- Wrongful DeathDavid Michael Lindley is the managing partner in charge of operations for the Civil Liability Division in the Fort Lauderdale office. David also oversees the Client Development Department. David has been practicing law since 1979. His legal career has focused mainly on insurance defense, personal injury, including, but not limited to, wrongful death, PIP, Uninsured Motorists Coverage, Premise Liability, Automobile Accidents. David also specializes in appellate work.
- Sex CrimesThe area of negligence security is a quickly growing one in today’s unpredictable society. This area encompasses suits seeking to attach liability to businesses, bars, property management companies, and residential building owners for robberies, assault and battery, or sexual assaults which occur on these properties. Our attorneys have successfully handled claims including allegations of lack of security cameras, inadequate lighting, unsecured entries, negligent training of security staff and lack of security patrols. At Bradham Benson our attorneys understand the importance of handling these claims both professionally and competently for our clients.
- Assault
- Business DisputesAt Bradham Benson our attorneys have the expertise to identify potential appellate issues while a case is still at trial, and can competently assess the merits and likelihood of success of an appeal after the trial is completed. Our attorneys are experienced in handling any and all of the aspects of the appellate process and have dealt with a variety of cases, including preserving verdicts, overturning verdicts, discovery issues, contract disputes, employment law issues, and worker’s compensation matters, and nearly all types of civil appeals.
- Workers Compensation
- Wrongful TerminationDonald H. Benson, Esq. is the Senior Managing Partner in charge of the Fort Lauderdale, East Coast branch of the firm. Donald is one of those few individuals that clearly enjoys his work and has an honest enthusiasm for the practice of law. He has been a practicing attorney since 1976 and his areas of expertise encompass all facets of defense litigation, from insurance coverage opinions to trial. He is also experienced in matters involving Professional Malpractice, Employment-related claims, such as sexual harassment, discrimination and wrongful discharge, Condominium Law, Wills, Trusts and Probate matters. Mr. Benson is also well-schooled in cases centered on the commercial trucking industry and other Commercial Litigation matters.
- Sexual HarassmentWe can provide trial and appellate representation for companies that are self-insured, as well as insurance companies and their insureds in the defense of general insurance cases, workers’ compensation, products liability, construction litigation, agents’ professional liability, auto liability, negligence security, premises liability, personal injury, directors’ and officers’, errors and omissions litigation, general commercial litigation, and employment law (including sexual harassment, wrongful discharge, and discrimination).
- Premises LiabilityJerome B. Blevins is a partner in the Liability division in the St. Petersburg office. Over the past 20 years, Jerry focused his practice in several areas including civil trial, personal injury, automobile liability, premises liability, products liability, civil rights (both federal and state) and governmental sovereign immunity. In addition, he has extensive litigation experience in commercial trucking and insurance defense. Currently, Jerry primarily represents insurance companies and self insured entities. Throughout his legal career, Jerry has always strived to create a personal relationship with his clients built on mutual confidence and trust. He pursues each case with diligence and above all remains extremely dedicated to his client’s causes.
- Construction LitigationIn today’s changing economy and real estate market, construction claims are becoming increasingly more common, and at Bradham Benson we have provided exceptional legal counsel to clients in all aspects of the construction process. Our attorneys have handled all traditional issues which arise in construction projects, ranging from payment disputes, allegations of defective design, and insurance coverage to delays, disruptions, and loss of productivity. At Bradham Benson, we strive to prevent litigation if possible, but we are fully prepared to aggressively handle it when it is the best course of action or only course of action for our clients.
- Property DamageAt Bradham, Benson, we have extensive experience handling first party claims which range from personal injury protection defense through filing declaratory actions on behalf of the insurance companies regarding issues of coverage. This firm has also handled numerous property damage claims as it relates to general property damage suffered as well as from hurricane loss. It is important to note in first party claims that plaintiffs are entitled to attorney fees when successful. Therefore, each and every first party claim and defense thereof should be evaluated properly and thoroughly prior to any decisions being made on the handling of the same because misinformed decisions could lead to costly attorney fees.
- Condominium Law
- Personal InjuryBoth attorneys provide mediation services for all civil matters including personal injury, auto accidents, premises liability, products liability, workers’ compensation, and more.
- Medical MalpracticeA nosocomial infection, or hospital-acquired infection, is an infection that was contracted in a hospital. Such infections can be the result of many different factors including poorly sterilized equipment, defective equipment design (not allowing for proper cleaning) or hospital staff negligence. As with any medical malpractice claim, several aspects must be scrutinized to determine liability.
- Auto Accidents
- Social Security DisabilityConsidering the recent issues within the Social Security Administration relating to the limited funds available for Social Security Disability benefits claimants, our attorneys realize it is more imperative than ever that potential disability claimants have their claims processed accurately. At Bradham Benson, our attorneys have years of experience dealing with the intricacies of the Social Security Act, after handling numerous successful Social Security claims under both Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability.
- Estate PlanningJoseph A. Bayliss is a partner in the Workers’ Compensation division in the St. Petersburg office. Since 1993, Joe has practiced in several areas including Workers’ Compensation, Trust and Estates, Real Estate, Social Security, Insurance Law, Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Law, ERISA Law, and General Civil and Appeals. Joe has represented self-insured employers, insurance carriers and servicing agents in the defense of workers’ compensation claims. Throughout his legal career, Joe has strived to create a relationship with his clients that revolves around trust and honesty. He remains committed to his clients and always places an emphasis on their best interests.
- Wills
- TrustsIn the area of wills, probate, and trusts our attorneys understand the importance sitting down and getting to know our clients, their loved ones, and trusted advisors, and it is through a commitment to that process that we are able to better grasp the objectives and goals of each client, avoid potential hazards, and develop unique solutions for each client. At Bradham Benson our goal is the same, regardless of the size of an individual client’s estate, minimize costs, preserve personal wealth, and reduce the estate tax burden in an effort to better provide for the estate’s beneficiaries. Our attorney’s solution-oriented approach is focused on areas of probate, estate planning, and trust administration.
- Probate
- ForeclosureJoseph A. Bayliss, Sr., Esquire (Joe) and Jerome B. Blevins, Esquire (Jerry) are both Certified Circuit Civil mediators. They are also certified foreclosure mediators.