Bichler & Longo, PLLC

For the brave men and women who protect and serve our communities across Florida, and for any Floridian who has suffered an injury due to someone else's negligence, navigating the legal landscape to secure deserved benefits can be an arduous journey. This is where Bichler & Longo, PLLC steps in as a preeminent statewide law firm. With a deep and specialized focus on the unique needs of first responders, as well as a growing practice in general personal injury, this firm is built on a foundation of passionate advocacy and an unparalleled understanding of complex benefit systems.

Bichler & Longo, PLLC understands that work-related injuries and occupational diseases, particularly for first responders like firefighters and police officers, involve much more than just a workers' compensation claim. There are often intricate overlaps with employment, pension, and Social Security issues. The firm's dedicated team brings extensive experience to untangle these legal hurdles, ensuring that every client receives the maximum benefits they are entitled to. They are widely recognized for their expertise in handling critical legislation such as the Florida Heart Bill and cases related to firefighter cancer benefits and Camp Lejeune water contamination. At Bichler & Longo, PLLC, the mission is clear: to passionately protect those who protect and serve, and to fight relentlessly for justice for all injured Floridians, providing comprehensive legal support that is both knowledgeable and deeply empathetic.

Bichler & Longo, PLLC has a prominent office located in the bustling downtown area of Tampa, Florida, at 601 N Ashley Dr Suite 1100, Tampa, FL 33602, USA. This strategically chosen location ensures high accessibility for Floridians throughout the Tampa Bay region and beyond, making it convenient for clients to seek the specialized legal assistance they need.

Situated in a modern office building, the firm provides a professional and welcoming environment for consultations. Downtown Tampa is well-connected by major roadways and public transportation, facilitating easy access for individuals traveling from various parts of Florida. Furthermore, while the Tampa office serves as a key hub, Bichler & Longo, PLLC is described as a "statewide law firm," indicating their capability and commitment to serving clients across Florida. This may include leveraging technology for remote consultations or having a network to support clients in other areas. The firm's focus on first responders often involves clients from diverse geographical locations within the state, underscoring their ability to provide comprehensive support regardless of a client's specific Florida hometown. This blend of a central physical presence and statewide reach ensures that crucial legal representation is readily available to those who need it most.

Bichler & Longo, PLLC is a preeminent statewide law firm in Florida, primarily focused on the unique legal needs of first responders and individuals with personal injury claims. Their comprehensive practice areas include:

• Workers' Compensation:
  • Representing employees injured in the course of employment, ensuring they receive wage replacement and medical benefits.
  • Expertise in Florida's Heart Bill, which provides presumptions for certain work-related conditions for first responders (heart disease, hypertension, hepatitis, etc.).
  • Handling firefighter cancer benefits claims, advocating for those diagnosed with cancer due to their service.
  • Navigating complex workers' compensation appeals and mediations.
• Disability Pension:
  • Assisting first responders with claims for disability pensions, understanding the interplay between workers' compensation and pension benefits.
• Social Security Disability:
  • Providing legal representation for individuals seeking Social Security Disability Insurance (SSD or SSDI) benefits due to physical restrictions on their ability to be employed.
• Personal Injury:
  • Representing individuals injured due to the negligence of others, including car accidents, motorcycle accidents, bike accidents, slip and falls, and other incidents.
  • Seeking monetary compensation for injuries to the body, mind, or emotions through settlements or judgments.
• Florida Retirement System (FRS) Benefits:
  • Guiding clients through the complexities of FRS Pension Plan benefits, ensuring proper entitlement based on earnings, length of service, and membership class.
• Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Claims:
  • Actively investigating personal injury and wrongful death claims on behalf of individuals who served, lived, or worked at Camp Lejeune and subsequently developed cancer or other serious conditions.
• Appeals:
  • Handling the process for requesting formal changes to official legal decisions, clarifying and interpreting law as needed.

Bichler & Longo, PLLC possesses several distinctive features and highlights that firmly establish its position as a leading legal resource for Floridians, particularly for first responders and injured individuals.

• Preeminent Statewide First Responder Representation: The firm is widely recognized as the "preeminent statewide law firm serving the needs of first responders." This specialized focus ensures an unparalleled understanding of the unique work injuries and occupational diseases affecting police officers, firefighters, and correctional officers.
• Unrivaled Expertise in Interconnected Benefits: Bichler & Longo possesses an "unparalleled understanding to the interplay between the various benefits" clients are entitled to, whether it's workers' compensation, disability pension, Social Security, or Florida Retirement System benefits. This holistic approach ensures clients receive maximum entitlements.
• Deep Knowledge of Florida Presumptive Legislation: The firm is highly knowledgeable in Florida presumptive legislation, including the "Heart Bill" (Heart and Lung Bill) and laws related to firefighter cancer benefits and PTSD, making it easier for first responders to obtain work-related health care and disability pay.
• Proven Track Record of Success: The firm boasts impressive results, with "Over $100M+ Recovered Since 2011" and a "97% Success Rate Since 2011" across "5000+ Clients Served." These statistics underscore their effectiveness and dedication to achieving favorable outcomes.
• Passionate Advocacy: Clients and external organizations alike highlight the firm's "passion for protecting those that protect and serve." This deep commitment translates into aggressive and tireless advocacy for their clients' rights.
• Highly Rated Attorneys: Founding member Geoffrey Bichler has been recognized by "Best Lawyers in America" every year since 2005 and included in Florida Trend Magazine's "Legal Elite." He holds an AV rating by Martindale Hubbell, the highest possible peer review rating for competence and ethics. Paolo Longo Jr. has also been recognized by Super Lawyers.
• Exceptional Client Service and Communication: Testimonials praise the firm's responsiveness, stating that "someone will always be at the ready to answer any questions you may have," and highlighting "very competent admin staff" who are knowledgeable. Clients feel a "family connection" due to the genuine care provided.
• Active in Community and Advocacy: Mr. Bichler frequently speaks at Union functions and conferences, educating others on first responder disability claims and advocating for laws designed to protect first responders. This involvement demonstrates a commitment beyond individual cases to improving the legal landscape for their client base.

Bichler & Longo, PLLC demonstrates its commitment to serving Floridians, particularly first responders and those with personal injury claims, through accessible initial engagement and a dedication to education.

• Free Consultation for Personal Injury Claims: The firm explicitly offers a "free consultation regarding a personal injury claim." This is an invaluable opportunity for Floridians who have suffered injuries due to someone else's negligence to discuss their case, understand their legal rights, and explore available options without any upfront financial commitment. This allows potential clients to assess their situation and the firm's approach, fostering trust from the beginning.
• Preliminary Consultation for First Responder Benefits: While not always explicitly termed "free" for all first responder benefit types, the firm encourages first responders with chronic medical conditions due to job duties to "set up a preliminary consultation with a qualified attorney to discuss getting first responder workers' compensation benefits." During this consultation, they commit to explaining legal rights, discussing options, and helping clients prepare for the future. This emphasizes accessible initial legal guidance for a critical client group.
• Educational Resources: The firm maintains a "Blog" and a "News & Events" section on their website, which likely provides valuable information and updates on relevant legal topics. This commitment to informing the public, while not a direct "promotion," serves as a beneficial resource for Floridians seeking to understand complex laws related to workers' compensation, first responder benefits, and personal injury.

These offerings highlight Bichler & Longo, PLLC's dedication to making legal assistance approachable and transparent for the Florida community.

For Floridians seeking expert legal assistance from Bichler & Longo, PLLC, particularly first responders and those with personal injury claims, the firm can be reached through the following contact details:

• Address: 601 N Ashley Dr Suite 1100, Tampa, FL 33602, USA
• Phone: (866) 245-8977

The firm encourages direct contact to discuss specific legal needs and to schedule a consultation.

For Floridians, especially the dedicated first responders who put their lives on the line for our communities, Bichler & Longo, PLLC is not just a law firm; it is a vital and profoundly suitable advocate. Their specialized expertise in the intricate web of workers' compensation, disability pensions, and Social Security benefits for first responders means that locals receive unparalleled, highly targeted legal support that directly addresses their unique occupational challenges, including critical issues like the Florida Heart Bill and firefighter cancer benefits. This deep understanding of specific state legislation and the interplay between various benefits is absolutely crucial for Floridians seeking comprehensive and effective resolution to their work-related injuries or occupational diseases.

Beyond their niche, their expansion into general personal injury also makes them a highly versatile resource for any Floridian who has suffered harm due to negligence. What truly sets Bichler & Longo, PLLC apart for locals is their fierce passion for advocacy, combined with a proven track record of recovering over $100 million for clients and an impressive 97% success rate. Client testimonials consistently highlight their "aggressive" yet "caring" approach, emphasizing that the team is always ready to answer questions and provides service that feels like a "family connection." This blend of high-level legal acumen, empathetic client care, and a clear dedication to maximizing benefits for those who need it most, solidifies Bichler & Longo, PLLC as an indispensable and highly trusted legal partner for Floridians protecting their health, future, and rights.