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James Waller Dodson
also known as Jim Dodson
About James
Biography
After many years as a partner in a large Clearwater personal injury law firm, Jim Dodson founded his own law office, Jim Dodson Law in 2001, to make a reality of his vision of providing client-centered legal services exclusively to those whose lives have been shattered by someone else's reckless or negligent act. Jim has over 25 years experience representing clients in all types of injury claims including car accidents, motorcycle crashes, pedestrian and bicycle collisions, slip and fall accidents, medical malpractice & wrongful death.
In some larger law firms, cases are handled mostly by file processors and case managers, but not at Jim Dodson Law. Jim limits the number of cases he accepts so he can provide personal attention and top notch service to his clients. Though his main office is in Clearwater, he serves a wide area of Florida's West Coast with satellite offices in Bradenton, Fort Myers, New Port Richey, Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, Sanford, Sarasota and Venice.
Jim is a native Floridian and graduate of the Florida State College of Law. A well respected trial lawyer and former federal prosecutor and Assistant State Attorney, Mr. Dodson is highly respected in the legal community. He is a member of the prestigous Million Dollar Advocates Forum, has achieved the highest possible AV rating by his peers for legal abilities and ethics, was awarded a 10.0 superb rating from AVVO, a lawyer rating service, has been named a Tampa Bay Top Personal Injury Lawyer and was recognized as a Florida Super Lawyer in 2014.
As a community activist and advocate for consumer education and safety, Jim founded the "Bikes for Kids" and "Helmets for Kids" programs. He is the author of nine publications related to various areas of injury law and they are available at no cost at . The firm website also contains hundreds of educational videos, informative articles and commonly asked questions people have following an accident or injury. It has become a trusted resource of legal information for accident victims throughout Florida.
Jim and his wife have two grown children and four beautiful grandchildren. Jim is a second generation native Floridian. In his free time Jim also enjoys golfing, boating, mountain and road biking, wood working, reading and spending time with his family.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Florida for 52 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 1973
No misconduct found
Licensed in Colorado for 26 years
State: Colorado
Acquired: 1999
No misconduct found
Location
Clearwater - Main Office
1465 S. Fort Harrison Ave., Suite 201, Clearwater, FL, 33756
Tampa Office, By Appointment Only
4805 Laurel St., Suite 101, Tampa, FL, 33607
Sanford Office, By Appointment Only
1120 West First Street, Suite D, Sanford, FL, 32771
Bradenton Office, By Appointment Only
1001 Third Ave. West, Suite 650A, Bradenton, FL, 34205
Fort Myers, By Appointment Only
6213 Presidential Court, Suite 100, Fort Myers, FL, 33919
New Port Richey, By Appointment Only
9400 River Crossing, Suite 103-A, New Port Richey, FL, 34655
Punta Gorda Office
315 East Olympia Ave., Suite 221, Punta Gorda, FL, 33590
Venice Office
901 Venetia Bay Blvd., Suite 350, Venice, FL, 34285
Port Charlotte Office, By Appointment Only
8245 Paulson Dr., Suite 122, Port Charlotte, FL, 33954
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James Waller Dodson's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 17 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by John | June 3, 2021 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Amazing attorney & great guy!
After being hit by a car in a local triathlon with some severe injuries, I wasn’t sure what to do. I reached out to Jim Dodson as he has an excellent reputation as a cyclist’s attorney. I received a call back within hours on a Sunday evening to discuss my situation. After our conversation I felt Ji...
James Dodson
Replied last June 4, 2021Good Morning, John, I appreciate you taking the time to write such kind words about your experience working with us. I am very thankful and honored you chose my team and I to help you recover after the crash. If we can ever be of help to you in any way in the future, please don't hesitate to call or write me. I'd be glad to assist you in any way. Thank you for your time, I wish you all of the best to come and stay safe out there! Sincerely, Jim
Posted by anonymous | August 17, 2020 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Thanks
Jim and his staff did an excellent job of getting me the best settlement possible. I want to give a special thanks to Jim's paralegal Judy. She was always there with help and advise when needed.
James Dodson
Replied last August 20, 2020Thank you for taking the time to write such kind words about your experience with us! If I can ever be of help to you or someone you know in the future, please don't hesitate to call or write me. I appreciate your time and stay safe out there. Warm Regards, Jim
Posted by anonymous | July 4, 2019 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consultation
After consulting with Attorney Dodson, I felt better prepared to face a potential legal challenge. I gained and benefited from his understanding and keen insight acquired over 25 years of experience. He took his time explained all options available to me plus the advantages and/or disadvantages of...
James Dodson
Replied last July 9, 2019I appreciate you sharing your kind words about your experience with us! Thank you for contacting my office to assist you in your time of need. If I can ever be of assistance to you in the future, please don't hesitate to call or write. Wishing you all of the best things to come! Warm Regards, Jim
Posted by Barbara | June 14, 2019 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Grazed by a car
Jim Dodson negotiated a decent settlement with the insurance company after I was grazed by a car and broke my elbow while riding my bike. I had surgery but broke the elbow again when on vacation a week later and had surgery again. We were impressed with the amount of time Jim spent getting essenti...
James Dodson
Replied last June 17, 2019Hi Barbara, Thank you for your kind words about your experience with us! It has been a pleasure representing you. I'm glad we could be here for you in your time of need. If I can ever be of help to you in the future in any way, please don't hesitate to call or write me as I'd be glad to help. I appreciate your time & wish you all of the best to come! Warm Regards, Jim
Posted by Steven | November 28, 2018 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
My Bicycle Helmet Was Never Found
Jim & Judi, I received your letter and enclosures for the settlement from my accident of December, 2016. I am happy with, and better off monetarily, due to your diligent and persistent work to secure a settlement. Thank you for pursuing a remedy for the horrible experience I underwent during my br...
James Dodson
Replied last December 6, 2018Hi Steven, Thank you for your kind words about your experience with us! I appreciate you placing your trust in us in your time of need. If I can ever be of help to you in the future, please don't hesitate to call or write me. Wishing you all the best to come. Warm Regards, Jim
James Waller Dodson's Lawyer Endorsements
"Jim Dodson is the founder Jim Dodson Law, a personal Injury practice devoted to representing individuals with serious injuries due to car and motorcycle accidents, pedestrian/crosswalk and bicycle accidents, dog bites, injuries to minors and children, in addition to wrongful death and medical malpractice claims. Jim is a graduate of the Florida State University College of Law. He has been a member of The Florida Bar in good standing since 1973 and is admitted to practice before all state courts in Florida. Jim is AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell, a Florida Super Lawyer and attained a perfect 10 rating of Superb by AVVO. He is a gifted and diligent attorney. Jim works hard and obtains favorable results for his clients. He is an active member of the community giving back to many legal and charitable causes. Without hesitation I recommend and endorse Jim."
"I endorse attorney Dodson without hesitation. He has an excellent track record that speaks volumes about his abilities as an attorney. And his kind and easy-going demeanor make him the kind of guy you'd like to have lunch with."
"I have known Jim for many years and know him to be an expert in all legal matters relating to Personal Injury. He is extremely professional, ethical and competent. I refer cases to him without hesitation. I am honored to endorse Jim Dodson."
"I refer personal injury clients to Attorney Dodson and get feedback from those clients indicating that he is patient with them and takes the time to fully know and understand their case before explaining their legal options during the consult. I would recommend him to anyone that has suffered an injury."
"I endorse this talented and knowledgeable attorney, who is well-respected in the legal community."
"I endorse James. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"Jim Dodson is a great asset to his clients. His legal and law firm management and practice buildlng successes are a model to our own law firm as we strive to be a world class firm. He is constantly refining his methods and gives back to the community and deeply cares about his clients. We are proud to have Jim as one of our leaders in the personal injury field."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I've had a chance to work with and get to know Jim Dodson, and as a fellow personal injury attorney, I can honestly say that Jim is an excellent attorney, and the only one to go to if you've been seriously hurt in an accident in Florida. Jim has great resources of information for the public, and you don't have to sign any legal documents to get it. If you need an injury attorney in Florida, you're in the right place."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I would highly recommend Jim Dodson to anyone in need of outstanding representation regarding any personal injury matter. Jim is an extremely skilled, hard-working and ethical attorney who consistently obtains excellent results for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. Jim is the lawyers, lawyer. He is extremely knowledgeable in the area of personal injury and he is well versed in litigating these matters. He has the highest level of integrity, and he is very caring, as well as accessible to his clients."
"Jim is as good a person as he is a lawyer. He practices law for the right reasons, and would be a great choice for anyone in need of an attorney."
"Jim Dodson is that rare attorney who not only understands that the client comes first, but devotes his entire law practice to client satisfaction. I have known Jim for several years and am constantly impressed and inspired by his abilities, expertise, execution, and first rate personal injury law firm. Plus, he is avid bicycle rider and a fierce advocate for bicyclists! I recently had an opportunity to refer a serious car accident client his way, and felt great about it, knowing that Jim would do a wonderful job and really take care of this injured individual. You are injured and need an attorney, I wholeheartedly recommend Jim Dodson, without reservation."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"After graduating from law school back in 1994, I had the pleasure and privilege of working for Jim for about two years. The lessons learned while under his wing still impact my law practice today. He is one of the finest lawyers and human beings I know. I cannot express a higher endorsement of a lawyer than that I make by endorsing Jim Dodson."
"I wholeheartedly endorse Jim Dodson. Jim is one of the most knowledgeable lawyers in the state of Florida that deals with Personal Injury cases. With six books written on Personal Injury topics, Jim has all the skill and expertise that you would ever need. You can't go wrong with Jim Dodson."
"Jim Dodson is an excellent lawyer. One of the most ethical, hard working lawyers I have ever had the pleasure of dealing with."
"I am writing to recommend Jim Dodson, an experienced and skilled personal injury lawyer to handle your personal injury case. Mr. Dodson has a wide range of experience and has been practicing personal injury law for many years. Mr. Dodson and his staff of highly skilled professionals will use their highly developed skills and resources to help you get the full recovery you deserve."
"I have known Jim and his firm for several years and we've worked together on a number of projects. In my view he is one of the top personal injury attorneys in Florida but more importantly he has written a number of consumer educational materials that will help you decide if he is the right attorney for you. I find him to be very hard-working and diligent."
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Experience
Honors
2014
Florida Super Lawyer, Florida Super Lawyers
2012
Tampa Bay Top Rated Lawyer, Tampa Bay Magazine
2010
10.0 Superb Rating, AVVO
2005
Membership in Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Million Dollar Advocates Forum
1988
Highest Possible AV Peer Reviewed Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
Work Experience
2001 - Present
Founding Partner, Jim Dodson Law
1984 - 2001
Partner, Carlson, Meisner & Web Law Firm
1980 - 1984
Assistant U.S. Attorney, United States Dept. of Justice
1978 - 1980
Career Criminal Special Prosecutor, State Attorney's Office
Associations
2007 - Present
Mastermind Group of LawyersMember
2002 - Present
Mid-County Bar AssociationPresident
1996 - Present
American Association of JusticeMember
1990 - Present
Colorado Bar AssociationMember
1986 - Present
Florida Association of JusticeMember
1977 - Present
Clearwater Bar AssociationPast President
1973 - Present
Florida BarMember
St. Petersburg Bar Association
Member
2012 - 2015
Former Chairman of the MADD Pinellas County Advisory BoardChairman Pinellas Chapter
Education
N/A
The Florida State University College of Law
Law, Graduated Cum Laude
N/A
Florida State University
BA
Speaking Engagements
2013
Sarasota Manatee Bicycle Club
Uninsured Motorist Insurance: Injury Protection for Cyclists
2013
Pinellas County Mid-County Bar Meeting
The Power of Habit
2009
Mid-County Bar Association
The Power to Conceive the Perfect Law Practice
2009
Largo Rotary Club
The Energy In Our Thoughts
2008
Clearwater Central Catholic High School Career Day
Opportunities in the Legal Profession
2008
Bay News 9 Legal Interview
How Voters Can Learn About Judicial Candidates
Publications
2017
Consumer Guide
The Florida Bike Guy's Cycling Essentials
2016
Consumer Guide
Layman's Guide to Brain Injuries
2016
Consumer Report
Common Signs & Symptoms of a Concussion
2013
Consumber Guide
Florida DUI Crash Victim Guide
2012
Consumer Guide
Florida Bicycle Accident Handbook
2012
Consumer Guide
Uninsured Motorist Insurance - Don't Leave Home Without It!
2010
Consumer Guide
Florida Pedestrian Accident Guide
2010
Consumer Guide
When Kids Suffer BIG Injuries
2009
Consumer Guide
Survivor's Guide to Florida Wrongful Death Claims
2009
Consumer Guide
Dangerous Trips to Avoid in Your Fall Case
2009
Consumer Guide
Five Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Florida Accident Case
2008
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
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Walk or Don’t Walk?
04 May 2011