Vero Beach Estate, Real Estate, and Personal Injury Lawyers

We represent clients throughout Indian River, St. Lucie, Brevard, and Martin Counties, including the cities of Vero Beach, Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, Stuart, Sebastian, Fellsmere, Palm Bay, and Melbourne. We are licensed to practice and handle cases throughout the state of Florida.

There are considerable benefits and advantages derived from engaging an attorney or law firm that is located and practices within your community. These benefits and advantages of local presence exist whether your need for legal counsel may involve litigation, a business or real estate transaction, personal tax considerations, or estate planning. The attorneys at Gould Cooksey Fennell have deep, long-term roots in the Treasure Coast community, and decades of local knowledge and experience serving the interests of our clients.

The attorney or team of attorneys assigned to represent you and protect your personal interests are carefully selected in each instance. The “best fit” may vary, depending upon your individual needs and the nature of your matter. For instance, one primary attorney may be the optimal choice to effectively manage your lawsuit or business transaction with necessary cost efficiency. Alternatively, your matter may require multiple attorneys and a team-oriented approach to tackle more complex litigation, an elaborate estate planning project, or a multi-faceted real estate transaction. Gould Cooksey Fennell is sensitive to the varying elements and scope of each matter we undertake, and we strive to assign the attorney participants necessary to achieve the client’s legal objectives.

You should contact an injury lawyer as soon as possible after an accident to allow them ample time to investigate, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies. Acting quickly is especially important because Florida generally has a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, and evidence or witness memories can fade over time.

You may have a case if you suffered physical harm due to the negligence, carelessness, or intentional actions of another person. To establish a claim, you must typically prove the defendant owed you a duty of care, breached that duty, and directly caused your injuries and resulting damages, such as medical expenses or lost wages.

The personal injury lawyers at Gould Cooksey Fennell work on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no up-front costs or hourly fees. You only pay a fee—typically a percentage of the total recovery—if the firm successfully secures money for you through a settlement or trial verdict.

The value of an injury case is determined by calculating economic damages, such as medical bills and lost wages, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering. Attorneys and experts also consider the severity of injuries, future medical needs, and whether the at-fault party acted recklessly enough to warrant punitive damages.

While you may need to report the accident, you should be cautious because insurance adjusters work for the company and do not represent your legal interests. It is often recommended to consult with an attorney before giving a recorded statement or signing documents, as adjusters may attempt to minimize your claim or rush you into a settlement that is lower than its true value.