E. Patrick “Rick” Buntz, an of counsel partner with the firm, is an experienced trial lawyer.  He is a civil trial lawyer that practices in the areas of medical malpractice, long term care defense, premises liability, administrative/regulatory investigations defense, general civil litigation and arbitration.

In his representation of physicians, hospitals, and other medical providers, including nursing homes and assisted living facilities, Rick defends malpractice cases, represents health care providers and facilities in licensure issues before regulatory boards. He has also served on multiple arbitration panels.

Rick has exclusively practiced in civil litigation defense for more than 20 years. He opened and managed an Orlando office for a defense firm, before becoming a founding shareholder of a separate defense firm, with offices in multiple cities and states. He has been admitted pro hac vice in other jurisdictions at the request of clients to litigate cases.  

Rick was born in Baltimore, MD and has lived in Florida since 1978. Rick and his wife have two sons, one in the Army and one in law school. He and his wife live in Clearwater Beach and enjoy traveling and family time.

Practice Areas:

  • Medical Malpractice Defense
  • Long Term Care Defense
  • Administrative Law
  • General Liability
  • Arbitration

Associations:

  • Florida Bar
  • Clearwater Bar Association
  • Defense Research Institute
  • Florida Defense Lawyers Association
  • Hillsborough County Bar Association
  • American Bar Association, 2005

Community Involvement:

  • Pinellas Preparatory Academy, Board Member, 2007 – 2009
  • Volunteer, Circle of Love-Center for Grieving Children, LifePath Hospice, Tampa, 2004 – 2007

Education:

  • B.S., Stetson University, 1988
  • J.D., Stetson University College of Law, 1990

Admissions:

  • Florida
  • U.S. Supreme Court
  • U.S. District Court Middle District of Florida