The Law Office of James R. Spears, PLLC - Orlando, FL
The Law Office of James R. Spears, PLLC is an Orlando, Florida practice dedicated to defending firefighters, police officers, correctional officers, and injured workers across Florida in workers compensation, statutory Heart and Lung Bill claims, first responder disability pensions, and personal injury litigation.
Protecting Florida First Responders and Injured Workers
First responders and dedicated public employees risk their lives every single day to keep Florida communities safe. Yet when occupational trauma, toxic exposures, or debilitating cardiovascular conditions arise, government agencies and municipal workers compensation carriers routinely contest valid claims. The Law Office of James R. Spears, PLLC, headquartered inside the Firefighters Council of Central Florida Building on North Orange Blossom Trail in Orlando, is built upon a steadfast commitment to fighting for those who protect the public. Founded in 2009 by veteran trial attorney James R. Spears, a third-generation Floridian, the firm represents members of the Florida Professional Firefighters, Fraternal Order of Police, Teamsters, Police Benevolent Association, and Florida Education Association statewide. Having previously defended corporations and municipalities as a partner at a prominent defense firm, Attorney Spears knows the exact tactics claims adjusters deploy, giving his clients a formidable advantage in workers compensation proceedings.
Mastery of the Florida Heart and Lung Bill and Occupational Illnesses
Florida law provides statutory presumptions for first responders under Section 112.18 of the Florida Statutes, commonly known as the Heart and Lung Bill. Under this crucial statute, hypertension and heart disease diagnosed in active law enforcement officers, firefighters, and correctional personnel are presumed to have been contracted in the line of duty. If you need to find an experienced attorney to enforce your statutory protections, James R. Spears is Florida Bar Board Certified in Workers Compensation Law and holds an AV Preeminent peer rating from Martindale-Hubbell. The firm aggressively prosecutes complex occupational claims, including:
- Heart and lung statutory claims: Securing comprehensive medical coverage, prescription reimbursements, and disability indemnity for coronary artery disease, hypertension, and heart valve conditions.
- Infectious disease presumptions: Enforcing statutory coverage under Section 112.181 for first responders exposed to occupational hepatitis, meningococcal meningitis, and tuberculosis.
- First responder PTSD claims: Litigating mental health disability claims for police and firefighters suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder following traumatic line-of-duty events.
- Occupational cancer claims: Defending cancer claims under Florida firefighter health legislation to secure treatment benefits and statutory one-time lump-sum payouts.
Catastrophic Workers Compensation and Disability Pensions
In addition to Heart and Lung matters, the Law Office of James R. Spears represents private and public sector employees who suffer catastrophic workplace injuries across Central Florida. From construction workers and warehouse operators to nurses and utility technicians, Attorney Spears tackles disputed claims involving complex spinal trauma, traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and repetitive motion disorders. Furthermore, the firm coordinates workers compensation awards with Florida Retirement System (FRS) and local municipal pension board disability claims (under Chapters 175 and 185), ensuring that injured public servants do not compromise their long-term retirement security.
Third-Party Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Advocacy
When an on-the-job incident or highway collision is caused by a negligent third party outside your employer-such as a reckless driver striking a patrol vehicle or a defective equipment manufacturer causing a fire-ground failure-injured workers can pursue civil tort damages in addition to statutory benefits. The firm investigates crashes, negotiates with liability insurers, and litigates motor vehicle accidents, premises liability, and wrongful death lawsuits. Representation is provided on a contingency fee basis with zero upfront fees. If you were injured on duty or need to hire an attorney in Orlando who understands first responder rights, contact the Law Office of James R. Spears, PLLC today for a free confidential consultation.
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Location & Access
Primary Address
Situated in the northern part of Orlando along the major Orange Blossom Trail (US 441) highway corridor.
Building Location
This is the Orlando Firefighters' Hall (also home to Lakeside Reception Hall), a prominent commercial event and administrative facility located right on the banks of Lake Bennett.
Parking Details
A large, complimentary private surface parking lot is available directly on-site, offering ample free parking spaces for all visitors and clients.
Public Transit
Served by LYNX Route 106 (N. U.S. 441 / Apopka); nearest stop is at N Orange Blossom Trl & Golfview St.
Accessibility / Suite Access
The office is located within the Orlando Firefighters' Hall. Visitors can enter through the main front entrance and locate the office quarters inside the main floor lobby area.