You Should Hire a Local Personal Injury Law FirmRather Than A “Tv Law Firm” – Here’s Why

Jason B. Goldman • September 2, 2022
You Should Hire a Local Personal Injury Law FirmRather Than A “Tv Law Firm” – Here’s Why

Millions of people each and every day are bombarded with TV, radio, billboard, and bus-stop advertisements from TV Law Firms – you know the ones!  This advertisement bombardment by the TV Law Firms leads many citizens to believe that these are the only law firms they can choose from to assist them with their personal injury claim.  They have no idea that local, preeminently qualified local law firms provide representation for personal injury claims.  Most importantly, the type of legal representation they receive from a TV Law Firm is vastly different than what they most likely expected at the outset of their case.    

The primary theme of the TV Law Firm advertisement bombardment is “bigger is better” – just because.  Take a moment to think of examples when bigger isn’t better.  Would you prefer a big or small home mortgage?  Would you rather call a business and speak with an actual person and get immediate assistance, or do you prefer calling an (800) telephone number and getting transferred multiple times before speaking to someone who can’t actually help you after all?

Let’s actually dive into, with specific examples, whether a big advertising TV Law Firm or a local, preeminent personal injury attorney is better for you and your family.  This is a critical choice, because the outcome of your personal injury claim oftentimes determines you and your family’s financial future.

THE BEGINNING OF YOUR PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM: WHO ARE YOU ACTUALLY HIRING ANYWAY?

When hiring a TV Law Firm, investigators or people called “Case Managers” are the ones who talk to you, meet with you, and sign you up as a client of their TV Law Firm.  Please note that none of these people are actually attorneys!  After signing you up as a client, your TV Law Firm then assigns your case to one of its attorneys – you don’t talk to, meet with, or even choose your own attorney!  As a result, the attorney chosen for you by your TV Law Firm could be fresh out of law school with little to no actual experience.

At GOLDMAN, TISEO & STURGES, P.A., from the initial telephone call to all follow-up office conferences, you work directly with a pre-eminently rated attorney with decades of experience to evaluate your claim.  Each and every personal injury attorney at our firm has at least 25 years experience.  Moreover, every attorney in our firm is AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell, the primary rating service for attorneys in the United States since the 1880s.  Less than 4% of all U.S. attorneys achieve an AV rating by Martindale-Hubbell ( learn more ).  We are the only multi-member law firm in Charlotte County in which every attorney is AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell.  At our firm, you choose and work with your experienced, preeminently rated, and preferred attorney every step of the way.

WHO’S ACTUALLY WORKING ON YOUR PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM ANYWAY?       

If you’ve signed up with a TV Law Firm and your personal injury claim progresses forward, you’ll be working almost exclusively with non-lawyer office staff.  Your Case Manager basically handles your claim up and until a lawsuit needs to be filed on your behalf.  Your Case Manager attempts to perform services that should be handled directly by a personal injury attorney.  Do you believe a Case Manager can resolve your claim with an insurance adjuster on better terms than a preeminently rated and experienced personal injury attorney who works on your personal injury claim directly?  Also, please consider that a TV Law Firm will charge you, at minimum, a 1/3 contingency fee from your injury recovery in attorney’s fees, even though an attorney with its firm has hardly looked at or worked on your personal injury claim.  What are you really paying for?

At GOLDMAN, TISEO & STURGES, P.A., your preeminently rated, experienced attorney handles your claim with you, directly and personally.  Every decision made to maximize your personal injury recovery comes from your attorney – not Case Managers, office staff, or secretaries.  When you hire a personal injury attorney, you have the right to not only choose your attorney, but also expect that your attorney is actually doing the work on your claim to maximize your recovery.

LOCAL ATTORNEYS HAVE LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

TV Law Firms set up small “satellite”, skeleton office sites throughout the State of Florida for their various firm locations.  The attorneys chosen to work at these smaller sites aren’t local attorneys.  They are not longtime residents of the area in which they now work.  These offices attempt to take much from the community (attorney’s fees), but what do they actually give back to the local community? 

At GOLDMAN, TISEO & STURGES, P.A., all of our attorneys grew up, went to public schools, and returned to Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda to raise our families.  We are lifetime residents of this community.  Our attorneys know the area, its roadways, and dangerous intersections, and we use this local knowledge to maximize our clients’ personal injury claim recoveries.  Because our attorneys grew up in the area, we also know and care about our fellow local citizens, who we consider our neighbors.  We take pride in being part of our local community and contributing to it on a daily basis.  Our local community isn’t a satellite office for our firm – this is our home.

TRUST OBJECTIVE LAW FIRM RATINGS AND REVIEWS, NOT SLICK ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS

Hundreds of millions of dollars in advertising revenue is spent each year in Florida by TV Law Firms.  They hire the best advertising minds in the country to figure out ways to “influence” viewer perceptions.  Their singular goal is driving business and revenue to TV Law Firms.

What is your general view on the overall nonstop bombardment of personal injury attorney advertising?  Are you tired of it, because it never ends?  Do you believe these nonstop advertisements paint personal injury attorneys in a favorable or unfavorable light?

At GOLDMAN, TISEO & STURGES, P.A., we dislike attorney advertising.  While it’s permitted for attorneys in Florida, we simply don’t like the overall negative perception we feel it brings to the legal profession.  Instead of relying on slick advertising campaigns, we allow referrals from satisfied clients and other local attorneys, as well as our stellar online ratings and reviews to do our talking for us.  The vast majority of our clients were referred by prior satisfied clients, referred by local attorneys who do not handle personal injury claims, or are people who take a few minutes to actually investigate, research, and objectively compare our law firm to the TV Law Firms.  Spending 30 minutes reviewing and comparing attorney ratings and online reviews from actual clients can be eye-opening.  It also gives you the power to choose, rather than have others choose for you, which personal injury attorney will work best with you and your family and provide the type of legal representation you deserve.

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Halloween Safety in Charlotte County: A Guide from GTS Law Firm

By Jason B. Goldman • October 21, 2025
Halloween is one of Charlotte County’s most festive traditions—costumes, candy, and community celebrations light up neighborhoods across Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda and beyond. But amid the fun, the risk of preventable accidents rises significantly. At GTS Law Firm, we believe being prepared protects not only your good times but also your rights if something goes wrong. Why Halloween Poses Extra Risks Increased pedestrian traffic – Children and families fill sidewalks and driveways, often emerging suddenly from between parked cars. Reduced visibility – Costumes, dusk lighting and unfamiliar routes can make it hard for drivers and trick-or-treaters alike to see each other. Distractions & altered terrain – Drivers might be focused on the festivities, while children may be carrying bulky bags or wearing masks that restrict vision. Top Safety Tips for Families & Drivers For families: Use flashlights or glow-sticks so children are visible. Choose costumes that fit well and use reflective tape or bright colors. Walk on sidewalks. If none are available, walk facing traffic and stay as far left as possible. Cross the street at intersections and look both ways before you step out. Inspect all candy at home before snacking—especially if younger children are involved. For drivers: Slow down in residential areas and approach driveways, curbs and sidewalks cautiously. Avoid distractions—phones, music or passing out candy should not take your focus from the roadway. Be extra vigilant between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m., when pedestrian traffic peaks in Charlotte County neighborhoods. Park safely so you don’t block crosswalks or create hidden zones where children may step into traffic. What This Means If an Accident Happens Even when we all take precautions, accidents still happen. If your child is injured, or you’re involved in a collision while trick-or-treating, the same principles apply as in any personal injury claim in Florida: duty, breach, causation and damages. At GTS Law Firm, we’ve handled cases across Charlotte County where visibility, distraction or faulty premises played a role. Our team can help you understand if you may have a claim and guide you through the legal steps. Final Thoughts Halloween is meant to be fun—and with a little planning, it can be safe too. Whether you’re handing out candy or driving home afterwards, be alert and respectful of your neighbors. GTS Law Firm is proud to serve the Charlotte County community—not just when something goes wrong, but every day we help you stay safe and informed. If you or a loved one is injured due to another party’s negligence, we’re here to help. Please call (941) 625-6666 or visit our website to schedule a free consultation. Wishing everyone a spooky and safe Halloween from your local team at GTS Law Firm.

Who’s at Fault for Trick-or-Treat Accidents in Charlotte County, Florida?

By Jason B. Goldman • October 21, 2025
Getting injured because of someone else’s negligence is stressful enough but what happens if the person or business responsible doesn’t live in Florida? Many people wonder if they can pursue a personal injury claim against someone out-of-state. The answer is yes, but there are some important details to understand. How Out-of-State Laws Affect Your Case When a defendant lives outside Florida, courts may need to consider jurisdiction . Essentially, whether Florida courts have the authority to hear the case. In many situations, if the incident happened in Florida or caused harm here, the court can still proceed. Additionally, different states have different laws regarding personal injury claims, including statutes of limitations, liability rules, and damages. This can affect how a case is filed and what compensation may be available. Steps to Take Consult an Experienced Attorney: A skilled Florida personal injury attorney can determine whether your case can proceed here or if another state’s laws may apply. Gather Evidence: Documentation such as medical records, accident reports, and witness statements is crucial, especially if the defendant is out-of-state. Understand Service of Process: The defendant must be formally notified of the lawsuit. Serving someone in another state follows specific legal procedures to ensure the court has jurisdiction.  Consider Legal Strategy: Sometimes, pursuing a claim in Florida is straightforward; other times, filing in the defendant’s home state may be necessary. Your attorney will guide you through the best approach. Protect Your Rights Handling a case with an out-of-state defendant can be complicated, but you don’t have to navigate it alone . The team at GTS Law Firm has experience helping clients pursue personal injury claims, even when the responsible party lives outside Florida. We focus on protecting your rights and working toward the compensation you deserve. Contact GTS Law Firm today to speak with an attorney about your personal injury case. (941) 625-6666

Out-of-State Defendant for a Personal Injury Case

By Jason B. Goldman • September 8, 2025
Getting injured because of someone else’s negligence is stressful enough but what happens if the person or business responsible doesn’t live in Florida? Many people wonder if they can pursue a personal injury claim against someone out-of-state. The answer is yes, but there are some important details to understand. How Out-of-State Laws Affect Your Case When a defendant lives outside Florida, courts may need to consider jurisdiction . Essentially, whether Florida courts have the authority to hear the case. In many situations, if the incident happened in Florida or caused harm here, the court can still proceed. Additionally, different states have different laws regarding personal injury claims, including statutes of limitations, liability rules, and damages. This can affect how a case is filed and what compensation may be available. Steps to Take Consult an Experienced Attorney: A skilled Florida personal injury attorney can determine whether your case can proceed here or if another state’s laws may apply. Gather Evidence: Documentation such as medical records, accident reports, and witness statements is crucial, especially if the defendant is out-of-state. Understand Service of Process: The defendant must be formally notified of the lawsuit. Serving someone in another state follows specific legal procedures to ensure the court has jurisdiction.  Consider Legal Strategy: Sometimes, pursuing a claim in Florida is straightforward; other times, filing in the defendant’s home state may be necessary. Your attorney will guide you through the best approach. Protect Your Rights Handling a case with an out-of-state defendant can be complicated, but you don’t have to navigate it alone . The team at GTS Law Firm has experience helping clients pursue personal injury claims, even when the responsible party lives outside Florida. We focus on protecting your rights and working toward the compensation you deserve. Contact GTS Law Firm today to speak with an attorney about your personal injury case. (941) 625-6666

Driving Habit Accidents: How Everyday Choices Can Put You at Risk

By Jason B. Goldman • September 8, 2025
When it comes to staying safe on the road, habits matter. Many car accidents are not caused by reckless behavior or extreme conditions, but by everyday driving habits that increase risk over time. From texting while driving to consistently rolling through stop signs, these seemingly minor behaviors can have serious consequences. Common Driving Habits That Lead to Accidents Distracted Driving – Phones, navigation systems, or even conversations with passengers can take attention away from the road. Distracted driving contributes to thousands of accidents each year. Following Too Closely – Tailgating reduces reaction time and can turn a minor slowdown into a major collision. Speeding in Familiar Areas – Drivers often feel comfortable speeding on roads they know well, underestimating risks like sudden stops or pedestrian crossings. Improper Lane Changes – Not checking mirrors or blind spots increases the chance of side collisions. Rolling Through Stop Signs and Traffic Signals – A habit of ignoring stop signs or lights, even slightly, can lead to intersection accidents. Why Habits Matter Repeated behaviors form patterns. Even safe drivers can develop risky habits over time without realizing it. Insurance companies, accident investigators, and courts often consider a driver’s habits when determining fault or liability after a crash. Protect Yourself and Others Be mindful of your driving habits – Small adjustments can prevent accidents. Avoid distractions – Keep your focus on the road at all times. Maintain safe following distances – Give yourself enough time to react.  Follow traffic laws consistently – Stop signs and lights exist to protect everyone. At GTS Law Firm , we understand how habitual driving behaviors can affect accident outcomes. If you or a loved one has been involved in a collision caused by another driver’s habits, our experienced team is here to help you navigate the legal process and secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and protect your rights. (941) 625-6666