Serving all of Florida
I spent nearly two decades defending insurance companies in crash cases. Now I use everything I learned to fight for you.
— Emanuel Galimidi, former insurance-defense attorney
Main Office Miami · In person or video consultations statewide
That distinction often decides everything — and it's where deep familiarity with the other side pays off. Injuries on an international flight are generally governed by the Montreal Convention, a treaty that makes the airline strictly liable for accidents up to a set limit — and lets you recover beyond that limit when you can prove the airline was at fault — and requires suit within 2 years (Article 35) — a deadline that is not extended the way ordinary statutes sometimes are. Domestic flights and general-aviation crashes are governed by federal aviation standards (FAA) and Florida negligence law, with a 2-year deadline (§ 95.11(5)(a)); claims against aircraft and component manufacturers can also run into a federal statute of repose (GARA). Airport-premises injuries are handled as Florida premises-liability claims. Each path has its own rules and its own clock, so early evaluation is critical.
What they do
Airlines point to the Convention's liability cap as if it's all you can get — when proven fault can open the door to greater damages.
They argue your own movement or condition caused the injury, not the 'accident.'
They delay, knowing the 2-year Montreal deadline is strict and unforgiving.
Next steps
Document your injuries and all treatment from the start.
Your boarding pass and itinerary can prove international carriage — which decides the legal path.
Note the airline or operator and, for crashes, the aircraft and component makers.
Two years goes by fast while you’re recovering, and the evidence that decides these cases (crew reports, maintenance logs, flight data) is far easier to obtain at the start.
Florida law
Covers bodily injury from an “accident” on board or while boarding or leaving the aircraft — turbulence, a falling bag, a cart strike, an evacuation — not a passenger’s own medical event. The 2-year clock (Art. 35) runs from the date the flight arrived or should have arrived.
Federal aviation regulations set the standard of care for domestic and general-aviation operations.
A federal statute of repose (GARA) can bar claims against aircraft and component manufacturers once enough time has passed — another reason to act early.
Airport-terminal injuries are premises-liability claims under Florida law, with a 2-year deadline (§ 95.11(5)(a)).
Track record
The firm has recovered meaningful compensation for injured Floridians — including confidential and policy-limits settlements.
Each case is different and past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.Client reviews
“He helped my elderly father get a settlement with an airline after an injury. Extremely professional and communicative. Highly recommend.”
— Jaime · Avvo“The kind of attorney everyone hopes to find — honest, thorough, dedicated. My situation didn’t even become a case, yet he patiently walked me through every option.”
— Rev. Sonia · Avvo“I never once felt like just another file; my well-being was his priority. We achieved the maximum possible outcome for my case.”
— Luciana Neves · Google“All the information & sources Emanuel provided were extremely helpful. Not only was he able to talk things through with me, but followed up afterwards to touch base. Would highly refer to him to anyone who may need his expertise.”
— Priscilla · AvvoIndividual results; outcomes vary by case. Reviews are from the firm’s Google and Avvo profiles.
Questions people ask
International carriage generally falls under the Convention; domestic flights and general aviation fall under FAA standards and Florida law.
For international accidents, the carrier is strictly liable up to a set limit — and greater damages can be recovered when fault is proven.
Those are usually general-aviation cases governed by FAA standards and Florida negligence law.
Depending on the facts: the carrier or operator, maintenance providers, and aircraft or component manufacturers.
International claims must be filed within 2 years (Art. 35), a strict deadline; domestic claims generally allow 2 years (§ 95.11(5)(a)).
You'll talk to a senior attorney who spent nearly two decades on the other side — not a case manager. No fees or costs unless you recover.
Call 786-442-2873