Primarily a firm specializing in litigation, Adams, Coogler, Watson, Merkel, Barry & Kellner, P.A., has broad and extensive experience in the area of construction and commercial litigation. The Medical Malpractice Defense Department is well known for its reputation as the premier medical malpractice defense firm from Palm Beach to Vero Beach. Adams, Coogler, Watson, Merkel, Barry & Kellner, P.A. also specializes in areas of personal injury, professional malpractice, automobile liability, hotel and resort liability, and products liability. Other areas of speciality include representation of municipalities and law enforcement agencies.
CONSTRUCTION & COMMERCIAL LITIGATION
The areas of construction and commercial litigation require a business-minded approach. In today's business environment, litigation is an unavoidable reality. The most difficult problem is selecting lawyers who will approach legal disputes from a business perspective. Extremely complex, construction and commercial litigation clients appreciate the firm's knowledge of the marketplace and the many industries we have represented.
Our clients include engineers, architects, surveyors, roadway and general contractors, and tradesmen in all subspecialties of construction. Our expertise in construction litigation is demonstrated in all areas including drafting of contracts, negotiation, contract administration, and all other aspects of the industry.
COMMERCIAL TRUCKING LITIGATION
The firm has extensive trucking litigation experience that ranges from the initial investigation when an accident occurs through the discovery process and finally jury trial. We provide a Rapid Response Team throughout the state of Florida consisting of an attorney, investigator and any necessary experts including accident reconstructionists within hours of any serious accident. The team will conduct their investigation of the accident in an efficient manner gathering the necessary evidence that must be preserved early on in the process . The critical information can include "black box" material from the vehicles, surveillance video footage from nearby cameras, witness statements and photographs of the scene prior to significant changes. The Rapid Response Team of Adams, Coogler, Watson, Merkel, Barry & Kellner, P.A. has saved clients vast amounts in liability payments over the years through prompt and thorough investigative work.
MEDICAL MALPRACTICE DEFENSE
The area of medical malpractice defense calls for a focused understanding of the intricacies of medicine and the health care system. Defending the rising tide of claims against the medical community helps keep health care costs down, and protects the rights of the many fine physicians practicing in the Palm Beach area. We do not limit our representation to the Palm Beaches. Our attorneys also represent health care providers in the following counties: Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee, St. Lucie, Brevard, Dade and Broward. Our clients also include numerous hospitals in the South Florida area.
Our attorneys are committed to our clients and are available to assist in their representation in the fast growing area involving issues associated with Managed Care organizations, HMOs and Physician Management companies. We also represent physicians and other health professionals faced with disciplinary actions or license revocation by state regulatory agencies.
PERSONAL INJURY
Defending an insurance company's position takes a unique understanding of personal injury law and a dedication to make certain that their company's clients receive cost-effective value-added representation. Our areas of expertise include motor vehicle negligence, premises liability, hotel and resort liability, products liability, and wrongful death.
Our clients include businesses, hotels, manufacturers, pharmacies, homeowners, condominium associations, rental car agencies, restaurants, retail establishments and many others.
PROFESSIONAL MALPRACTICE DEFENSE
Similar to the medical malpractice defense, the area of professional malpractice defense requires a specific understanding of the intricacies of the professions we represent, including lawyers, accountants, architects, engineers, surveyors and other design professionals.
NURSING HOME AND LONG -TERM CARE DEFENSE
The number of claims against nursing homes and other long-term care facilities including assisted living facilities has escalated dramatically in recent years. The firm has a long-established reputation for providing a quality defense on behalf of long-term care facilities against claims which may include allegations of Chapter 400 violations, common law negligence, or medical malpractice. In addition, the firm offers it’s long-term care clients seminars on a broad range of topics related to litigation and risk management.
LAW ENFORCEMENT AND MUNICIPALITY REPRESENTATION
Several of our attorneys represent law enforcement agencies, officers and other personnel in cases arising out of professional liability claims and civil rights issues. We have defended these agencies and individuals for over a quarter of a century. We represent them in all aspects of the litigation process including appeals to the United States Supreme Court.
Our area of expertise is further expanded to employment discrimination, sexual harassment, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. We have defended agencies and individuals in complex constitutional issues.
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY/LICENSURE DEFENSE
The firm has extensive experience representing healthcare providers before State of Florida Licensure Boards, including but not limited to, the Boards of Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, as well as the Bureau of Emergency Services.
APPEALS
We have several attorneys who are experienced in all Courts of Appeal including both state and federal. We have successfully argued in the five District Courts of Appeal and the Florida Supreme Court, United States District Courts in Florida, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeal and the United States Supreme Court.
SEMINARS ON LEGAL TOPICS AND RISK MANAGEMENT
The members of our firm are devoted to furthering the education of lawyers in our community. We lecture frequently at continuing legal education seminars on a variety of topics. We also assist our clients with risk management. Our attorneys are available to provide seminars to our clients on relevant issues.
