ST. PETERSBURG ELDER LAW ATTORNEY
Fighting For The VulnerableProtecting Elders from Abuse and Neglect, Focusing on Nursing Home Law, Consumer Protection, and Medical Malpractice
PRACTICE AREAS
15 YEARS OF PROVEN RESULTSAbout Us
Welcome to Dara Cooley Law, Your Trusted and Experienced Florida Elder Law Attorney
With extensive experience in elder law, I combine legal expertise with genuine compassion for seniors and their families. I understand the complex emotions and challenges you face, providing personalized guidance through guardianships and long-term care decisions. My approach balances technical knowledge with empathetic support, ensuring your loved one’s dignity remains paramount while achieving the legal protections they deserve. Every case receives my dedicated attention because I believe seniors deserve nothing less.
With over two decades dedicated to nursing home abuse cases, I bring both legal expertise and genuine compassion to each client I represent. Having witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of elder neglect, I approach every case with unwavering commitment to justice and dignity for our most vulnerable citizens. My practice combines thorough investigation, medical knowledge, and aggressive advocacy, while never losing sight of the human story at the center of each claim. I understand the emotional toll these situations take on families, which is why I provide personalized attention and clear communication throughout the entire legal process. Your loved one’s story matters, and I ensure their voice is heard.
Why Us
Why Choose Dara Cooley LawMy proven track record includes securing substantial compensation for victims of neglect and abuse throughout Florida. Unlike large firms where cases get passed between associates, I personally handle every aspect of your case from consultation to resolution. My approach combines aggressive legal representation with compassionate client care, understanding the emotional trauma these situations cause. With my extensive network of medical experts and deep understanding of Florida's elder protection statutes, I provide comprehensive representation that larger firms simply cannot match.
Our firm advances all case costs and only collects payment when we successfully secure compensation for your case, ensuring you face zero out-of-pocket expenses while pursuing justice for your loved one.
With over two decades of courtroom success in Florida’s complex elder abuse cases, I bring proven litigation skills that consistently win favorable verdicts for my clients.
We aggressively investigate claims, leverage medical expertise, and skillfully negotiate with insurers to maximize compensation for nursing home abuse victims across the state of Florida.
Each client receives my direct contact information, regular case updates, and customized legal strategies tailored to their specific circumstances and family needs.
When nursing homes cut corners and put profits over people, we fight back—hard. Dara Cooley is an experienced trial attorney who aggressively pursues negligent care facilities, insurers, and corporate owners. We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial to ensure maximum pressure and leverage for your recovery.
My firm has secured multi-million dollar verdicts for clients through tenacious advocacy and legal expertise, changing lives with substantial financial recoveries.
TESTIMONIALS
See What Our Clients Are Saying- Dara’s skills as an attorney are very impressive…
Dara’s skills as an attorney are very impressive, but what stands out the most about her is that she is absolutely emotionally invested in her clients and fiercely protective of them. She fights for her clients as if they were her own family members.
- She is very considerate of her clients…
She is very considerate of her clients and understands the emotional effect that any lawsuit can entail. I believe when you give her a call you will see how I gave such a review and will be very satisfied with your choice of an attorney.
- Attorney Cooley is very detailed…
Attorney Cooley is very detailed, thorough and always takes time to explain all aspects of the case, listens to her client’s thoughts and answers all questions. She is most definitely a strong advocate for her client.
Awards, Associations and Recognitions
Award Winning and Top Rated St. Petersburg Attorney
Our Attorney
Meet Attorney Dara A. CooleyDara A. Cooley graduated magna cum laude from the University of South Florida in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. During her tenure, she served Hillsborough County in the classroom and throughout the district as a staff development trainer and math specialist resource teacher. In 2010, she embarked on a legal career, graduating magna cum laude with a Juris Doctor from Stetson University College of Law. She earned awards in Trial Advocacy, Negotiation and Mediation, and Pro Bono Service.
After clerking for a Federal Judge, Ms. Cooley spent years perfecting her craft as a trial attorney and litigator at nationwide law firms, handling a variety of cases in casualty law, premises liability, products liability, auto negligence, wrongful death, and civil rights litigation.
After securing millions of dollars in compensation for hundreds of clients, Ms. Cooley founded Dara Cooley Law, P.A. in 2021.
FAQs
Frequently asked questionsNavigating a potential nursing home abuse case can feel overwhelming. At Dara Cooley Law, we’re here to answer your questions, guide you through the legal process, and ensure your loved one’s rights are protected every step of the way.
1. How do I know if my loved one is being abused or neglected in a nursing home?
Signs of abuse or neglect can include unexplained bruises, frequent falls, bedsores, poor hygiene, sudden behavioral changes, or fear around staff. If something feels wrong, trust your instincts—it’s worth investigating.
2.What should I do if I suspect nursing home abuse?
Document your concerns, take photographs if possible, and report the issue to the facility’s management. Then, contact an experienced attorney right away to protect your loved one’s legal rights and begin an investigation.
3.Is there a time limit for filing a nursing home abuse claim in Florida?
Yes. Florida typically allows two years from the date of the incident (or when it was discovered) to file a claim. However, exceptions may apply, so it’s crucial to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible.
4.What types of compensation can we recover in a nursing home abuse case?
Compensation may include medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and in some cases, punitive damages. If the abuse resulted in wrongful death, surviving family members may also recover damages for loss of companionship and funeral expenses.
5.Do I have to pay upfront for your legal services?
No. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay anything unless we win your case. Your focus should be on your loved one’s recovery—we’ll handle the legal fight.