Meet The Nurse Lawyer: Maryann Furman - Bridging Law and Medicine for Justice

In the complex world of personal injury law, having an attorney who understands the intricacies of both the legal and medical fields can be a significant advantage. Maryann Furman, the founding partner of The Nurse Lawyer, P.A., uniquely embodies this powerful combination. She isn’t just a board-certified civil trial lawyer; she’s also a registered nurse, bringing a depth of medical knowledge to her legal practice that sets her apart.

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Maryann’s approach to personal injury cases is driven by a commitment to securing the best possible outcomes for her clients. Unlike firms that prioritize quick settlements, “the nurse lawyer” is prepared to litigate and go to trial to ensure her clients receive the compensation they deserve. This dedication requires substantial investment of time and resources, which Maryann willingly undertakes, always with the aim of maximizing client recovery, even if it means presenting the case before a jury.

The Distinct Advantage of a Nurse Lawyer

Maryann Furman’s background as a registered nurse provides an invaluable perspective in personal injury law. Her clinical experience offers a profound understanding of medical terminology, injury mechanisms, and the long-term impacts of trauma. This expertise is not just academic; it’s rooted in real-world patient care. As “the nurse lawyer,” Maryann can expertly analyze medical records, understand complex medical procedures, and effectively communicate with medical professionals. This translates to a more robust understanding of the damages her clients have suffered, allowing her to build stronger, more compelling cases. This dual proficiency ensures that medical nuances, often overlooked, are brought to the forefront, strengthening her client’s position.

Recognized Expertise and Accomplishments

Maryann Furman’s legal acumen is widely recognized within the legal community. Being board certified in civil trial law by The Florida Bar places her within the elite 1% of women attorneys holding this distinction. This certification signifies the highest level of competency and experience recognized by the Florida Bar, designating her as an expert in her field. Further solidifying her reputation, Maryann holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest peer-review rating, awarded for exceptional legal expertise, ethical standards, and communication abilities.

Her consistent recognition as a Super Lawyer since 2012, a distinction reserved for the top 5% of lawyers nationwide based on peer evaluations and independent research, underscores her sustained excellence. Membership in both the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, limited to attorneys who have achieved million and multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements, further exemplifies her successful track record. Being named one of Tampa Bay Magazine’s Top Lawyers of Tampa in 2014 adds another layer to her local and regional acclaim.

Areas of Legal Practice

As “the nurse lawyer,” Maryann Furman litigates a broad spectrum of personal injury cases, leveraging her unique medical and legal background to advocate effectively for her clients. Her practice encompasses:

Car Accidents: Handling cases arising from car collisions, utilizing her medical knowledge to understand injury patterns and complexities.
Commercial Truck Accidents: Addressing the often severe injuries resulting from truck accidents, applying her nursing insight to assess and articulate the medical consequences.
General Negligence Actions: Representing clients in various negligence-based injury claims, where her medical understanding aids in determining the extent and nature of harm.
Defective Product Cases: Litigating cases involving injuries caused by faulty products, with her medical background proving beneficial in understanding the causal link between the defect and the injury.
Wrongful Death: Representing families who have lost loved ones due to negligence, bringing both legal expertise and a compassionate understanding of the medical and emotional aspects of these tragic cases.

In each of these areas, Maryann’s nursing education and experience become integral to her litigation strategy, particularly in establishing liability and demonstrating the full scope of damages.

From Humble Beginnings to Legal Excellence

Maryann’s journey to becoming “the nurse lawyer” is one of perseverance and dedication. Raised in South Philadelphia in a family of immigrants, she was the first in her family to pursue higher education. Working multiple jobs to finance her nursing degree and later her law degree from the University of Nevada Las Vegas (with honors), she exemplifies hard work and determination. Her early career as an assistant public defender provided her with extensive trial experience, trying over thirty criminal cases. Before establishing The Nurse Lawyer, P.A., her work at a plaintiff’s personal injury firm in Tampa further honed her skills, resulting in numerous multi-million dollar verdicts. Beyond her practice, Maryann is committed to legal education, teaching continuing legal education courses to trial lawyers and actively participating in professional legal associations, including the Florida Justice Association, where she holds a leadership position advocating for citizens’ rights and access to justice.

Honors and Awards