O'NEIL LAW PLLC

02/07/2023

Did you know that in addition to claims involving windstorm, hurricane, fire, and water intrusion, we also handle cases involving poor contractor workmanship?

Shoddy workmanship is the cause of many construction defects. Big builds usually use subcontractors who do not always care about the end product, your home. Work is left partially complete or not to the design or code specifications. These deficiencies can include such things as;

Structural Integrity
Mechanical Defects
Electrical Defects
Water Intrusion
Thermal & Moisture Protection
Design Defects
Doors, Windows & Glass
Finishes

These deficiencies can further result in an assortment of additional damages to your property. We understand this can be a complex and overwhelming time, and the trial attorneys at O’Neil Law, PLLC take a highly personalized and aggressive approach to obtain outstanding results for our clients. We will zealously fight for you and your property. We will explore all the options that might be available for each client—from settlement, mediation, arbitration, vigorous litigation, and all the way to trial and verdict. At O’Neil Law, PLLC, we concentrate and focus our legal services to the unique needs and goals of each and every client and implement aggressive strategies to meet those specific needs and goals, which has repeatedly resulted in outstanding settlements and verdicts for our clients.

If you, your family or loved ones have suffered any construction defects and/or damages as a result of construction defects (or believe the same may have occurred) and wish to discuss assistance in pursuing a claim, we can help. Call our office today to speak with an experienced member of our legal team. 850-266-7552 The initial consultation is absolutely free. It is important to know your rights and options. Even if you aren’t sure if an attorney can help, take a moment to fill out our online contact form or call us for a prompt response to get the answers to your important questions. We work on contingency. Meaning there are absolutely no up-front fees or costs and we are only paid if and when we are successful in getting you compensated.

01/20/2023

Are you looking for information concerning you or a loved one's last will and testament? Contact us today for a free consultation. Visit oneil.law or call us at 850-266-7552. We're here to help.

A last will and testament is a legal document that specifies who you want to be Personal Representative, also known as Executor, of your estate and where you want your assets to be distributed upon death. However, this document only controls assets that go into probate. Your will is your directive to the probate court on what your final wishes (i.e., last will) are. Because of their simple, straight-forward nature, wills are cheaper and easier to set up than living trusts.

However, they are still very important, particularly if:

You have minor children (you need to nominate a guardian if both parents die);

You are providing for minor grandchildren (we can add a testamentary minor’s trust under your will);

You are providing unequal distributions among beneficiaries;

You are providing for individuals who are not your next-of-kin;

You are blended family.

As part of our estate planning process, we will review your assets, your situation, and your goals to make sure you are making the right choice for yourself and your heirs. Once done, you will have peace of mind knowing that your wishes will be accomplished.

We will also go one step further and discuss the other important documents that you may not have consider: the Durable Power of Attorney, Designation of Health Care Surrogate, and the Living Will. These documents are arguably more important than your will because they affect you and your assets while you are incapacitated.

Call us today 850-266-7552 or visit oneil.law for more information.

01/19/2023

Ask us about our estate planning, trust administration, and probate services. Visit oneil.law for more information. Or, call us at 850-266-7552. It's always a free consultation.

For example, did you know?

Creating an efficient estate plan often means avoiding probate upon your death. However, trusts can provide a whole host of other benefits, such as:

Reducing costs and hastening access to assets for beneficiaries (this is even more important if you own a closely-held business);

Providing for your surviving spouse, while preserving your legacy for your children from a previous marriage;

Allowing intricate giving structures among charitable and/or individual beneficiaries;

Caring for your special needs child or grandchild, while preserving any needs-based government benefits (e.g., Medicaid) she may be entitled to;

Ensuring the proper care of your beloved pet(s) or farm animals;

Protecting your child’s inheritance from his impending divorce;

Managing assets for your minor child or grandchild;

Extending the benefits of family wealth over a longer period of time;

Providing professional guidance and management for more complex estates or for a child who is not financially-savvy.

Contact us today to discuss your estate plan!

09/26/2022

09/26/2022

Here's a before, during, and after checklist for hurricane preparedness from the American Red Cross. We hope everyone stays safe as Hurricane Ian threatens Florida.

06/01/2022

With the recent storms, tornados, and hail throughout the Florida panhandle, and given today marks the start of hurricane season, below is a helpful checklist in the unfortunate event of a loss to your property. More information can also be obtained from our website at oneil.law

Hurricane Checklist

Hurricanes are dangerous, catastrophic, and can be far worse than expected or predicted. If you, your family or friends have suffered any property damage from a hurricane, tropical storm, tornado, or windstorm, below is a quick checklist of things to keep in mind and do. If you need assistance in submitting and/or presenting any damage claim to your insurer or otherwise need assistance in a claim you have already submitted, please do not hesitate to contact the attorneys at O’Neil Law, PLLC. As experienced insurance attorneys, we can help.

1) Ensure your property is safe before entering. If there is standing water still in your home, do not enter unless you have an electrician inspect and turn off all power.

2) Contact your insurance agent and/or your insurance company to file a claim. Request an electronic copy of your policy to be sent to you.

3) Do NOT begin cleanup, repairs, or throw anything away until you notify your insurance company.

4) Take photos and videos of the damage before and during the inspection of the building, damaged personal property, cleanable items, and structural damage. Use your smart phone.

5) If the roof is missing shingles, contact a qualified contractor regarding tarps to protect the property from further damage.

6) Document the damage to the building and any personal property. For personal property or contents, list the dates of purchase, values, and receipts, if possible.

7) Take plenty of photographs of everything, including discarded objects, structural damage. Again, use your smart phone.

8) If your home is uninhabitable, keep track of any living expenses that can be reimbursed. Without receipts, you will not be able to collect any Additional Living Expenses (ALE) during the time the house is uninhabitable.

9) Request copies of all coverage determinations, estimates, and reports from the insurance company adjuster.

10) Claims can be complex, and insurers and their adjusters may look for any reason to deny or underpay your claim. If you need assistance in presenting or pursuing a claim, be sure to contact an experienced and competent consultant, such as an attorney. As experienced insurance attorneys, we can help. Visit our website at oneil.law for addional information.