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Moody Law: A Lakeland and Winter Haven-Area Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
Our team is committed to representing the injured and seeing that the clients receives the highest compensation for their injuries. If you are in the Central Florida area, including Winter Haven and Lakeland, a personal injury lawyer from Moody Law can provide informed legal counsel during your time of need. In order to maximize your chances of obtaining a successful verdict or settlement in your case, it is important to seek the counsel of a qualified and knowledgeable attorney. At Moody Law, our attorneys have extensive experience in a variety of legal areas, including personal injury, truck accident, auto accident, aviation accident, medical malpractice, wrongful death and product liability cases. To schedule a free consultation and case review with a personal injury lawyer, contact Moody Law today.
We feel that developing a close and trusting lawyer-client relationship is important to building a successful case. Serving all of Central Florida, including Winter Haven and Lakeland, a personal injury lawyer from Moody Law can help. Please take a look through our team profiles and decide for yourself if we are the legal team for you.
Daniel D. Moody, J.D.
Daniel D. Moody has an established reputation as a successful trial lawyer representing injured clients in a variety of negligent personal injury and wrongful death cases including commercial trucking, automobile accidents, motorcycle accidents, medical malpractice, aviation crashes, product liability, and defective products among other cases. Many of these cases have involved complex litigation issues associated with catastrophic brain injury, birth injury, commercial truck accidents, industrial accidents, and train accidents involving collisions with motor vehicles. Mr. Moody's trial experience and tenacity have resulted in multi-million dollar awards and settlements, including one case that resulted in what was reported to be the largest award ($5.6 million) in the history of Polk County, Florida. Mr. Moody is no stranger to litigating against large corporations and insurance companies.
Mr. Moody knows firsthand and personally how devastating a personal injury can be. In May of 2006, he sustained serious injuries in an automobile accident that almost took his life. After spending months in the hospital and undergoing extensive rehabilitation, Mr. Moody has a unique insight into the gravity of personal injury law that truly distinguishes him from other lawyers.
Click here to view crash photo
Mr. Moody is a fourth-generation Polk County resident with strong family ties to the community. He was born in Winter Haven, Florida and he earned his undergraduate degrees at Florida Southern College and Miami-Dade Community College. Mr. Moody's undergraduate studies and degrees include the courses of human anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and chemistry. All were requirements for a morturary science degree obtained for utilization in a family funeral business. This biology and science background has served Mr. Moody well, supplying him with added skills and knowledge related to medical malpractice and personal injury.
Mr. Moody graduated and received his Juris Doctorate from the Cumberland School of Law, Samford University in 1985, with Dean's List honors. There he served as a United States Federal District Court Law Clerk and won the prestigious Finalist Advocate Award in the James O'Haley Federal Court Senior Trial Competitions. After graduating and returning home from law school, Mr. Moody began presenting cases to juries as an Assistant State Attorney. He then practiced law with a prominent law firm in Gainesville, Florida, primarily limiting his representation to helping those injured as a result of medical malpractice. He established his own law firm in 1992 and thereafter founded a law firm partnership which lasted for thirteen years. Mr. Moody formed Moody Law, P.A. on January 1, 2007.
Mr. Moody is married and has two children. His daughter Mallory is in college and his son Drew is in high school. His wife, Nancy, also a graduate of the University of Florida, is a Physician Assistant. The Moody family is active in their church as family and community involvement have always been part of Mr. Moody's life. He also has a long history of active leadership in public/civic and professional organizations, such as acting as the former president of the Bartow Lions Club International.
In his personal life, Mr. Moody is an avid aviator. His interest in flying has led to ownership of an aircraft, and he holds private pilot instrument ratings/licenses. Mr. Moody’s aviation experience has given him rare insight, with the knowledge and understanding of the operations, mechanics, and physics of flight as well as a foundation and knowledge of aviation law. These foundations underlie basic understanding of accident investigations. The ownership of a private plane allows Mr. Moody and his staff to travel across the country in an efficient and timely manner for clients and business matters. Mr. Moody has experience in representing aviation law matters, including aircraft crashes and all aspects of FAA regulations and airmen operations.
CREDENTIALS:
- Admitted to the Florida Bar in 1985
- Doctor of Jurisprudence from Cumberland School of Law, Samford University, Graduated with Honors of Dean's List, Birmingham, Alabama in 1985
- Federal U.S. District Court Clerkship in 1984-85 in Birmingham, Alabama
- Award Recipient - Jefferson County Senior Court Competitions - Finalist Award in 1985
- High to Very High Representation Rating by Martindale-Hubbell® Law Director, with the highest possible rating for Ethics
- Bachelor of Science Degree from Florida Southern College in 1980
- Associate of Arts, Science and Mortuary Degrees, Miami-Dade Community College in 1978
- Graduated Fort Meade High School - Senior Class President - 1975
- American Legion Bay State Representative
- Former Licensed Florida Funeral Director
- Former Licensed Florida Real Estate Agent
- Licensed FAA Private Pilot with Instrument Rating
- Member, Million Dollar Advocates Forum and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
- Member, American Association for Justice
- Member, Florida Justice Association
- Member, Polk County Trial Lawyers Association
- Member, ALL Florida State Courts
- Member, Federal District Court, Middle District of Florida
- Member, First Presbyterian Church, Winter Haven, Florida
- Member, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA)
- Member, Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA)
- Member, Director, and Former President of Lions Club International, Bartow, Florida
- Former Attorney, Law Firm of Clayton, Johnston, Quincey, Ireland, Gadd, Smith, & Roundtree, Gainesville, Florida
- Former Assistant City Attorney, City of Ft. Meade, Florida
- Former Assistant State Attorney, State Attorney's Office, 10th Judicial Circuit
Christopher D. Russo, J.D.
Mr. Russo grew up in Lakeland, Florida and has strong ties to the local community. He graduated from Lake Gibson High School in Lakeland, Florida, where he won the Laidlaw, Inc. scholarship for academics. Upon graduating from high school, he attended the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he served as a cadet from 1999 to 2001. Mr. Russo was selected from a pool of more than 10,000 applicants for admission to the United States Air Force Academy. This military experience introduced Mr. Russo to aviation and ingrained a standard of excellence that he has followed ever since. Mr. Russo graduated law school at the University of Florida, Levin College of Law in Gainesville, Florida, in 2006 with a Juris Doctorate degree. In 2003, Mr. Russo earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Central Florida in Orlando, where he was also recognized as a Florida Bright Futures Scholar. Before law school, Mr. Russo worked with an Orlando law firm representing clients for criminal defense and family law matters. In the past, he volunteered his services as a certified legal intern with the Virgil Hawkins Civil Clinic, which provided pro bono legal services to victims of domestic violence in the Alachua County community.
Mr. Russo was admitted to the Florida Bar in 2006 and began his career as an Assistant Public Defender for the Tenth Judicial Circuit in Bartow, Florida. As a public defender, Mr. Russo was the lead attorney on his cases. He was a vigorous advocate for safeguarding the rights guaranteed to us by the United States Constitution, including the right to a trial by a jury of peers. Mr. Russo represented hundreds of people in the Polk County community and pursued cases to trial where appropriate to protect his clients' interests. This trial experience gave Mr. Russo a strong foundation for trial work as well as the opportunity to become acquainted with local judges and other attorneys. Since joining Moody Law, Mr. Russo has gained an abundance of experience litigating personal injury cases involving all aspects of automobile or motor vehicle law.
In 2007, Mr. Russo joined Moody Law, P.A. as an associate attorney. He represents people with cases in areas of general civil trial practice, personal injury, negligence, automobile accidents, and wrongful death cases. Mr. Russo is admitted to all Florida courts and to the United States District Court, Middle District of Florida.
CREDENTIALS:
- Admitted to the Florida Bar in 2006
- Admitted to the U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida in 2007
- University of Florida, Levin College of Law - Juris Doctorate, 2006
- University of Central Florida - Bachelor of Science, Magna cum Laude, 2003
- United States Air Force Academy, cadet 1999-2001
- Office of Public Defender, 10th Judicial Circuit, Bartow, Florida - Attorney 2006-2007
- Virgil Hawkins Civil Clinic, Gainesville, Florida, Certified Legal Intern, 2005
- Pansler & Moody, P.A. Summer Law Clerk 2004
- Fromang & Fromang, P.A. Legal Assistant 2002-2003
- Member, American Association for Justice
- Member, Florida Justice Association
- Member, Lakeland Bar Association
- Member, American Bar Association, 2007
- United States Air Force
Beverly L Godboldt, Office Administrator
Beverly L. Godboldt, or "Bev" as her friends call her, is the office administrator. She is responsible for managing the day-to-day administrative tasks of the office and is familiar with the latest information concerning the office. Her administrative job duties include bookkeeping and communicating with vendors, bankers, and maintenance crews. Bev also receives incoming mail and reorders supplies so that the office runs smoothly and productively.
Bev was born and raised in Jamestown, New York and received her Associates Degree in Legal Secretarial Science from Bryant & Stratton College, Buffalo, New York in 1967. After working for a law firm in Jamestown for four years, she moved to Lakeland, Florida in 1972, where she worked as a paralegal/legal assistant for 22 years for James D. Murray and 12 years for Daniel D. Moody before retiring in 2005. When Mr. Moody formed Moody Law, P.A. she jumped at the chance to come out of retirement to accept the position in his firm as office administrator. Bev is a former member of the Polk County Legal Secretaries Association, Florida Association of Legal Secretaries and the National Association of Legal Secretaries. She was very active in the local chapter of the PCLSA for many years, serving two terms as president and holding various other offices and chairmanships.
Bev has been married to her husband Bill for over thirty years and has two children. Michael and his wife Sue live in Erie, Pennsylvania and Andy lives close to home in Lakeland. Oh, can't forget to tell you about her pride and joy — Rufus, her miniature dachshund.
Deborah T. Caswell, Paralegal
Deborah Caswell is a legal secretary and assistant with primary duties that include greeting clients, answering the telephone and managing case files. Debbie is knowledgeable about every client’s case. Her compassion and dedication to our clients makes her a valuable asset to our team, and her enthusiasm is appreciated by her co-workers and clients alike. Debbie takes pride in her work and is very passionate about her role with the Moody Law team. She is quick to assist the attorneys in presenting their cases or in anything else they may need assistance with.
Debbie attended nursing school for two years before earning a paralegal certificate at Lakeland Business College in l975. Debbie has worked for attorneys specializing in probate, personal injury and medical malpractice for eight years. Debbie took time off after giving birth to her two boys, Marcus and Christopher, who are now attending college. She volunteered in the classrooms and was very active in the Polk County Schools. Prior to her employment at Moody Law, Debbie worked part-time at an insurance firm, where she consulted with clients about policy coverage and liability issues.
Debbie was born in Dallas, Texas, and has lived in Florida most of her life. In her spare time, she enjoys outdoor activities such as fishing and boating off of the west coast of Florida with her husband, Mark. She runs every day with her chocolate Labrador retriever, Mocha.
Cynthia A. Hartsough, Paralegal
Cynthia A. Hartsough, or just simply Cindy, has been with Moody Law, P.A. since March 2007. She oversees most of the firm’s cases that are in litigation and other cases as well. Cindy has strong litigation skills and has been a paralegal for approximately four years. She has been on “both sides of the fence,” so to speak, practicing plaintiffs’ and insurance defense cases.
Cindy earned her Associates in Science in Legal Assisting and Associates in Liberal Arts from Hillsborough Community College in Tampa, Florida. She also passed the examination of the National Association of Legal Assistants, Inc. (NALA) to be nationally recognized as a Certified Legal Assistant/Paralegal. She is a member of NALA and its local chapter, Tampa Bay Paralegal Association, Inc. (TBPA). She served on the TBPA 2006 Board of Directors and was the Pro Bono Committee Chairperson. She also received NALA’s Distinguished Pro Bono award.
Cindy was born in Tennessee but has lived most of her life in Polk County, Florida. She is a recent newlywed, having been married on St. Petersburg Beach in February 2007. She enjoys spending time at the beach with her husband, Michael, and she has three children, David, Robert, and Vaviel. Her most precious time is with her children whom are the “loves of her life.”
Jenni-Jo Day, Paralegal
Jenni-Jo is originally from Pittsburgh, Pa. Jenni-Jo comes to our firm with an extensive background in personal injury claims as a paralegal, and a former claims adjuster for seven and a half years with GEICO Insurance Company. As a claims examiner, she has handled various degrees of bodily injury claims. Although Jenni-Jo has obtained her degree in Paralegal studies, she continues to pursue her Master’s degree in Criminology. Jenni-Jo will complete her education at Florida Southern College. In her spare time she keeps company with her best friend/husband, Tim, and her favorite puppy, Levi. She enjoys weekend road trips, interior design, and crocheting.
Fernanda Kretzer, Legal Assistant
Formerly of SunTrust Bank, where she served as a teller coordinator at the Bartow office, Fernanda Kretzer is the newest addition to Moody Law, P. A. As one of the legal assistants at Moody Law, Fernanda primarily focuses on personal injury cases, including those involving automobile accidents, truck accidents, and product liability. She is responsible for investigating personal injury cases by obtaining information from and in regards to the plaintiff, as well as any information on damages. Creating and preparing effective settlement brochures is also one of her primary duties, in addition to filing and placing every document that enters the law firm in the correct location so it can be easily accessed.
Born in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Fernanda speaks Brazilian Portuguese. She has two brothers and one sister, and she’s the proud aunt of her new nephew, Isaac. Fernanda married Deputy Aaron Kretzer of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office in September 2007. She enjoys traveling, spending time with her family, and scrapbooking.
Contact Our Central Florida Law Firm
If you are in Haines City, Bartow, Lakeland or Winter Haven, a Central Florida personal injury lawyer from Moody Law can help if you or a family member has suffered due to the reckless actions of a negligent party. Contact our personal injury attorney to schedule a free consultation.
Settlements & Verdicts
$5,600,000.00
Semi-Tractor Trailer Fatigued Driver Crash
A family of four on vacation was traveling to Disney World on U.S. Highway 27. They were stopped at a traffic light when a large semi-tractor trailer rear-ended the family vehicle, killing one person and causing serious injury to the other occupants of the car. During a deposition of the truck driver video taped and taken by Mr. Moody, the truck driver admitted that he was in violation of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for sleep deprivation. Punitive damages were claimed, resulting in a $5,600,000.00 award.
$3,000,000.00
Semi-Tractor Trailer Crash
A young mother was driving her vehicle with her husband and son as passengers when she was struck by a semi-tractor trailer. The accident caused permanent and debilitating injuries to our client and a recovery of $3,000,000.00 was obtained.
$2,500,000.00
Large Commercial Truck Runs Red Light
An elderly lady was proceeding into an intersection on a green arrow when a large commercial truck ran a red light and hit her vehicle in the driver’s side door. Her vehicle was crushed severely. She sustained multiple brain injuries and internal injuries. The case was resolved within ten months of the accident occurring.
$2,250,000.00
Delayed Diagnosis
This brain injured infant case was successfully litigated against the doctors and the hospital on medical malpractice claims for birth related injuries due to delayed diagnosis and failure to resuscitate the infant, resulting in an award in excess of two million dollars for the child and parents
$2,000,000.00
Semi-Tractor Trailer Invades Right of Way
This case involved a young woman who was returning home after a day's work. As she returned home, a large semi-tractor trailer rounded a curve, invading the lane of the woman and causing a head-on collision. The woman sustained critical injuries. Through investigation and discovery, it was proved that the semi-tractor trailer had worn tires which contributed to the driver's inability to control the truck, thereby resulting in the crash. A recovery of $2,000,000.00 was obtained for the client.
$1,700,000.00
Failure to Perform Caesarian Section
This brain injured infant case was successfully litigated against the doctors and the hospital for malpractice claims involving a birth related brain injury for failure to timely diagnose and implement caesarian section, resulting in an award in excess of one million dollars for the child and parents.
$1,200,000.00
Rear-End Crash by Commercial Truck
Our client was rear-ended by a commercial truck. As a result of the crash, her left lower extremity and other parts of her body were injured. She underwent extensive physical therapy and multiple operations. The case was extensively litigated and the client received a recovery of $1,200,000.00 as a result.
$1,200,000.00
Medical Malpractice Cancer Case
This case involved a young man who had a small growth on his body which a surgeon repeatedly treated by cutting. No radiation or chemotherapy was ordered or performed. The patient unfortunately succumbed to cancer during the course of the lawsuit. This case settled just before trial for approximately $1,200,000.00.
$1,000,000
Medical Malpractice - Failure to Diagnose a Malformed Fetus
This wrongful life case involved a child who was born seriously malformed. The case was brought with medical malpractice claims and failure to diagnose and inform pursuant to ultrasound, resulting in an award in excess of a million dollars. It is believed that the amount obtained in this case is one of the highest obtained in the State of Florida for this cause of action.
$800,000.00
Semi-Truck Accident
Our client was stopped along the side of Interstate 75 assisting a disabled motorist. A semi truck side swiped the vehicle and struck the body of our client. Our client was killed leaving a spouse and child.
$700,000.00
D.U.I. - Driver
This case involved the unfortunate death of a teenage girl by a drunk driver. The case was tried before a jury in Polk County and resulted in a jury award of approximately $700,000.00.
$600,000.00
Failure to Diagnose Symptoms for Stroke
This case involved a gentleman in his sixties who was experiencing classic signs and symptoms of a stroke upon presentation to the Defendant Doctor’s clinic, who discharged him home. Plaintiff afterward suffered a debilitating stroke. Litigation was extensive and this case ultimately settled prior to trial for approximately $600,000.00.
$500,000.00
Heart Attack
This case involved a fifty-five-year-old gentleman who had been seeing a general practitioner for many years. The client was exhibiting classic signs of congestive heart failure that went undiagnosed. He suffered a fatal heart attack. Suit was brought against the treating physicians and a local hospital for failure to save this man's life. The case proceeded to trial, resulting in an award of approximately $500,000.00.
$500,000.00
Garbage Truck Crash
This case involved the unfortunate death of a young man, leaving a minor child. This case focused on the negligence of a garbage truck driver who pulled out in front of the victim. There were numerous facts supporting a finding of substantial comparative negligence on our client. Regardless, the case was litigated which resulted in an award of approximately $500,000.00 for the son's claim.
$350,000.00
Nursing Negligence - Overdose
A nurse misread our client’s chart, and he was given 25 nitroglycerin pills instead of 1, resulting in severe cardiac and neurological complications. Our client received a significant reward of $350,000.00.
$300,000.00
Hospital Fall Injury
Claim was made against a hospital nursing staff for permitting an elderly man to fall. The case was resolved for approximately $300,000.00.
$300,000.00
Soft Tissue Damage
This case involved soft tissue injuries received by a gentleman in an automobile accident. The insurance company for the Plaintiff, Allstate Insurance Company, offered $20,000.00 just before trial. Settlement offers were refused and the case went to trial, resulting in a jury award of approximately $300,000.00.
$250,000.00
Soft Tissue Injury
Our client suffered a soft tissue injury when she fell while bowling at the corporate defendant's bowling alley. The defendant offered nothing before trial. The jury rendered a verdict against the bowling alley with an award of over $250,000.00 for our client.
$230,000.00
Commercial Truck Accident
A commercial truck driver negligently operated his truck causing a collision with a motor vehicle in which our 19 year old client was a passenger and resulted in his death.
$201,000.00
Riding Lawn Tractor
A 14 year old suffered severe injuries, fractures and lacerations to his foot when a running riding lawn tractor lunged forward and his foot was cut by the blades. This accident caused permanent and debilitating injuries to our client and a recovery of $200,000.00 was obtained with medical payment coverage of $1,000.00.
$200,000.00
Felled Tree
Our client was hired to fell a tree and, while in the process of doing so, the defendant directed our client to change or alter the tree felling process from what our client had intended thereby causing said tree to fall on him. Our client suffered eight broken vertebra.
$200,000.00
Slip and Fall
This case involved a woman who was walking into a place of business when she slipped on a slick sidewalk and injured her knee. Following numerous deposition testimonies of experts and witnesses, the client received a $200,000.00 recovery.
$200,000.00
Soft Tissue Personal Injury
Our client, a dentist, injured the soft tissue of his thumb in a minor car accident involving a large garbage truck. He was offered $80,000.00 before trial, which was rejected. The jury returned a verdict in excess of $200,000.00.
$136,500.00
Automobile Runs Red Light
A man was turning left when another vehicle failed to observe a red light and yield to the right of way thereby crashing into the side of our client’s vehicle with such an impact that it spun our client’s vehicle around and was again struck by the at fault driver. He suffered several injuries and subsequent total hip replacement surgery as a result of the crash.
Soft Tissue Hand Injury
This case involved a middle aged female who underwent a minor operation in a local hospital. The client was given a shot of Demerol® for pain, which was incorrectly administered by the nurse. This resulted in a serious muscular and neurological injury. The case resolved in a substantial award of six-figures for the client.
Railroad Negligence
These wrongful death cases involved the tragic loss of a mother and child occurring in a train and automobile collision. The railroad was prosecuted for negligence and lack of care resulting in a substantial award at trial for the family. This case involved complex issues dealing with both Federal and State Safety Rules/Regulations.
Slip and Fall Resulting in Death
Our client, a grandmother, was returning to her car from a fast food restaurant when she tripped on a piece of rebar sticking up from the pavement. The client fell and struck her head, which resulted in her death. The fast food company was sued and a substantial six-figure recovery was obtained.
Bank Fraud Fiduciary Duty Cases
Our client was misled by a bank employee. As a result, the client's funds were depleted through fraud and breach of a fiduciary duty. The bank was sued resulting in a six-figure recovery for the client.
Investor Security Fraud Cases
Our clients, husband and wife, were elderly investors who had their retirement in IRA accounts. Their funds were stolen by fraud. The investment company was sued and a six-figure recovery resulted.
Can Explosion
Our client, a stock clerk at a large retail store, was injured while handling a can of crystallized cleaner that exploded in her face. She inhaled vapors, resulting in serious damage to her lungs. The case was litigated and a substantial six-figure award was obtained just prior to trial.
Scrubber Tank Malfunction
This industrial case involved a phosphate mine where an industrial worker was sucked into a scrubber tank and wrongfully killed. We prosecuted product design liability claims against numerous corporate defendants who designed and manufactured the scrubber tank system resulting in a substantial award to our client.
Battery Explosion
The client was a mechanic who was blinded as the result of an exploding battery. The manufacturer of the battery was sued and a six-figure recovery resulted.
Tire Explosion
Our client, a tire mechanic, was changing a tire when the tire exploded, causing him to lose a portion of his hand. The tire dealership was sued for the defective tire. A six-figure recovery resulted.
Motorcycle Accidents
We have litigated and tried a multitude of automobile and motorcycle cases resulting in substantial awards of varied amounts to our clients.
Aviation Case
This case involved the death of a young woman who was killed while riding as a passenger in a private aircraft. She was survived by a minor child. The aircraft pilot was non-instrument rated, flying in adverse weather with low ceilings. As a result, he became disoriented with uncontrolled flight into terrain. The pilot was also killed. The case resulted in a six-figure settlement to the client.
Nursing Home Negligence
Our firm has successfully obtained a substantial six-figure recovery in a nursing home malpractice case involving the death of a nursing home resident due to abuse and negligence.
Semi-Tractor Trailer Crash
A young woman (our client) was on her way to class at college when a semi-tractor trailer pulled out in front of her vehicle, violating her right of way. She could not avoid hitting the tractor-trailer with her vehicle and as a result sustained a serious and permanent injury. A six-figure recovery was obtained for the client.
Breast Cancer
This case involved a retired hard-working lady who had a significant mass on her lung. Radiographic films clearly showed the mass, but the radiologist misread them. This case was ultimately resolved for a high six-figure amount.
Nursing Home Negligence
Our firm has successfully obtained a substantial six-figure recovery in a nursing home malpractice case involving the death of a nursing home resident due to abuse and negligence.
To schedule a free consultation with Moody Law, contact us today. A Central Florida (serving Lakeland and Winter Haven) personal injury lawyer from our firm can provide sound legal counsel.
MOODY LAW,
A Professional Association
Lakeland: 863-284-9090
Bartow: 863-733-9090
Winter Haven: 863-297-9090
Plant City: 813-717-9090