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

• Florida State 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

• Florida Super Lawyer Super Lawyers ()
  2018
• Leading Plaintiff Lawyers in America Law Dragon ()
  3000 / 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

In the interesting case of Betsv 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 pre-trial 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.

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

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.