The Trial Law Firm Trusted by Lawyers

Earning the respect and trust of their peers is one of the largest indicators the firm uses to determine its place in the field. And since the vast majority of the case at MANEY | GORDON Trial Lawyers are referrals, it’s proof that their formula is working.

One of Tampa Bay’s Most Referred Law Firms

"We’ve communicated that we don’t just want the most challenging, most intricate and most complex cases, but that we can handle them. And it says we're doing something right when we keep getting those referrals again and again,” says Board-Certified Medical Malpractice and Board-Certified Civil Trial Lawyer Jeffrey “Jack” Gordon. “Being sought after as co-counsel is one of the biggest compliments my firm can receive.”

Even opposing counsel express positive reviews like, “My experience with…MANEY | GORDON Trial Lawyers has been extremely positive. They are the opposing counsel, and even though I am litigating against them…I respect this firm and its medical malpractice department and give them the highest rating possible.”

Why They’re One of the Best

Did you know most cases don’t go to trial? And that most lawyers don't either? That doesn't mean trial attorneys aren't necessary though. It’s the opposite. When a defendant goes up against a law firm like MANEY | GORDON Trial Lawyers, they tend to value the case higher because if a quality law firm with a great success rate sees this case is worth the resources, then they know it’s going to be a serious fight.

When going to court is your end game if settlements aren’t made, it gives you a leg up. Imagine the pressure and stress of playing in a Sunday Night Football game, but imagine that pressure if you’ve only done it once or twice in contrast to a team that has made it practically a habit. Whether it’s a medical malpractice case involving Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia, a spinal injury, a birth defect or a personal injury case involving a car, truck or even boat accident, experience makes a difference in the courtrooms. And defendants look into the law firms they are fighting against very early on. If they don’t know the firm and lawyers, they look them up and see the kind of results, resources and credentials they have. And they find a lot at MANEY | GORDON Trial Lawyers like having attorneys that are:

• Top 100 Super Lawyers® in the state of Florida
• Top 50 Super Lawyers® of Tampa Bay
• Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by The Florida Bar
• Nationally Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by The National Board of Trial Advocacy
• Nationally Board Certified in Medical Malpractice Law by the ABPLA
• Inducted into Florida Trend’s Legal Elite Hall of Fame
• Consistently designated as a Legal Elite by Florida Trend’s Magazine
• Consistently recognized from The Best Lawyers in America©
• Consistently AV rated Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell ®
• Consistently named a Best Law Firm© by U.S. News & World Report©
• Multiple recognized by Super Lawyers®

It’s no wonder the firm has a 90% success rate and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation for their clients.

Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia – One of Many Areas of Specialty

There are two types of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia:

• HIT I
• HIT II

HIT I is when the platelet levels drop within the first few days of taking heparin, but then return to normal. This is less severe and does not require treatment.

HIT II is considered a severe medical complication that requires immediate treatment. It occurs when the body’s immune system activates the platelets in response to the drug heparin. This reaction causes the platelet levels to fall and puts the patient at risk of developing severe blood clots that can lead to the loss of limbs or even death.

MANEY | GORDON Trial Lawyers has become trusted and recognized more and more for handling these cases as people have reached out to them from across the country. They have been sufficiently fortunate to have achieved recovery for their clients in certain particularly complex areas of medicine and medical injury like HIT cases.

Community Involvement

With hundreds of hours of pro-bono work done per year by the attorneys, they focus heavily on their community. "If the greatness of any community is truly measured by its willingness to identify and assist those in need, then let each of us commit to making ours even greater by rolling up our sleeves and putting in the work," says Mr. Gordon. "We actively participate in the non-profit space. We are yearly the executive sponsor for the Tampa Magazines’ Tampa Bay Charity Register, we supply grants for the Stetson University’s College of Law, speak at various events, lecture and more."

Have a Top-Rated Law Firm Fight for You

"It takes time to build a business to the level where not only your clients trust you, but your peers as well," says Mr. Gordon. "And I’m fortunate to love what I do so it feels less like a job and more like a blessing. Whether it’s consulting a non-client for a couple hours over the phone by empathizing and guiding them down a path best suited for them or rolling my sleeves up to fight for a victim of negligence at 2am the night before a trial, I get to do what I love. And with bringing on lawyers who feel similar, I truly believe that has made the kind of impact which has garnered the trust from across the community, state and even the country."

MANEY | GORDON Trial Lawyers Remains a Best Law Firms® in 2025

MANEY | GORDON Trial Lawyers has been recognized in the 2025 edition of Best Law Firms^®, a testament to its unwavering commitment to legal excellence. Ranked by Best Law Firms regionally in 3 practice areas, MANEY | GORDON Trial Lawyers has distinguished itself in the legal industry, earning this prestigious accolade.

Firms included in the 2025 Best Law Firms^® list are recognized for professional excellence with impressive ratings from clients and peers. To be considered for this milestone achievement, at least one lawyer in the law firm must be recognized in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America^®. MANEY | GORDON Trial Trials has several.

"At Best Lawyers, we are proud to recognize law firms that show an unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and client satisfaction," said Philip Greer, Chief Executive Officer of Best Lawyers. "In the legal arena, credibility is earned through consistent quality, which has propelled these firms to the forefront of the legal industry."

Achieving a ranking in Best Law Firms signifies high-quality legal practice and a depth of legal proficiency. Recognized firms, categorized into three tiers, receive acclaim on both national and metropolitan levels, reflecting the extent of their practice and geographic reach. Receiving a tier designation represents an elite status, reflecting the integrity and reputation earned by law firms.

The 2025 edition of  Best Law Firms^® includes rankings in 75 national practice areas and 127 metropolitan-based practice areas. The transparent, collaborative research process employs qualitative and quantitative data from peer and client reviews, supported by proprietary algorithmic technology, to produce a tiered system of industry-led rankings of the top 4% of the industry.

MANEY | GORDON Trial Lawyers received the following rankings in the 2025 Best Law Firms^®:

• Regional Tier 1
  • Tampa
    • Immigration Law
    • Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs
    • Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs

About Best Law Firms^®

Best Law Firms^®, ranked by Best Lawyers^® and respected for over 14 years, is the most credible ranking of exceptional law firms globally. It is rooted in a rigorous, peer-to-peer, industry-driven evaluation. A ranking from Best Law Firms signifies a high-quality practice and a breadth of legal expertise. Ranked firms, presented in three tiers, are recognized on a national and metropolitan scale, providing legal professionals with an elevated stature from the Best Law Firms recognition. For more information, visit www.bestlawfirms.com.

The Trial Law Firm Trusted by Lawyers

MANEY | GORDON Trial Lawyers continues to be recognized in the top echelon of law firms in the nation so it’s no surprise they are trusted among their colleagues. Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by The Florida Bar, nationally board certified in Civil Trial Law by The National Board of Trial Advocacy and nationally Board Certified in Medical Malpractice Law by the ABPLA, Jeffrey “Jack” Gordon, managing partner, says, “The overwhelming majority of our cases are referred to us by other prominent lawyers. The reputation we’ve built as fierce trial lawyers has granted us an exceptional position to support talented lawyers fighting on behalf of their clients. That trust means something. And we’re honored to receive it.”

Have a Top-Rated Law Firm Fight for You

“It takes outstanding people to achieve outstanding results. And it takes a team of outstanding people to accomplish real change,” says Jack Gordon. “Achieving the best results and making the world safer is our larger mission. Every case provides an opportunity to improve the world for us, for our families and for generations to come.”

Regardless of the type of negligence that has caused suffering, you do not have to face your ordeal alone. Take advantage of a free consultation with MANEY | GORDON Trial Lawyers and receive an honest assessment of your claim with no risk. Learn how experienced and qualified trial lawyers can assist you with securing the justice you deserve.

MANEY | GORDON Trial Lawyers Nurtures Young Talent

The Evidence Is Inarguable

The power of any city comes from its people. Here in Tampa Bay, we are fortunate to live and work within a population of so many intelligent, principled and socio-economically sophisticated men and women who continue to make this great community the location of their respective residences and professional careers. And these people, much like us, believe in supporting our up-and-coming generations to continue more than the status quo of our community, but to soar above it.

That’s why MANEY | GORDON Trial Lawyers continues to contribute to the Book Award in Evidence grant at Stetson University College of Law. For the fourth year in a row, this scholarship celebrates and fosters excellence by rewarding the student who earns the highest grade in Evidence Law at Stetson University College of Law.

For 2024, we recognize Zoë DePecol.

Best of the Best

Zoë’s commitment and dedication earned her $2,500 towards her career in law. But it wasn’t until an experience in her college sorority that Zoë’s path towards law came into view.

“I was involved in [the] sorority with Alpha Chi Omega at the University of Florida,” said Zoe. “Alpha Chi Omega participated with the philanthropic organization Peaceful Paths: an organization dedicated to domestic violence awareness and rehabilitation. Through this experience, I knew that [I] wanted to continue serving the public in my career but was not sure how to obtain that. After taking the class ‘legal psychology’, I discovered that the legal field would be a great fit for me.”

She is currently a Scholarship and Symposium Editor with Stetson Law Review. Part of this role, she plans their annual Symposium--the largest event of the year. This year's Symposium is on Prosecutorial Independence & White-Collar Crime, which will take place on Friday, March 28, 2025. Stetson Law Review is excited to host distinguished practitioners and academics from across the country, ranging from New York Law School to the University of Michigan Law School, for an in-depth discussion of an issue as critical as prosecutorial independence and white-collar crime. The Symposium also offers a unique opportunity for members of the local legal community to connect with current Stetson Law students.

“The overwhelming drive Zoë has is apparent in her work ethic and that’s always something to nurture,” says Jack Gordon, managing partner of MANEY | GORDON Trial Lawyers. “Excellence is rarely found in talent and is more seen in hard work. Zoë has both and that’s exactly what we look for when acquiring lawyers for our firm. Those are the attorneys that make a difference in more than the cases and the lives of the victims they fight for, but also because their efforts ripple into the actual fabrics of law by adjusting or even creating new laws making our world a safer place. We strive to be the best and we aim to inspire those to do the same. Zoë’s motivation to fight for the rights and equal treatment of those around her makes me proud to stand beside her.”

Florida’s First Law School

It was October 2^nd, 1900, when Stetson University’s College of Law began. Five students started, but thousands have trained since to become legal experts and societal leaders. Now anchored in Gulfport, there are over 1,000 students and Stetson Law is one of the nation’s top-ranked advocacy programs and LL.M. degree programs in advocacy, elder law and international law. They also share space with a working court, Florida's Second District Court of Appeal.

The overall employment rate is 93% which is one of the highest in the state and it’s rated as a Best Grad School by U.S. News & World Report in Trial Advocacy and #3 in Legal Writing. They’ve won state, regional, national and even global awards. Stetson is also one of the handfuls of law schools in the country guaranteeing every student can participate in a clinic or externship during law school.

“Stetson is no stranger to pushing the boundaries of greatness,” says Mr. Gordon. “And we are honored to support an institution like that.”

Tampa Magazine Charity Register

We Are Stronger Together

MANEY | GORDON Trial Lawyers is once again honored to serve as Executive Sponsor for the annual Tampa Bay Charity Register published by Tampa Magazines.

The power of any city comes from its people. And we are no exception. With three major sports teams, some of the best hospitals in the country and top beaches in the United States, Champa Bay continues to put itself on the map. We are fortunate to live and work within a population of so many intelligent, principled and socio-economically sophisticated men and women who continue to make this great community the location of their respective residences and professional careers. And if the greatness of any community is truly measured by its willingness to identify and assist those in need (whether people, animals, environmental entities, etc.), then let each of us commit to making ours even greater by contributing to our many great local nonprofit organizations.  

This year, Power Forward is our charity of choice. It’s a nonprofit entity focused in the northeast with ambitions of expanding to the Tampa Bay area. We encourage you to read more about this organization and all the other wonderful charities referenced below. Together, we are building a stronger Tampa Bay.

Power Forward 25

Founded by two-time Stanley Cup champion, three-time NHL All-Star, U.S. Hall of Fame inductee and Olympian Kevin Stevens, along with his sister, Kelli Wilson, Power Forward emerged from Stevens’ 25-year battle with addiction.

Wanting to help others struggling with addiction, Stevens and Wilson co-founded Power Forward Inc. to support individuals in recovery and combat the stigma surrounding addiction through education, empowerment and innovation. To date, the Massachusetts-based charity has organized over 250 speaking events and awarded more than 500 sober living scholarships. The nonprofit also launched the D.O.E.R. Project (Dog Ownership Enhancing Recovery), which places comfort dogs in MASH-approved sober homes to track if and how pets can help residents maintain sobriety.

Maggie Cabana, a legal assistant with MANEY | GORDON Trial Lawyers, grew up in Rhode Island and, after graduating from the University of Alabama with a degree in Criminal Justice and a minor in Addiction and Recovery, began working with Power Forward this year, continuing to serve on the charity’s board as Marketing Director.

Helping those with addiction and addressing misconceptions surrounding the disease has always been a passion for Cabana. Now that she’s moved to Tampa, she hopes to expand the charity’s presence beyond New England.

To learn more, visit www.powerforward25.com.

Not All Recovery Centers are Created Equal

“The importance of this charity is reflected in the development of PowerForward25 and in the exemplary manner in which the organization is operated,” states Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer, Board Certified Medical Malpractice Trial Lawyer, and Managing Partner Jack Gordon. “For more than twenty years, I’ve prosecuted claims against rehabilitation facilities for the exploitation of vulnerable adults and their families. PowerForward25 is the antithesis of that kind of negligent operation. The dedicated staff and advanced methodologies provided by PowerForward25 have contributed to significant improvements for people seeking help with substance abuse and addiction.

A Charity for Every Cause

Tampa Magazines’ charities and nonprofits make it easy to do good while having a good time with galas, food, festivals and even sporting events throughout the year - all benefiting local causes. They've rounded up some of the top charitable events happening around the Bay over the next year along with what you should know about the worthy organizations they support.

Read more about all the charities and events here.

MANEY | GORDON Trials Lawyers Takes Home Two Tellys

“We don’t do things like other law firms and that includes our ads,” says managing partner Jeffrey, “Jack” Gordon. “We also believe people see enough of the same kinds of commercials.”

The message seemed to resonate and Streetlight Productions took home a Silver and Bronze Telly for the 2024 Telly Awards with their “Do Not Be Sold” 60 second commercial for MANEY | GORDON Trial Lawyers.

Do Not Be Sold

In the late of an afternoon, the crew gathers at Oxford Exchange for the start “Do Not Be Sold” commercial campaign. “I’ve always had a love/hate relationship with advertising,” confesses Taylor Girard. “I love the ability to move people, but more times than not, people are moved towards things they don’t need. Jack lets us take the approach of calling out those commercials using gimmicks, cheesy re-enactments, or even rhyming jingles about which lawyer to call. As MANEY | GORDON Trial Lawyers feels an obligation to be honest, just and upfront with their clients, we mirror that in the commercials. And people seem to respond.”

Lights and stands filter in with gloves crew members and belts with tools and tapes. Pelican case after pelican case with various pieces of a camera package are hauled in and minute by minute, the set takes shapes. Furniture is moved, but careful marked to ensure business as usual starts again the next morning. Everyone is excited in the beginning of an overnight shoot, but by 2 or 3am, it starts to get real. Since there’s not as much work for the crew while shooting takes place, there are lulls that can get a little too comfortable. But there are no times for a nap because once that set up is shot out, you’re hustling to make time as lights, stands, props, camera wardrobe and more are rearranged.

With the sun rising the next morning, it’s a wrap and everyone heads home to sleep when the day is starting for everyone else. “Trials bear a remarkable resemblance to the hustle and bustle of a commercial set,” mentions Jack Gordon. “You have a job to do and everyone is full throttle until that job gets done. There are no excuses. And I’ve always loved that kind of environment.”

The “Do Not Be Sold” campaign revolves around the fact we are constantly bombarded with advertisements being pitched anything and everything, most of which are products and services we don’t need or even want. There’s a science, however, to how these advertisements are created and positioned so that the consumer will, after a certain amount of exposure, begin to believe they either need a product or want to try a service. Repetition, fear, envy, nostalgia, love, trust, and family are just some of the many weapons agencies use to capture more dollars from people’s pockets. This campaign is a reminder for people to hold strong to their beliefs, values and hard-earned money so they can remember they are in control. And to take it further, they even have control over not only how companies advertise, but also whether or not a company even survives. Most businesses will bend to the will of the public if it means profits are in jeopardy. It is easier said than done, but look at how the model industry has changed department stores like Target. Look how commercials and shows have changed for minorities to be more inclusive.

With attention being one of the largest commodities, let’s remember we get to decide where we put our attention. We can choose to buy a product and support a company or not. We can choose to spend less time on the phone and thus be exposed to less ads. We can even choose a law firm based on their skills and expertise rather than a commercial, award or billboard gushing over winning millions for a recent car accident client.

 

What Makes Jack’s MANEY | GORDON Trial Lawyers Stand Out

Mr. Gordon has carved out a niche of personal injury cases specifically in the Medical Malpractice area of expertise. He’s a Board Certified Medical Malpractice Lawyer by the American Board of Professional Liability Attorneys, is still voted by his peers as the #1 Medical Malpractice Attorney in Tampa Magazine’s Top Lawyers® since 2016, recognized by Best Lawyers since 2018 in Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs, and more. “I love the science,” he says. “And while Medical Negligence cases are some of the most difficult cases that exist, it means we’re going up against the best of the best. I enjoy that challenge along with filming of a commercial on a boat in the open water or an overnight shoot in Oxford Exchange.”

Most of the cases MANEY | GORDON Trial Lawyers receives are from referrals. Someone will have a case and call a firm based on a commercial or an advertisement they saw and not realize that firm may not be focused on the long haul of a case. Some firms focus more on gathering cases and then referring them to the law firms they know will have the best chance of winning that case in that area of specialty. It’s simply a different business model. And when a law firm like MANEY | GORDON Trial Lawyers has built the kind of reputation of going after the most challenging, most complex, most intricate cases with positive results, the word spreads.

So next time you’re out, in, or simply around, take notice of what businesses and people are telling you is needed in order for you to feel happy, accepted, or even successful. Remind yourself that products and services aren’t needed to achieve the very thing they are selling you. When they do an excellent job, it can be difficult to discern the difference between their ice cream filled with sugar and the love of family, but the two couldn’t be further from each other.

So take the love. Leave the ice cream.

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Medical Malpractice Laws Are Not Designed to Protect Patients

Hospitals and physicians are insulated by laws that offer more support to them than to the patients they treat. Organizations like the American Medical Association (AMA), along with other larger, socio-economically sophisticated organizations, lobby for the laws providing that very insulation. And while the AMA is a legitimate organization that is well-recognized nationally, the very purpose of the organization is to generate legislation and laws to protect medical professionals from otherwise being held liable for medical error.

Is This Fair?

“FAIR” and “LEGAL” are two very different concepts. Just because a doctor makes a mistake, doesn’t mean that the doctor has committed medical malpractice.  It very much depends.

Let’s say a baker is making cake. The baker has a duty to use all edible ingredients, keep a clean kitchen and all the basics. This would be the baker’s “standard of care”. Let’s say the baker deviates from this and chooses to use a plastic tube in the cake because they are making a three-tiered cake which requires support to stand upright. No one eats the plastic, because they know it’s plastic, and all is fine. The baker didn’t use all edible ingredients, but no one got hurt. No issue here for the baker and no issue here for those eating the cake.

On the flip side, if the baker followed the standard of care, but someone got sick because they have a gluten sensitivity and didn’t read the ingredients of the cake, then there’s no fault for the baker either. This happens all the time in hospitals. Surgeries and elected treatments come with long pages of risks, and we sign those pages understanding and acknowledging those risks. So, if a doctor follows protocol, and otherwise complies with the standard of care, the doctor is normally not subject to liability simply because the patient suffers a poor outcome. 

So, When Does an Adverse Outcome Constitute Medical Malpractice?

When the standard of care is deviated and this causes harm to a patient, then medical malpractice has occurred. The next steps are complicated, and compiling the proof is part of the long process that follows.

In cases where medical negligence occurs, and harm is caused to a patient, doctors are still provided greater insulation than other Defendants who are negligent because special laws that have been created for the benefit of medical professionals. Before a patient is eligible to prosecute a claim against a medical professional, there is a significant and very burdensome due diligence that is required.  A patient is required under Florida law to expend significant expense, and garner significant evidence, before that patient is permitted to even place the potential physician defendant on notice that he is suspected of committing medical malpractice.

When the negligent medical professional is, for example, a board certified, general surgeon who is suspected of medical malpractice, then testimony of another board certified, general surgeon is required to explain 1) what it was that was done wrong;  and 2) to clinically correlate, within a reasonable degree of medical certainty,  that error with an injury that was suffered. While this could seem black and white, it’s not so simple as with a speeding ticket. Demonstrating sufficient proof for medical malpractice cases is arduous and costly. And while the truth of the matter could be that negligence occurred and directly caused harm, sufficient proof is required to warrant prosecution or satisfy the burdens of the statute.

You may have heard about the Johns Hopkins study claiming more than 250,000 people in the US die every year from medical errors. Other reports claim the numbers to be as high as 440,000. That would make it the fourth leading cause of death for Americans behind heart disease, cancer and covid. And this isn't even for surgeries, but just medical errors. A vast amount of these cases are not medical malpractice cases, and those that are, even less have proof to substantiate the claims.

How Hard Is It to Win a Medical Malpractice Case?

Medical malpractice cases are some of the most difficult cases to try because of the legislation protecting the physicians. There are layers and layers of insulation provided to medical professionals thus making it more difficult for the patient to satisfy the burdens necessary to assert a claim for medical malpractice.

This is why hiring a law firm that possesses the experience, resources and credentials for handling medical malpractice cases is paramount. At MANEY | GORDON Trial Lawyers, we’ve spent decades prosecuting medical negligent cases.  While so many other law firms have elected to steer clear of these expensive, complicated, and burdensome cases, we specialize in them. The expert attorneys at MANEY | GORDON Trial Lawyers continue to maintain their passion for the intricacies of the science and the complexities of medical malpractice law.  Our team includes Jose Estrada, an experienced trial attorney who has also spent decades as a licensed Physician’s Assistant recognized by the Florida Board of Medicine. Our team also includes state and nationally accredited Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyers like Fritz Gray, and Jeffrey “Jack” Gordon. Furthermore, Mr. Gordon is nationally Board Certified in Medical Malpractice and was recently inducted into the Florida Trend’s Legal Elite Hall of Fame cementing his legacy as a top-tier lawyer in Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury.

Education is key when it comes to these kinds of cases so having a firm who knows their way around the system is a necessity. Reach out today if you suspect you are a victim of medical malpractice because hospitals and physicians have big armies fighting for them. It’s time you had one as well.

Florida to Move Over for More Than Just Law Enforcement

The Sunshine State is one of the many states who have adopted the Move Over Law to include stranded and disabled vehicles. This has already applied to law enforcement officers, first responders, and all those folks in neon vests for over 20 years.

Have you ever pulled over on the side of the interstate and changed a flat tire? If you have, then you know that vehicles whipping by you at 70+ miles an hour, only mere feet away from you, can be terrifying. For others, it can be worse.

The most likely to violate the Move Over Act is drivers aged 20-40. This age group is less likely to move over or slow down when they approach any vehicle on the sides of the road and that includes construction vehicles. Let’s change that.

Here’s a breakdown of what Florida drivers need to understand regarding the extended law and its implications:

Understanding the Move Over Law

The Florida Move Over Law necessitates drivers to either shift over one lane when feasible or reduce speed for various stopped vehicles, even in the absence of warning signs or channelizing devices. These include:

• maintenance and construction vehicles displaying warning lights
• law enforcement vehicles
• utility services vehicles
• emergency vehicles
• sanitation vehicles
• tow trucks
• wreckers

According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), “from 2016-2020, an average of nearly 350 people per year were struck and killed while outside a disabled vehicle on the roadside.”

AAA data shows that the roadside can be especially deadly for tow truck operators, who "are killed at a rate of almost 43 deaths per 100,000 workers, compared to just three for all other industries.”

Adherence When Unable to Move Over

There are situations where moving over isn’t possible, such as single-lane roads or heavy traffic. In such cases, drivers are mandated to decrease their speed to 20 miles per hour below the limit. If the limit is 20 mph or lower, they should slow down to 5 mph.

Purpose Behind the Legislation

The Move Over law was initially enacted to safeguard law enforcement officers, emergency responders, and workers from potential accidents caused by passing vehicles. This requirement to either change lanes or decelerate significantly diminishes the risk of collisions that could endanger workers, their vehicles and even cause death.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failure to adhere to the Move Over law could result in fines, fees, and points on one's license. In cases where an accident occurs, leading to injuries or fatalities, legal repercussions including increased fines or imprisonment may apply. In 2022, there were 170 crashes and more than 14,000 citations issued for motorists failing to move over in Florida.

2023 Update to the Move Over Law

The legislative update in 2023 broadened the Move Over law to encompass any broken-down vehicle, even in the absence of occupants. This expansion was part of a comprehensive transportation bill, HB 425, signed into law by Governor DeSantis.

Rationale Behind the Expansion

High rates of fatalities in roadside accidents in Florida, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, drove the need for the expansion. Many accidents involve workers struck by passing vehicles failing to comply with the Move Over law, leading to severe injuries or fatalities. The intention of the law update is to prevent such tragedies and bring more awareness to the issue.

New Requirements for Drivers

Following the enactment of the updated Move Over law, drivers must either change lanes or reduce speed when encountering a broken-down vehicle with hazard lights activated, irrespective of the presence of workers or law enforcement officers. Drivers of the halted vehicles are obligated to activate their hazard lights to signal other drivers to move over.

Effective Date of the Expanded Law

While HB 425 takes effect in July 2023, enforcement of the Move Over provision starts in January 2024. This grace period allows drivers to adapt to the changes. However, from the beginning of the new year, failure to comply may result in fines up to $158.

Action Following a Car Accident

Call 911 if there is an emergency as everyone’s safety is paramount. Having the police come as well is key to file an official report as you take pictures, collect the other driver’s information and call your insurance company. If you are unsure of what to do, you can always call MANEY | GORDON Trial Lawyers and we can walk you through the steps so that everything is handled appropriately.

Drive safe. Take your time. Everything can wait just a couple minutes longer if your safety is at risk. Even if you’re 20 – 40 years old.

So You Don’t Like Your POTUS? (Hey, It’s America, What Else Is New?) but What If It Were Illegal Not To?

Jailed for Free Speech

Having lived most of his life outside the country, Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse is one of five sons of Thailand's King Vajiralongkorn and has come forward with a call for open discussions about the country's monarchy. Why does this matter? Well, unlike America, in Thailand, you can be charged under Article 112 of Thailand's Criminal Code for insulting the monarch, his immediate family, or the regent.

Challenging the restrictive, royal anti-defamation law, Vacharaesorn, shared his views on Facebook after attending a photo exhibition in New York, which highlighted individuals who had endured severe penalties for breaking the law that included up to 15 years in prison.

In the last three years, at least 257 people today have faced lèse-majesté charges in 278 cases, including approximately 20 minors, according to the Thai Lawyers for Human Rights. The government under Prayuth launched this crackdown amid street protests by student-led groups advocating for increased democracy and reforms related to the monarchy. If you lived in a place where you couldn’t express your views, how would your life be different?

The Repercussions of a Country without Free Speech

Imagine being with friends at a restaurant or bar and having to wonder if what you’re saying will come back to you in a way that could put your entire livelihood at risk. It’s one thing to speak your mind and have people disagree with you. It’s another to not feel safe in your community to speak your mind for fear of whether the government could take you away from your family.

MANEY | GORDON Trial Lawyers has decades of experience standing up for our freedom of speech. In our blog titled Fighting For Our First Amendment Rights, partner, Jack Gordon discusses a case that, at the time, was unpopular to prosecute. During an elementary school class, a student refused to pledge to the flag and instead, took a knee. This one expression had serious repercussions for him in his school and community. MANEY | GORDON Trial Lawyers took on the case and Gordon was noted as saying about the United States pledge, “The term “all” includes both those people who choose to stand for the pledge, as well as those who choose to kneel.”

In a country without freedom of speech, individuals often resort to self-censorship. They avoid discussing sensitive topics, even privately, for fear that their words might be misconstrued or reported. This self-censorship can extend to social media and online platforms, where people are often afraid to express their views, leading to a lack of open dialogue and debate. From political expression to creative and intellectual expression, artistic works, literature, and even social commentary can be subject to censorship. This, of course, stifles innovation and cultural diversity.

Having certain inalienable rights in the United States means many things for many people who live here including the freedom to express themselves with little, legal reproductions. In Thailand, living under a controlling regime can not only affect the collective culturally but also as individuals. Some common emotional and psychological effects of governmental restraints are:

Fear and Anxiety: Citizens may live in a constant state of fear due to the possibility of government surveillance, arbitrary arrests, and repercussions for expressing dissenting opinions.

Isolation: People may feel isolated and hesitant to confide in others for fear of potential informers, even among friends and family.

Stress and Paranoia: Living in a controlled environment can lead to chronic stress and paranoia about who can be trusted, which can have long-term effects on mental health.

Depression: The inability to express oneself freely and the constant pressure to conform can lead to feelings of helplessness and depression.

Reduced Trust: A culture of fear and surveillance can erode trust in society, making it difficult for people to form meaningful relationships.

Political Apathy: A sense of powerlessness may lead to political apathy, as people may believe that their actions won't make a difference.

Cognitive Dissonance: People may experience cognitive dissonance as they try to reconcile their true beliefs with what they publicly express or endorse to avoid government persecution.

Moral Dilemmas: Citizens may face moral dilemmas as they grapple with the choice of complying with unjust laws or standing up for their principles at great personal risk.

For those of us in America who enjoy the privileges of free speech, let us remember the significance of this right and for firms like MANEY | GORDON Trial Lawyers advocating for the expansion of free expression worldwide. Understanding the differences in the way people live in various parts of the world can help us appreciate the value of our country’s First Amendment and encourage us to protect and defend this fundamental human right.

Emergency C-Sections Are Common, But Can They Also Be Medical Malpractice?

The birth of a child should be a joyous occasion, but when complications arise during labor and delivery, medical decisions must be made fast to ensure the safety of both mother and baby. Emergency cesarean sections, typically referred to as C-sections, are common procedures, however, there are instances where an emergency C-section can lead to questions of medical malpractice.

What Happens in an Emergency C-Section?

An emergency C-section is a surgical procedure that involves the delivery of a baby through an incision made in the mother's abdomen and uterus. These procedures are typically performed when complications arise during labor or delivery that threaten the health or safety of the mother, baby, or both. Some common reasons for emergency C-sections include:

• Fetal distress: Signs of distress in the baby, such as an abnormal heart rate or lack of oxygen, may necessitate an emergency C-section.
• Placental issues: If the placenta detaches from the uterus (placental abruption) or covers the cervix (placenta previa), an emergency C-section may be required.
• Failure to progress: Prolonged labor, failure of the baby to descend, or the mother's inability to dilate may lead to the need for an emergency C-section.
• Cord prolapse: When the baby's umbilical cord slips through the cervix ahead of the baby, it can become compressed during labor, requiring immediate intervention.

When the Problem Is Considered Malpractice

While emergency C-sections are often considered necessary and life-saving procedures, medical malpractice can occur if healthcare providers fail to meet the standard of care expected in such situations. To establish medical malpractice in an emergency C-section case in Florida, several key elements must be demonstrated:

• Duty of care: The healthcare providers involved owe a duty of care to the mother and baby, which includes adhering to established medical standards during the procedure.
• Breach of duty: The providers failed to meet the standard of care, either through negligence, errors, or poor decision-making during the emergency C-section.
• Causation: The breach of duty directly led to harm or injury to the mother, baby, or both.
• Damages: As a result of the breach of duty, the mother, baby, or both suffered physical, emotional, or financial harm.

In Florida, instances of medical malpractice in emergency C-sections can include:

• Delayed decision-making: Failing to recognize the urgency of the situation and delaying the C-section.
• Inadequate anesthesia: Providing insufficient or ineffective anesthesia, leading to pain or suffering during the procedure.
• Surgical errors: Making mistakes during the surgery, such as damaging organs or causing excessive bleeding.
• Infection or complications: Failing to provide proper post-operative care, resulting in infections or other complications.

When healthcare providers fail to meet the standard of care expected during emergency C-sections, MANEY | GORDON Trial Lawyers can help navigate Florida law to fight for your rights in a medical malpractice claim. If you or a loved one has experienced complications or harm due to an emergency C-section, legal recourse may be the only way to help to hold healthcare providers accountable before it’s too late.