James O. Cunningham | Orlando Car Accident & Wrongful Death Attorney

Our Orlando, Florida personal injury law firm represents injured clients throughout Central Florida. Since 1977, attorney James O. Cunningham has offered individuals and families quality legal advocacy in an effort to seek justice and hold negligent people and companies responsible. Mr. Cunningham has been recognized as a Board Certified Civil Trial Specialist by the Florida Bar since 1984. He is a life member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum and a 2010 member of Florida Super Lawyers. Mr. Cunningham's extensive trial experience has led to many successful verdicts and settlements for injured people. Our Orlando personal Injury firm helps people who have suffered a serious injury in all types accidents including car accidents and other motor vehicle accidents. We consider future implications of current injuries and the costs of these damages when asking for fair and full compensation in the settlement demand.

Lawyer.com Member Questionnaire

Please describe a case(s) in the last year or two where you made a big difference.
In the interesting case ofBetsv Doe v. Michael Smith, I achieved a $250,000.00 recovery for a client Who was attacked, but not bitten, by her neighbor’s Rottweiler. Although her medical expenses were low, we Were able to prove that she suffered post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) resulting in loss of employment and loss of Wages. The case settled just before the hearing on my motion to amend the complaint to set forth a claim for punitive damages.

How did you build a successful practice?
I began my legal career in 1977, in the days before extensive lawyer advertising. My practice was developed by hard Work, a track record of positive results and referrals from former clients and other attorneys. In recent years, my practice has continued to grow, in part, because of my presence on the internet.

What should clients look for in a lawyer?
One of the biggest mistakes a client can make is selecting the wrong attorney. Selecting a lawyer is Very important. Clients should look for a lawyer with a lot of experience handling claims similar to theirs. They should look for a lawyer with a reputation for honesty, integrity and a solid track record of positive results. If possible, they should seek out the services of a lawyer who has been certified by the Florida Bar as a specialist in a particular field of law. Since 1977, my practice has been limited to representing individuals Who were injured, or who lost a loved one, as a result ofthe negligence of others. - Since 1984, I have been certified by the Florida Bar as a civil trial specialist.

How important is local knowledge to the success of your cases?
Each year, millions of people from across the country and around the World travel to Central Florida for its beaches, theme parks, outdoor activities and favorable climate. The laws that apply to injury claims arising inthe State of Florida are usually quite different from other states or countries. For that reason, retaining a Florida attorney with knowledge ofthe law that applies to the claim is very important.

What information can you provide in a free phone consultation?
In a free telephone conversation, I can often determine if a prospective c1ient’s case has merit. If so, a free office conference can be scheduled to meet with the client and begin representation. During the initial phone conversation, I can inform the prospective client of their rights under Florida law and Whether I believe I can help them receive fair compensation for their injuries. If I do not believe a perspective client’ s case has merit, I can tell them over the phone. If the perspective client’s case is outside the area of my expertise, I may be able to refer them to a knowledgeable attorney Who can assist them.

What differentiates you from other lawyers in your community?
There are only about 110() lawyers certified by the Florida Bar as civil trial specialists. I have been certified by the Florida Bar since 1984 as a specialist in the field of civil trial law. In addition, since 1985 I have been recognized as board certified in civil trial advocacy by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. In 2012, I received certification as a civil pre­trial practice advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. There are thousands of lawyers in the Central Florida area but relatively few whose practices are exclusively dedicated to handling personal injury and wrongful death claims. Of those lawyers handling personal injury and Wrongful death claims, my 35 years of experience and qualifications as a board certified civil trial specialist differentiates me from many of the other lawyers in the community.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
The most rewarding aspect of my job is helping people achieve justice and fair compensation.

What are your other interests in addition to law?
In addition to the practice of law, I recently graduated from Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, Florida and I am routinely asked to speak at local churches.

Florida State Bar Association
Wisconsin State Bar Association
Dist. of Columbia Bar Association

Charter Member - American Board of Trial Advocates, Central Florida chapter (1989–present)

Board of Governors - Florida Medical Malpractice Joint Underwriting Association (1985–1987)

American Association for Justice

Florida Justice Association

Board of Directors - FSU College of Law Alumni Association (1987–1996)

Maximizing a Client's Recovery Using Trial Exhibits & Medical Illustrations
Florida Personal Injury Law: Government Immunity
Florida Personal Injury Law: Wrongful Death Lawsuits
Florida Personal Injury Law: Joint And Several Liability
Florida Personal Injury Law: Vicarious Liability
Florida Personal Injury Law: Affirmative Defenses
Florida Personal Injury Law: Burden Of Proof
What is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

Estate of Edward Doe v. Orange County Sheriff's Office

Outcome: Case settled for maximum statutory amount plus limits of underinsured motorist coverage.

Leading Plaintiff Lawyers in America - Law Dragon 3000 (2012)

Florida Super Lawyer - Super Lawyers (2012)

Board Certified, Civil Pretrial Practice Advocacy - National Board of Trial Advocacy (2012)

Florida's Legal Elite - Florida Trend Magazine (2010)

Life Member, Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum - Million Dollar Advocates Forum (2008)
 
Bar register of Preeminent Lawyers - Martindale-Hubbell (1987)

AV Rating - Martindale-Hubble (1987)

Board Certified Civil Trial Advocacy - National Board of Trial Advocacy (1985)

Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer - Florida Bar (1984)

Lake Mary:
1001 Heathrow Park Ln.
Suite 4001
Lake Mary, FL 32746
Phone: 407-487-4408

Kissimmee:
17 S. Orlando Ave.
Kissimmee, FL 34741
Phone: 407-966-4408

Daytona Beach:
1301 Beville Rd., Suite 8
Daytona Beach, FL 32119
Phone: 386-243-4994

DeBary:
465 Summerhaven Dr., Suite C
DeBary, FL 32713
Phone: 386-320-3911

Deland:
120 South Woodland Blvd.
Deland, FL 32720
Phone: 386-206-1264

Inverness:
110 North Apopka Ave.
Inverness, FL 34453
Phone: 352-205-4341

Lakeland:
1525 South Florida Ave.
Lakeland, FL 33803
Phone: 863-968-7551

Winter Haven:
325 Avenue A, N.W.
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Phone: 863-968-7173

Tampa:
100 S. Edison St. Suite D
Tampa, FL 33606
Phone: 813-355-9772

Mt. Dora:
602 East 5th Ave.
Mt. Dora, FL 32757
Phone: 352-436-4696

Clermont:
900 W. Highway 50
Clermont, FL 34711
Phone: 352-503-4674

Cocoa Office:
96 Willard St.
Suite 206,
Cocoa, FL 32922
Phone: 321-757-1373

Financing, Contingency Fee Basis, Free 30 minute Consultation

Monday - Friday 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM