| Ocala Civil Trial Lawyers | Civil Litigation | Ocala, FL Law Firm | Blanchard, Merriam, Adel & Kirkland, P.A | Personal Injury | Medical Malpractice | Equine & Horse | Family Law | Real Estate

Having represented hundreds of persons who have suffered a personal injury from many different causes—automobile accidents,medical malpractice, drug interaction, products liability etc., we have become aware that social media—Facebooks, Myspace, twitter, may have a very real and unintended effect upon … Continue reading →

Automated Collection Calls

The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (“TCPA”) is a federal law which restricts the use of automated equipment to dial cellular telephones. It is unlawful to use any automatic telephone dialing system or pre-recorded voice mail to make any call to … Continue reading →

Recent Legal Change Increases Surviving Spouses Intestate Share

A new Florida law states that in the absence of a will, if a decedent’s descendants are also the descendants of the surviving spouse, the surviving spouse receives the entire estate if the surviving spouse has no other descendants. If … Continue reading →

“Tort Reform”

As the political debate heats up we are likely once again to hear demands for “tort reform” If this meant that personal injury accident victims would be entitled to just compensation only if they were truly injured and the other … Continue reading →

Credit Life Insurance

Consumers who purchase automobiles or other expensive products often have finance agreements which include a credit life or disability charge. Under some circumstances, a consumer who pays such a loan off early (including simply trading in the automobile for another) … Continue reading →

Attorneys at Law serving Ocala, Florida Since 1974

The Law Firm of Blanchard, Merriam, Adel & Kirkland, P.A. is one of the oldest law firms in Marion County, Florida, having been established in 1974. Over the years, the firm has distinguished itself not only by its longevity but its passion for client service. We are proud to serve a diverse client base in a broad range of legal matters.

Civil Litigation

Civil litigation is a legal dispute between two or more parties that seeks money damages, specific performance of some duty or some declaration of rights rather than criminal sanctions. Our trial attorneys at BMAK specialize in civil litigation and represent parties, both plaintiffs (those who seek a recovery) and defendants (those being sued), in trials, hearings, arbitrations and mediations before administrative agencies, foreign tribunals and all state, federal, and appellate Courts. Our civil litigation practice encompasses a broad range of legal disputes, including personal injury and wrongful death claims, product liability claims, actions against insurance companies, employment disputes, construction disputes, real estate transactions, commercial and residential landlord/tenant disputes, contract disputes, collections, banking, civil rights claims and defense, and class actions. Our trial attorneys also know that litigation should be a last resort. In that regard we have found that our experience and reputation aids our clients in avoiding litigation by properly exhausting settlement opportunities prior to resorting to Court action whether in the Courts of Marion County or any other county in the state of Florida or in the Federal Courts. Administrative actions can also often be settled when properly presented and explained. If your case cannot be settled, you can take comfort knowing that the lawyers of BMAK have tried scores of jury trials to verdict, as well as hundreds of non-jury trials. In the cities of Florida, such as Ocala there are different levels of civil trial Courts. County Courts deal with disputes up to $15,000, while disputes in excess of $15,000 are resolved in Circuit Court. For Federal claims here in Ocala we have our own division of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, which is the trial Court in the federal system. Our senior trial and appellate attorney, Dock Blanchard is proud to be one of only five attorneys in the state of Florida to be board certified both as a civil trial attorney and appellate practitioner. As a board certified civil trial lawyer, Mr. Blanchard handles cases not only in Ocala Courts but in State and Federal Courts throughout not only Florida but in other states. Mr. Blanchard has tried Federal cases in New York and Texas, and State cases in Idaho and Arizona.