Okeechobee Personal Injury Lawyers

Corey, a Connecticut native, grew up in South Florida and Northern Virginia where he discovered an early interest in Law.

After graduating from high school, Corey served in the U.S. Navy onboard the U.S.S Harry S. Truman CVN-75 aircraft carrier as a Machinist Mate (MM) in Reactor Propulsion Division. As an MM, Corey helped operate and maintain vital equipment in the ship's nuclear power plant. Additionally, Corey participated in Command and Reactor Department drills to maintain mission readiness during the ship's 2010 Middle East Deployment. During the deployment the Truman provided close air support to coalition forces operating in...

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.

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.

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...

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...

Matthew Konecky is an experienced criminal defense attorney and personal injury attorney originally from the Moline, Illinois area. Matthew founded his private practice – the Law Offices of Matthew Konecky, P.A. – in 2004. Focusing on the individual, the Law Offices of Matthew Konecky, P.A. specializes in Personal Injury matters and Criminal Defense cases. Since 2002, Matthew has handled thousands of cases involving complex litigation issues as well as simple dispute resolutions. In 2008, he opened a second office in Palm Beach County to expand North in the South Florida Region.

Even though I'm a New York Native, having Graduated from St. Thomas University School of Law in 2006, I've been involved in South Florida and Litigating in the Personal Injury Field for over 10 years, representing Clients in all types of Accidents. Even though I Specialize in Truck Accidents, I'm also familiar with Automobile Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Bicycle Accidents and Dog Bite Cases. In my free time, I'm a full time baseball coach for my two sons and a dance partner for my daughter. I'm also a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity and was a awarded the Presidential...

Lyle Long is a personal injury and criminal defense lawyer, and one of the founding partners of LJ Law Group.

Mr. Long graduated from Nova Southeastern University with his Juris Doctor and was admitted to the Florida Bar in 2012. In 2015, Mr. Long became a partner of LJ Law Group in Pompano Beach, FL, with a focus on personal injury and criminal justice. Mr. Long focuses on aggressively fighting insurance companies, recovering millions for his injured clients. By placing the interests of his clients’ first, Mr. Long has contributed to the firm’s overall success.

Edward J. Welch is the founder of Welch Law, PLLC. Mr. Welch is highly regarded among his peers in the legal community of South Florida. His highly aggressive yet sensible approach to civil litigation routinely yields successful outcomes for his new and returning clients.

Recognized for Superlative Results and Service as a Business Litigation Attorney
Among his achievements, Mr. Welch has been named by Super Lawyers Magazine as a “Rising Star” in Business Litigation. Super Lawyers’ “Rising Star,” a peer–designated honor, is bestowed upon only the top 2.5% of lawyers practicing in Florida. In addition, Mr. Welch has been awarded the Silver...

Attorney Sergio D. Vichera has over 17 years of experience working with personal injury cases. He has extensive knowledge in automotive cases and that is one of the reasons why he is so successful at what he does. He has worked as a Tech in many Automotive Shops while going to college. He is fluent in Spanish and can help both English- and Spanish-speaking clients. Before opening his firm, Sergio spent nearly 9 years in a mid-size firm, and several years in two of the largest personal injury firms working as a personal injury lawyer in the State of Florida. During...

Ruben E. Socarras, Esq., a founding member of Chane Socarras, PLLC, focuses his practice in the areas of Complex Commercial Litigation, Business Law & Litigation, Employment Law & Litigation, Construction & Real Estate Litigation & general civil litigation. As an experienced litigator, Ruben often represents individuals and businesses in a variety of cases before state & federal courts, including cases involving contract disputes, temporary/permanent injunctions, torts, trade secrets, unfair competition, non-competition/non-solicitation agreements, fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, employment related disputes, real estate and title claims, business dissolution, and shareholder/member disputes. Ruben also represents his clients before arbitration panels and in mediations,...

Ryan Wechsler proudly represents victims of wrongful death, catastrophic injury, traumatic brain injury, orthopedic and neurological injury, and various other physical, mental, and emotional harms caused by negligent third parties. Ryan regularly appears in courtrooms throughout the state of Florida, having litigated thousands of cases caused by car accidents, trucking wrecks, boating accidents, and negligently maintained premises. Ryan routinely secures millions of dollars for his clients and has established a reputation as a fierce trial lawyer with a "never back down" approach. Ryan refuses to permit insurance companies to take advantage of his clients, and prides himself in his...

Marvin Simon Schulman, Esq., has represented the rights of victims, consumers, and investors, for almost 40 years, specializing in complex litigation and serious personal injury and malpractice cases. Attorney Marvin Simon Schulman, Esq., has been acknowledged as having earned and received the highest rating (AV) conferred by Martindale Hubbell. This is the most respected directory of lawyers and law firms in the United States, reflecting the confidential opinions of his peer attorneys and Judges, as a leading Florida litigation attorney.

Mr. Russo is a personal injury, car accident, and medical malpractice attorney located in Lakeland, Florida. Mr. Russo's office is located across from Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center on Lakeland Hills Boulevard.

He handles lawsuits involving car accidents, motorcycle accidents, semi-truck accidents, slip and fall, product liability, and medical malpractice. A consultation with Mr. Russo is free. Accident and injury cases are free unless you win.

Mr. Russo is originally from Lakeland, Florida and attended Lake Gibson High School. He went to the United State Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO, the University of Central Florida in...

Aaron D. Silvers is a Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer and homeowners' insurance attorney who devotes his practice to representing injured victims of car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, as well as representing policyholders in homeowners' and property insurance disputes. Previously, Aaron worked as an attorney with a large national law firm, representing and defending insurance companies in property and casualty coverage disputes, bad-faith litigation and first-party property insurance litigation. Aaron draws upon his experience defending insurance companies to be a zealous advocate for homeowners, business owners, and the injured. Aaron has experience litigating in both State...

A native of Florida, Timothy H. David earned his J.D. from Nova Law School in 1985 and his B.S. from the University of Central Florida in 1981. He is admitted to practice law in Florida bar and the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida. Mr. David started his legal career as an Assistant State Attorney in Orange County, Florida. Mr. David worked as a Felony Prosecutor where he gained considerable trial experience. He then joined a large insurance defense firm. At this firm he continued his trial practice defending various insurance companies and governmental agencies against...

I was born and raised in Polk County. I was a prosecutor in Bartow for three years before I went into private practice. I have tried over 75 jury trials. I am a married father of three and I live in Winter Haven. I also serve on the Lake Region Lakes Management District.

Benjamin Lusk is an associate with Lusk, Drasites & Tolisano, P.A. and practices in the areas of civil litigation and civil trial.

Lee Cohen is a partner in Kanner & Pintaluga’s Personal Injury Practice and the managing attorney of the litigation team. With nearly 30 years of legal experience, Lee is a distinguished litigator who has been fighting for the rights of victims his entire career. Lee received a B.A. from Tulane University and completed his J.D. at the University of Miami. He has been a member of the Florida Bar since 1989, the United States Supreme Court Bar since 2004, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida since 2012 and has been authorized to practice for numerous specific cases...

Mr. Gil was born and raised in Elizabeth, NJ, prior to entering the United States Navy in 2003 as Master at Arms/Military Police Office. Mr. Gil served two deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom attached to Joint Task Force Guantanamo from 2005 until 2007. Following his service, Mr. Gil relocated to Cape Coral, Florida to be closer to family. Mr. Gil attended Southwest Florida College to pursue his BS in Criminal Justice to further his career in Public Service. Mr. Gil was inspired to become an attorney during his internship with the Office of the State Attorney 20th Judicial...

Benjamin Matthew Kurtz has been practicing in Maryland since 2016. During that time, he has successfully represented individuals and entities in a variety of cases, focusing most of his time on personal injury and criminal defense.

Personal Injury

Benjamin Kurtz successfully represents individuals who have been seriously injured. With compassion and confidence, he deftly navigates his clients through the legal maze to an outcome designed to mitigate their pain and suffering and maximize recoveries for clients in need. The fact that many of Benjamin's clients are referred to him by his former clients and other attorneys is a resounding testament...

Gabriella Sarah Barr is a Partner at the Firm’s Personal Injury Practice. Gabriella received a B.S. in Accounting from Florida State University. She completed her J.D. at Nova Southeastern University. She currently has admissions to practice in Georgia, Florida, Texas, Arizona and Massachusetts.

Over the years many of my clients have asked why I became a lawyer. My choice was sparked by an injustice suffered by a family member. I was in grade school when my dad was hit by a drunk driver who was from a wealthy family. It appeared that she received preferential treatment because of her wealth.

From that day my passion for justice was ignited. Over the years it was fueled by meeting individuals who were not treated fairly in the civil or criminal justice system. Before going to law school I listened to people who had been wronged in...

Joseph Abdallah is a partner in the Firm’s Personal Injury Practice. Joseph received a B.A. from Binghamton University, where he received multiple honors for his academic excellence and his commitment to the community. He completed his J.D. at Nova Southeastern University. Prior to joining Kanner & Pintaluga, Joseph was a Judicial Clerk for the 17th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida in Broward County, Florida. There, he served as an advisor for the Circuit Court on original jurisdiction and appellate matters. Joseph was recently appointed by the President-Elect of the Florida Bar to serve as a member of the Judicial Administration and...

Corey Leifer was born in Queens, New York and grew up on Long Island, New York. He attended college at the University of South Florida (“USF”) in Tampa, Florida, where he received a degree in Criminal Justice. Mr. Leifer was a member of the Dean’s List at USF and was the recipient of the prestigious Honors Convocation Award during his senior year. He earned his law degree at Thomas Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan. Mr. Leifer began his legal career as a Prosecutor at the Broward County State Attorney’s Office, where he served as lead counsel in...

Gregg Kone has a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Drew University, 1987, and a J.D. Degree from University of Connecticut Law School, 1996. He was admitted to the Connecticut Bar in November of 1996 and admitted to the Florida Bar in April of 1999. He has been in practice for over sixteen years and specializes in personal injury. He also brings to the table an extensive background in the insurance industry (claims investigator, claims examiner, and then In House Counsel for major insurance companies).

William John DiPetrillo has resided in South Florida since 1969. He attended the University of Florida where he played on the rugby team and graduated in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree. Mr. William “Bill” Dipetrillo went on to study law at the Shepard Broad Law Center at Nova Southeastern University, where he graduated with a Juris Doctor degree in 1997. That same year he was admitted to The Florida Bar, having passed the bar exam in the top ten percent on the first try. in addition, he assisted in teaching and speaking for the bar...

With over 30 years of experience as a personal injury attorney, Mr. Ehrlich S. Ehrlich has represented thousands of clients in claims against insurance companies of all kinds.

Barry S. Mittelberg has twenty-eight years of extensive experience as an attorney in south Florida. His areas of concentration are consumer bankruptcy and personal injury. Barry believes in providing each client with personal attention, and he responds promptly to telephone calls and e-mails.

Barry S. Mittelberg attended college at Hobart & William Smith where he received a B.A. in Political Science in 1980. He attended law school at University of Miami and graduated in 1983 with a Juris Doctorate. Barry S. Mittelberg is a member of the Florida Bar and the New York Bar.

Beginning with his practice focused on real estate, commercial litigation, banking, and international law, Attorney Brian N. Mark expanded his practice to business and personal injury law as well. Attorney Mark is dedicated to serving his clients with upfront and honest representation and takes the time to guide his clients through every step of the case, detail by detail. Due to his passion for law, he has received bar admission from Florida, the U.S. Districts Court Southern District of Florida, and the U.S. District Court Middle District of Florida. Prior to his career as an attorney, Attorney Mark attended...

Rafael was born and raised in Polk County, Florida, and graduated from Auburndale High School in 1984. Rafael received his B.A. degree from the University of Florida and his Juris Doctor degree from The Ohio State University College of Law in 1997. He was admitted to the Florida Bar in April of 1998, and initially served as an Assistant Public Defender, handling a variety of cases. After just a few months as a misdemeanor attorney, Rafael was quickly promoted to Felony, where he was responsible for cases ranging from drug possession to murder. Rafael soon established...

Mark D. Drasites is a partner at Lusk, Drasites & Tolisano, P.A. where he handles a wide array of legal matters. Prior to attending law school, Mr. Drasites was an Information Systems Project Manager at ExxonMobil in the Washington, D.C. area. This unique background in navigating large corporate governance and intense project requirements has allowed Mr. Drasites to quickly make an impact in his practice of law and the legal community.

Mr. Drasites grew up in Fort Myers, FL and had always known he would make his way back to Southwest Florida to pursue his career. He has the...