David P. Vitale, Jr.

DAVID P. VITALE JR. is a Florida Bar Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer, shareholder at Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley, and former Certified Public Accountant. Based in the firm’s West Palm Beach office, he represents individuals and families in serious personal injury, wrongful death, automobile accident, medical malpractice, trucking accident, complex commercial litigation, aviation crash, and catastrophic injury cases. Mr. Vitale represents clients throughout Florida, including Palm Beach County, Broward County, Miami-Dade County, Martin County, St. Lucie County, and communities across the state.

Board Certification in Civil Trial Law is the highest level of recognition granted by The Florida Bar for competency, professionalism, ethics, and experience in civil trial practice, and is a distinction held by less than 2% of Florida lawyers. Mr. Vitale has successfully handled and tried cases to verdict in both Florida state and federal courts and is known for his strategic, results-driven approach to high-stakes litigation. He has taken and defended hundreds of depositions, argued dispositive motions, and handled complex evidentiary issues in courts throughout Florida. Throughout his career, Mr. Vitale has secured tens of millions of dollars in verdicts, arbitration awards, and settlements on behalf of injured individuals, families, and businesses.

Mr. Vitale regularly represents clients in personal injury, wrongful death, medical malpractice, trucking accident, auto accident, and catastrophic injury litigation throughout Florida. As a trial lawyer, he focuses on helping victims and their families recover after life-changing injuries caused by negligence, medical errors, dangerous products, unsafe premises, and commercial wrongdoing. He has represented clients in matters involving traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, catastrophic orthopedic injuries, wrongful death, and complex medical negligence claims.

Mr. Vitale’s background as a former Certified Public Accountant gives him a unique financial and analytical background that enhances his ability to evaluate damages, investigate complex cases, and develop effective litigation strategies. This experience is particularly valuable in cases involving significant economic losses, business disputes, and sophisticated damages analyses.

Mr. Vitale is deeply involved in the legal profession and has earned the trust of both his clients and peers. He serves on The Florida Bar’s Standing Committee on Professionalism and the 15^th Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee “A,” where he helps uphold the ethical standards of the legal profession. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Palm Beach County Bar Association and as a Board Member of the Craig S. Barnard American Inns of Court. Mr. Vitale’s leadership positions reflect his commitment to improving the legal profession and protecting the integrity of Florida’s court system.

Mr. Vitale has been recognized by numerous organizations for his professional achievements, including Best Lawyers, SuperLawyers (Rising Stars), Palm Beach Illustrated Top Lawyer, Jupiter Magazine Top Lawyer, and other peer-reviewed honors. He is admitted to practice before all Florida state courts, the United States District Courts for the Southern and Middle Districts of Florida, and handles serious injury and wrongful death cases throughout the State of Florida.

Mr. Vitale graduated second in his class from Boston College Law School, where he served on the school’s nationally recognized moot court team. During law school, he completed a judicial externship with the Honorable George A. O’Toole, Jr. of the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts.

If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury due to negligence, Mr. Vitale is available to evaluate your case and help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.

Why Clients Hire David P. Vitale Jr.

• Florida Bar Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer
• Shareholder at Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley
• Former Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• Trial Lawyer with Jury Verdict Experience
• Handles Catastrophic Injury and Wrongful Death Cases
• Leadership Roles Within The Florida Bar and Palm Beach County Bar Association
• Represents Clients Throughout Florida
• Experience in State and Federal Courts

Professional Leadership

• Board of Directors, Palm Beach County Bar Association
• Member, The Florida Bar Standing Committee on Professionalism
• Member, 15th Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee “A”
• Board Member, Craig S. Barnard American Inns of Court

Representative Case Types

• Automobile Accidents
• Aviation Crashes
• Business Disputes
• Catastrophic Injury
• Commercial Litigation
• Commercial Vehicle Crashes
• Defective Products
• Medical Malpractice
• Negligent Security
• Personal Injury
• Premises Liability
• Product Liability
• Real Estate Disputes
• Spinal Cord Injury
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Trucking Accidents
• Wrongful Death