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Your Trusted Bradenton Personal Injury & Criminal Defense Law Firm
The Law Office of Steven G. Lavely has served clients across Florida's Gulf Coast for decades, combining extensive trial experience with a commitment to personalized legal representation. Our founder, Steven G. Lavely, is a Board-Certified Civil Trial lawyer with over 30 years of experience representing thousands of plaintiffs in complex personal injury and criminal defense cases. As a former prosecutor and seasoned trial attorney, we approach every case with the strategic insight needed to achieve practical, fair resolutions while maintaining readiness to litigate when necessary.Our firm's reputation for rigorous advocacy has earned recognition from both clients and industry peers, with insurance companies treating our claims with the seriousness they deserve. We maintain direct client relationships throughout the legal process, ensuring transparency and accessibility while handling cases with the highest standards of professional integrity. Our practice spans multiple locations including Bradenton and St. Petersburg, serving communities throughout Manatee, Sarasota, Pinellas, and Hillsborough Counties.
Services
Personal Injury
Auto Accidents
Criminal Defense
Truck Accidents
Motorcycle Accidents
Pedestrian Accidents
Boat Accidents
Dog Bite Cases
Slip & Fall
Child Injury
Highlights and features
- Board-Certified Civil Trial lawyer with 30+ years of experience
- Direct attorney access and personalized case management
- Proven success in complex personal injury and criminal defense cases
- No legal fees unless we secure compensation for you
- Available 24/7 for urgent legal needs
Associations and certifications
- Florida Bar
What people say
Highest recommendation
Phenomenal
Thorough and personable
Dedicated to clients
Experienced attorney
Services
Personal Injury Law
Our personal injury practice focuses on helping accident victims recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. With Board-Certified expertise in civil trial law, we handle cases involving catastrophic injuries from motor vehicle accidents, premises liability, and workplace incidents. Our approach combines thorough investigation with aggressive advocacy to ensure clients receive full compensation for current and future needs while navigating complex insurance claims.
Criminal Defense
We provide comprehensive criminal defense representation for felony and misdemeanor charges across Florida. Our approach combines trial-ready preparation with strategic negotiation to protect clients' rights and minimize consequences. From DUI defense to complex criminal litigation, we leverage deep knowledge of local court systems and prosecutorial strategies to develop customized defense approaches that prioritize case dismissal or charge reduction while maintaining absolute client confidentiality.
Auto Accident Claims
Our firm specializes in representing victims of motor vehicle collisions involving cars, trucks, and motorcycles. We handle all aspects of accident claims including medical expense recovery, property damage assessment, and long-term disability compensation. With extensive experience in Florida traffic law and insurance practices, we effectively counter tactics used by insurance companies to undervalue legitimate claims while ensuring timely resolution of vehicle repair and rental needs.
Boat Accident
We represent clients injured in boating accidents caused by operator negligence, intoxication, or equipment failure. Our practice covers recreational boating incidents, jet ski collisions, and commercial maritime accidents. We work with marine safety experts to establish liability while pursuing compensation for medical treatment, lost income, and emotional trauma resulting from water-related accidents in Florida's coastal areas.
Pedestrian Accident
Our pedestrian accident practice addresses injuries caused by driver negligence in crosswalks, sidewalks, and urban environments. We focus on establishing liability for distracted driving, failure to yield, and traffic law violations while calculating comprehensive damages for medical recovery, mobility limitations, and psychological impacts. Our team works with accident reconstruction specialists to build compelling cases against negligent motorists and their insurers.
People
Steven G. Lavely
Attorney
Board-Certified Civil Trial lawyer with 30+ years of experience representing personal injury victims and criminal defendants. Former prosecutor with extensive trial experience in Florida courts. Graduated from University of Miami School of Law with Contracts Book Award. Recognized for excellence in complex litigation and client advocacy.
Questions
What makes a law firm Board-Certified in Civil Trial Law?
Board Certification by The Florida Bar requires extensive trial experience, peer review, and demonstrated expertise in civil litigation. Only attorneys meeting strict criteria receive this designation.
What should I do immediately after a car accident?
Prioritize safety, contact authorities, document the scene, exchange information, seek medical attention, and consult an attorney before speaking with insurance companies.
How are personal injury settlements calculated?
Settlements consider medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, future treatment needs, and impact on quality of life. Our firm thoroughly documents all damages to maximize compensation.
Do I need a lawyer for a criminal charge?
Yes. Legal representation protects your rights, navigates complex procedures, and negotiates outcomes that minimize long-term consequences of criminal charges.
What differentiates this firm from other personal injury practices?
Direct attorney involvement, Board-Certified trial expertise, and a track record of taking cases to trial when necessary to secure fair compensation for clients.
How much does legal representation cost?
Personal injury cases operate on contingency fees with no payment unless we win. Criminal defense fees vary by case complexity and are discussed during initial consultations.
