5/5Jae M.
The Nicolleti law firm helped me with legal questions in a way that was professional but still simple in its explanation to where I felt confident in the information. Kevin Sullivan was a dream to work with and l couldn’t be happier with my experience. Highly recommended!
Rating: 5/5Steven A.
The Nicolleti law firm was a huge help to me with a ton of legal questions! Their service is amazing and their legal expertise is incredible as well. I would recommend them to anyone!
Rating: 5/5Amanda P.
Would recommend them to anyone and everyone! Before reaching out to them I was stressed and frustrated with the whole situation. After going to them they immediately took the weight off my shoulders and handled everything very well. They were patient with me when answering my questions and made sure I understood everything, taking away all my concerns about the case! Very nice people.
Rating: 5/5Meagan
We are grateful to have had them represent us through this difficult time. They handled every thing very well and addressed our concerns throughout the entire process. We would recommend their firm in the future and use them again should there ever be a need to do so.
Rating: 5/5Angie R.
Great and friendly lasers the best
Rating: 5/5Kevin S.
The Nicoletti Law Firm was incredibly professional and helpful! I recommend them to anyone who is looking for attorneys who really care about their clients.
Rating: 5/5Christina S.
Nicoletti family was great in so many ways, gave me my life back and never left me in the dark. He was there from the beginning til the end never gave up I will go back again n again Thank you so much for all you did.
Rating: 5/5Fernando C.
I know Nicolette personally and as a fellow attorney, I send all my personal injury work to her. She really cares about her clients and gets the best results!
Rating: 5/5Carin C.
I felt at ease after meeting with Kevin for the first time. I love that the fact that he kept in contact with me during the whole process and I didn’t have to worry about anything. I would recommend Kevin and Nicoletti Law Firm without any hesitation.
Rating: 5/5Sharon M.
Nicoletti Law Firm is by far the most professional firm I have dealt with. They have researched the best institutions to work with to ensure your time and money are spent well. I would recommend this firm to anyone that would like to be treated like family and whom is looking to turn a bad experience around with this trusting firm.
Rating: 5/5Cheyanne L.
Nicolette got me more money then i would have ever expected to get I truly can’t thank her and her staff enough for everything they did for me and my family. I’m so glad we picked her as our lawyer her and her staff truly care about you such wonderful people.
Rating: 5/5Betty R.
Cassidy F.
By far one of the, if not the best law firms around. They real care about the clients and treat you like family. Were very concerned. they make you feel relaxed and comfortable..There expertise is second to none. They will handle your case great and and keep you informed every step of the way.. Highly recommend!!!!!!!!!
Rating: 5/5Tony S.
Without a doubt the best law firm around. I was with another law firm that told me it could be up to 2 more years before my case settled. Within a few months of turning over my case to them I was able to settle. Nikki and Anthony went above and beyond. I was treated like family from the very beginning. Highly recommended!!!
Rating: 5/5Teresa N.
Very good people and understanding and if you have a problem they can help solve it.
Rating: 5/5James O.
Could not have asked for better lawyers got my case I don’t and 7 loans cash in hand so excited best lawyers that I’ve ever had to deal with thank you again Anthony and Nicolette app if you guys are absolutely amazing.
Rating: 5/5Kelly A.
Awesome experience, very friendly people and I felt very comfortable with them. They addressed my concerns and got me and my daughter the help we needed. In the end I was very happy with the results. Thanks for everything, y’all are wonderful!
Rating: 5/5Joy P.
The Nicoletti Law Firm is definitely the most friendly, informative, and professional Law Group I’ve had liberty of working with they’re very patient, and go thru all the details with you to make sure you’re aware of everything going on. The communication by far exceeded my expectations always kept up to date without calling and asking for information. The whole experience was made very easy and stress free. Anthony and Nicolette Nicoletti are by far the best choice you won’t regret scheduling a appointment. A+
Rating: 5/5Anthony L.