Service overview
We handle personal injury claims in Sarasota, Florida. That means we represent people who were injured by another party or whose losses were mishandled by an insurer. Our work focuses on proving liability, documenting losses, valuing damages, and negotiating with insurers or opposing counsel so your claim is resolved fairly.
Thomas J. Cherichello and his team are a boutique law firm focused on insurance claim and personal injury matters. We combine trial experience with more than 30 years of insurance claim adjusting experience, so we approach each file with a practical understanding of how insurers evaluate damages.
Who this service is for
We help people in Sarasota and nearby neighborhoods who were injured or whose property was damaged in situations such as vehicle collisions, motorcycle crashes, dog bites, hurricane or storm damage, and other incidents covered by insurance. We also represent clients in disputes about diminished value, denied claims, and underpaid settlements.
If your case involves a motor vehicle collision, property damage after a storm, or an insurance company that will not pay what you believe the policy covers, we can explain the options and the steps needed to preserve your rights.
Key benefits of working with us
- Experienced evaluation of insurance positions and adjuster tactics
- Clear evidence gathering and documentation strategy for medical records and repair estimates
- Practical valuation of lost earnings, medical expenses, and non economic losses such as pain and suffering
- Direct, plainspoken communication so you understand the process and likely timelines
- Local knowledge of courts, medical providers, and insurance practices in Sarasota
Our process
- Intake and facts review. We start by reviewing what happened, the policies involved, and any existing reports or medical records. This step identifies urgent deadlines and preserves evidence.
- Documentation and evidence gathering. We collect medical records, repair estimates, photographs, police or incident reports, and witness statements. When helpful, we coordinate with experts for accident reconstruction or medical opinions.
- Liability and damages analysis. We analyze who is responsible and prepare a damages summary that includes medical costs, lost earnings, diminished value, and non economic losses such as pain and suffering.
- Demand and negotiation. We present the case facts and damages to the insurer or opposing counsel and negotiate toward a fair resolution. If the insurer refuses to pay what the evidence supports, we explain the appeal, appraisal, or litigation options.
- Resolution and close out. After an agreement or judgment, we handle settlement paperwork, lien resolution, and distribution so you receive the net recovery and records are closed correctly.
Pro tip: Preserve records early. Medical bills, repair estimates, photos of the scene, and contact information for witnesses are often the difference between a resolved claim and a prolonged dispute.
What good work looks like
Good work begins with thorough documentation and ends with clean, enforceable resolution paperwork. You should see a clear explanation of the claim value, a written demand, supporting records, and a settlement or judgment that addresses medical liens and future care if needed.
When the insurer disputes liability or undervalues damages, good work includes well organized evidence, timely use of experts when necessary, and a strategy that balances settlement with the option of filing suit if that is the best route for fair recovery.
Common problems we solve
- Claims denied or underpaid by insurers after vehicle crashes
- Disputes about diminished value after collision repairs
- Uninsured or underinsured motorist claims
- Settlements that do not account for future medical care or lost earning capacity
- Property damage claims after storms, including hurricane damage claims
Why choose Thomas J. Cherichello
We are a boutique firm that focuses on insurance claim and personal injury matters. Our approach is hands on and technical because Thomas has more than 30 years of insurance claim adjusting experience. That background helps us anticipate insurer defenses, value damages correctly, and prepare claims so they stand up under scrutiny.
What we bring to every case
- Insurance adjusting experience applied to client representation
- Clear written explanations of options and likely outcomes
- Local familiarity with Sarasota courts and medical providers
- Licensed and insured legal practice
Service area
We are based in Sarasota, Florida and serve clients throughout the city and surrounding neighborhoods. Common places we represent clients from include:
If you live in any of these neighborhoods or elsewhere in Sarasota County we can discuss how the local rules and practices affect your claim.
Related topics and resources
For more on how damages are calculated and negotiated, see our topic page on Pain And Suffering. If your case involves a vehicle crash, our page on Car Accident Claims explains the evidence commonly needed. For disputes with an insurer over coverage or valuation, see Insurance Claim Disputes.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Florida?
Time limits for filing suit are set by Florida statute. The applicable period depends on the type of claim, so we review your situation early to identify any looming deadlines and preserve your rights.
Will my case require going to court?
Many cases resolve through negotiation or alternative dispute resolution. If an insurer refuses a fair settlement, filing suit may be necessary. We explain the likely path for your claim after evaluating liability and damages.
How do you value pain and suffering?
Valuing pain and suffering involves medical records, prognosis, the effect on daily life, lost earnings, and comparable cases. We prepare a damages summary that presents both economic losses and non economic impacts in a way insurers and juries can assess.
Do you handle claims for uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage?
Yes, we handle uninsured and underinsured motorist claims and coordinate those claims with any third party liability case to make sure you are compensated to the fullest extent allowed by the policies involved.
Learn more and read our reviews
Check our Google Business Profile to read client reviews and get directions. You can also learn more on our site by visiting the contact page or our services and topics pages.
