Robert E. Paradela

Robert Paradela 2 1

Robert Paradela
Office: Fort Lauderdale  
Direct: (954) 847-4829
rparadela@wickersmith.com

Practice Areas:
  • Medical Law
  • Retail
  • Transportation
  • Professional Liability
  • Insurance/Bad Faith

    • Admitted to Practice:
    • 1990, Florida; U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida
    • 1992, U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
    Education:
    • Florida State University (J.D./M.B.A. 1989; B.S., 1985)
    Born:  

    Chicago, Illinois

    Robert Paradela

    Biography

    Robert E. Paradela has spent his 25 year career successfully defending a variety of litigated cases including medical malpractice, automobile negligence, premises liability, negligent security matters and bad faith. Mr. Paradela has tried numerous cases through the State of Florida, but concentrates most of his practice in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
    Mr. Paradela obtained his undergraduate degree in both communications and political science from Florida State University in 3 years graduating with honors. While at Florida State, he worked for both Governor Bob Graham and Governor Bob Martinez on their executive staff.
    Mr. Paradela attended Florida State University for his legal education. He was awarded the prestigious Ralph Bailey Scholarship – a program designed for law students who have been involved in public service. While in law school, Mr. Paradela worked for the Florida Legislature, First District Court of Appeals, and the Florida Attorney General’s Office. Mr. Paradela was one of two students enrolled in the joint JD/MBA programs obtaining both a law degree and a Masters in Business Administration in 4 years.
    Upon graduation from law school, Mr. Paradela joined the Wicker Smith firm in 1989. Since then, he has focused his career on the defense of various hospitals and physicians who are alleged to have committed medical negligence. Additionally, Mr. Paradela has defended automobile negligence cases typically being asked to become involved in those cases with medically complicated issues. Mr. Paradela has also defended various retail establishments and hotels in premises liability litigation and negligence security cases. He is active in the American Bar Association, the Broward County Bar Association, the DRI and SFMCCI.
    Mr. Paradela was born in Chicago, Illinois, and moved to South Florida in 1974. He is fluent in Spanish and enjoys playing golf, going to the beach, and spending time with his family.


    Professional & Civic Affiliations
    • The Florida Bar
    • American Bar Association
    • Broward County Bar Association
    • Defense Research Institute
    • South Florida Medical Claims Council
    • American Board of Trial Advocates

    Robert Paradela - Partner

    Robert Paradela 2 1

    Robert Paradela

    Partner

    Email: rparadela@wickersmith.com

    Direct: (954) 847-4829

    Fax: None

    Office: Fort Lauderdale  

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    Profile

    Robert E. Paradela has spent his 25 year career successfully defending a variety of litigated cases including medical malpractice, automobile negligence, premises liability, negligent security matters and bad faith. Mr. Paradela has tried numerous cases through the State of Florida, but concentrates most of his practice in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
    Mr. Paradela obtained his undergraduate degree in both communications and political science from Florida State University in 3 years graduating with honors. While at Florida State, he worked for both Governor Bob Graham and Governor Bob Martinez on their executive staff.
    Mr. Paradela attended Florida State University for his legal education. He was awarded the prestigious Ralph Bailey Scholarship – a program designed for law students who have been involved in public service. While in law school, Mr. Paradela worked for the Florida Legislature, First District Court of Appeals, and the Florida Attorney General’s Office. Mr. Paradela was one of two students enrolled in the joint JD/MBA programs obtaining both a law degree and a Masters in Business Administration in 4 years.
    Upon graduation from law school, Mr. Paradela joined the Wicker Smith firm in 1989. Since then, he has focused his career on the defense of various hospitals and physicians who are alleged to have committed medical negligence. Additionally, Mr. Paradela has defended automobile negligence cases typically being asked to become involved in those cases with medically complicated issues. Mr. Paradela has also defended various retail establishments and hotels in premises liability litigation and negligence security cases. He is active in the American Bar Association, the Broward County Bar Association, the DRI and SFMCCI.
    Mr. Paradela was born in Chicago, Illinois, and moved to South Florida in 1974. He is fluent in Spanish and enjoys playing golf, going to the beach, and spending time with his family.

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    Credentials

    Education

    • Florida State University (J.D./M.B.A. 1989; B.S., 1985)

    Representative Matters

    Successful Bench Trial Result in a Heel Ulceration Case

    The subject case of this bench trial involved allegations of medical negligence resulting in the patient developing a left heel ulceration. The case was a survival action wherein we were able to dismantle the claims of pain and suffering via summary judgment. Additionally, we were able to reduce the associated medical expenses to $142.

    No Legal Cause Found by Jury in Rejected Tender Case

    A rejected policy limits case that involved a T-bone collision with significant damage to both vehicles. Plaintiff was 30 years old at the time of the accident, with no prior medical history. He underwent a 2-level ACDF, multiple injections and lumbar rhizotomies. It was recommended that he have additional surgery to the cervical spine at two levels, as well as a future lumbar surgery. The medical bills were $270,000, with an $800,000 life care plan. The jury returned a verdict of no legal cause, and Plaintiff was awarded $0.

    Favorable Verdict: Broward County, Florida (Auto Negligence)

    We represented the defendant carrier in this admitted liability underinsured motorist case regarding a rear-end accident on I-95. Plaintiffs claimed injuries to their neck and back, and also claimed surgeries to their shoulder and knee as a result of the accident. The soft tissue injuries were not disputed, but the medical records showed significant gaps in treatment. Defendant argued that these gaps demonstrated that Plaintiffs’ claimed injuries had completely resolved within six months of the accident and that the medical care costs were grossly inflated. After five days of trial, Plaintiffs’ counsel asked the jury for $770,000. The jury ultimately found that both Plaintiffs suffered injuries but awarded nominal damages for pain and suffering and discounted the past medicals by over $50,000 as to each Plaintiff. The final award to each Plaintiff was below the policy limits.

    Practices


    Education

    • Florida State University (J.D./M.B.A. 1989; B.S., 1985)

    Credentials

    Admitted to Bar

    • 1990, Florida; U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida
    • 1992, U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida

    Professional Affiliations

    • The Florida Bar
    • American Bar Association
    • Broward County Bar Association
    • Defense Research Institute
    • South Florida Medical Claims Council
    • American Board of Trial Advocates

    Languages

    Spanish

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