Dedicated to the Pursuit of Justice for the Injured
Michael and Claire Hancock are accomplished trial lawyers who are aggressive and dedicated in representing injury victims and grieving families who have lost loved ones due to the negligence of others. They are also committed to their profession and active in their local communities. With more than 40 years of combined experienced, they provide plaintiff representation in personal injury and wrongful death litigation in the Tampa Bay area, surrounding counties and throughout Florida.
Michael F. Hancock
Tampa Accident Attorney
During Michael Hancock's first eight years of practice, he defended many insurance companies such as Allstate, State Farm and The Travelers, along with several Fortune 500 companies, in personal injury cases. This is where he learned the insurance companies' tricks-of-the-trade and secrets to the inner workings of how they defend and evaluate negligence cases. He also experienced firsthand the sometimes despicable defense tactics used to minimize legitimate injury claims by otherwise responsible and kind people from our community.
After realizing that defending insurance companies never resulted in making our Tampa Bay community a safer place to live, Mike left a very successful defense law firm in 1996 to start his own law practice devoted exclusively to representing the injured. His areas of practice are limited to personal injury and wrongful death, including motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, premises liability and product liability, and insurance coverage disputes, including sinkhole damage claims.
Of his many career successes, Mike is most proud of having earned the following distinctions:
"AV-Preeminent" rating by Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory and lawyers.com: The definitive guide to the most distinguished attorneys in America. This honor in the legal profession reflects that Michael has reached the height of professional excellence in legal proficiency and ethical standards. The rating is based on the confidential opinions of peer attorneys and judges. It is estimated that less than 20 percent of the attorneys in Florida have earned this honor.
Million Dollar Advocates Forum: Membership is exclusive to only those attorneys who have won million-dollar and multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements. Fewer than 1 percent of U.S. lawyers are members.
The Order of Barristers: A national honorary organization that distinguishes the top 10 advocates from each law school who have excelled in advocacy.
Michael is a member of the Florida Bar and the United States federal courts for the Middle District of Florida. Michael is certified by the Florida Supreme Court as a statewide circuit court mediator. He believes that his training and experience as a certified mediator, by gaining a better understanding of the mediation process, enhance his effectiveness for his clients.
Throughout his legal career, Michael has lectured to other attorneys, legal professionals and insurance industry professionals about litigating personal injury cases and other legal topics, most recently the following:
- Automobile Cases, From Start to Finish (2008)
- A Practical Refresher on Litigating the Florida Auto Injury Case (2005)
- Trying the Automobile Case in Florida (2004)
He is also proud of membership in the following legal and business associations:
- Florida Justice Association
- American Bar Association
- Tampa Bay Trial Lawyers Association
- Hillsborough County Bar Association
- Carrollwood Community Bar Association
- Carrollwood Area Business Association
Michael also volunteers his personal time and legal experience to the following nonprofit organizations:
- Carrollwood Civic Association – Board of Directors, legal counsel
- Trinity School for Children – Board of Directors, executive board member
- University of Florida, Lake Watch – volunteer (Lake Carroll)
- Guardian Ad Litem Program for Hillsborough County
- Ducks Unlimited, an international nonprofit dedicated to wetlands and wildlife conservation
Michael received his Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from the University of Florida (GO GATORS!) in 1983 and his law degree from South Texas College of Law in 1987.
Michael is a second-generation native of Tampa. He is a graduate of Jesuit High School. In his free time, Michael enjoys outdoor sports with his family and friends such as golf, saltwater fishing and mountain biking.
Claire Hancock
Tampa Personal Injury Attorney
In 20 years of practice, Claire Hancock has successfully litigated complex cases involving medical malpractice, wrongful death and defective products, and numerous automobile accidents and slip-and-fall injury cases. Additionally, early in her legal career, she worked with a member of the trial team representing the State of Florida and former Governor Lawton Chiles against the Tobacco industry in the historic case which resulted in a 11.5 billion dollar settlement recovered for the State.
Claire has been trained by the Florida Supreme Court as a statewide Circuit Court Mediator. She is a member of the Florida Bar and is proud of active membership in the following legal and business associations:
- Florida Justice Association
- Tampa Bay Trial Lawyers Association
- Hillsborough County Bar Association
- Carrollwood Community Bar Association
- Carrollwood Area Business Association
She values volunteering with the following non-profit organizations in Tampa:
- Florida Supreme Court – Justice Teaching
- Trinity School for Children
- University of Florida – Lake Watch (Lake Carroll)
Claire earned her undergraduate degree in Political Science from the University of Houston, her law degree from South Texas College of Law in 1991, and was admitted to practice law in Florida in 1991.
Claire was born and raised in Treasure Island, Florida. She is a graduate of St. Petersburg Catholic High School. In her free time, Claire enjoys competing in triathlons, distance running and open water swimming events, as well as outdoor activities with her family such as water skiing, saltwater fishing and mountain biking.
We invite you to contact the Hancock Law Firm for a free, confidential consultation about your personal injury accident or family member's death, or your insurance dispute, by calling 888-975-1110 (toll free) or 813-915-1110 , or by e-mail.
