How much does it cost to hire Thomas for a dog bites case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Thomas walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Thomas offer a free consultation?

Thomas charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Thomas's office. Some dog bites attorneys offer free consults — check Thomas's current terms during booking.

How long do dog bites cases in Florida typically take?

Simple dog bites matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Thomas gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Thomas take my case if I'm outside Plantation?

Thomas is licensed in Florida. Matters governed by Florida law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Thomas will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

What should I bring to my first meeting with Thomas?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Thomas will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Thomas accepting new dog bites clients right now?

Thomas's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Thomas Jerla, Jr., Dog Bites Attorney in Plantation, Florida

Over 24 years of legal practice · focused on Dog Bites, Securities, and Slip & Fall · 4.7/5 rating from 22 verified client reviews

AttorneyatMorgan & Morgan

Plantation, FL

Practicing dog bites in Plantation since 2002.

24+: Years practicing
4.7 ★: 22 client reviews
2: Bar admissions

Practices in

Dog Bites Securities Slip & Fall

Are you Thomas Jerla, Jr.?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

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Quick answer

Thomas Jerla, Jr. is an attorney based in Plantation, FL. The practice focuses on Dog Bites, Securities, and Slip & Fall. Thomas has over 24 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Morgan & Morgan. Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 22 client reviews.

Based in: Plantation, FL
Experience: over 24 years
Known for: Dog Bites · Securities · Slip & Fall

Handles Dog Bites, Securities, and Slip & Fall matters from Plantation, FL.
Over 24 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Thomas takes on

Thomas concentrates on dog bites, securities, and slip & fall. Each area below outlines the kind of case Thomas handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Dog Bites cases in Plantation, Florida

Thomas takes dog bites matters in Plantation, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Thomas agrees to represent you.

Securities cases in Plantation, Florida

Thomas takes securities matters in Plantation, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Thomas agrees to represent you.

Slip & Fall cases in Plantation, Florida

Thomas takes slip & fall matters in Plantation, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Thomas agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Thomas Jerla, Jr. — dog bites lawyer in Plantation

Tom Jerla is an attorney with Morgan & Morgan in the firm’s premises liability division located in Plantation, Florida. He joined the firm in June of 2021. His practice is dedicated to representing clients suffering from injuries due to the negligence of individuals and corporations including but not limited to shopping centers, malls, and grocery stores. Tom has dedicated his practice to representing injured individuals since 2012.

After graduating law school, Mr. Jerla worked as an Assistant State Attorney in the Miami-Dade County State Attorney’s Office where he tried more than forty cases to verdict. Prior to leaving the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office in 2007, he was assigned to the Economic Crimes Division where he was responsible for the investigation and prosecution of investment fraud, insurance fraud, mortgage fraud, healthcare fraud, embezzlement and identity theft.

Following his career as an Assistant State Attorney, Tom handled hundreds of cases on behalf of a national janitorial service company. As a result, he understands how these corporations evaluate liability and claims in premises cases and can utilize his knowledge to aggressively conduct discovery and hold these businesses and individuals accountable for their wrongdoing.

In his free time, Tom enjoys spending time with his wife and son. In addition, Tom serves on the Board of Directors for The 22 Project is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping military veterans suffering from PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injuries.

Awards & Recognitions

•Martindale Hubble AV-Preeminent Rating since 2012
•2016 Super Lawyers Rising Star

Working with Thomas on a dog bites matter

Clients Thomas works with

Thomas reviews new inquiries case-by-case for dog bites, securities, and slip & fall matters in Plantation and the surrounding Florida area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

Pace University School of Law Temple University
—

Jurisdictions

Thomas's state bar admissions

Florida United State
2002 · ACTIVE
Pennsylvania
2002 · ACTIVE

Thomas studied at — in Pace University School of Law Temple University.

Law school and academic background

Thomas completed — in Pace University School of Law Temple University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Thomas runs in Florida is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

Thomas has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

Thomas's professional memberships and bar associations

Florida Justice Association
FJA) American Association for Justice (AAJ) Palm Beach County Justice Association (PBCJA) Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys (ATAA · membership

Locations

Thomas Jerla, Jr.'s office in Plantation

Thomas's primary office is at 8151 Peters Road Suite 4000, Plantation, FL, 33324. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Morgan & Morgan

8151 Peters Road Suite 4000

Plantation, FL 33324

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Thomas Jerla, Jr. — 4.7/5 rating from 22 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of Thomas. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing dog bites attorneys in Plantation.

4.7

22 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Thomas Jerla, Jr. claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Thomas Jerla, Jr. — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new dog bites attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Thomas usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Thomas charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Thomas's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Thomas will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a dog bites attorney in Plantation, Florida

A short list to run through before you commit: How many dog bites matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Thomas

Thomas discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in dog bites practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every dog bites matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Thomas confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Thomas's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many dog bites practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Thomas Jerla, Jr.

How much does it cost to hire Thomas for a dog bites case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Thomas walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Thomas offer a free consultation?
Thomas charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Thomas's office. Some dog bites attorneys offer free consults — check Thomas's current terms during booking.
How long do dog bites cases in Florida typically take?
Simple dog bites matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Thomas gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Thomas take my case if I'm outside Plantation?
Thomas is licensed in Florida. Matters governed by Florida law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Thomas will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Thomas?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Thomas will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Thomas accepting new dog bites clients right now?
Thomas's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Dog Bites attorneys serving Plantation, Miami and Tampa in Florida

Thomas handles dog bites matters throughout Florida. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified dog bites attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Thomas's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these dog bites attorneys in Plantation handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.