Maria’h Givens is a Jacksonville personal injury attorney who believes in taking initiative and advocating for her clients under the law. Tethered by a detail-oriented approach, Maria’h prides herself on her organizational attributes and strategic insight when fighting for people in need. Having experience guiding clients with injuries through the legal process, Maria’h continues to fight for the rights of Florida residents and doesn’t take no for an answer.
Maria’h is thrilled to collaborate with the legal team here at Farah & Farah’s Jacksonville office while using her extensive education and innate drive to help people through the complexity of each case. If you’re looking for an attorney who’s not afraid to get creative and think outside the box, Maria’h is here to support you.
Focusing on Local Communities
It all started when I read a book about Thurgood Marshall in the fourth grade. He was the first black Supreme Court justice and helped lead the movement to end racial segregation in American schools. At such a young age, I felt that I could relate to his racial and socioeconomic battles. Despite these battles, he was immensely successful in the legal field. His story was so impactful for me, and eventually, his legacy helped me believe that anything was possible if I put my mind to it.
Later during my education, I became the President of the Black Law Students Association (BLSA) at my university. Being a part of this association highlighted the importance of community relations and the overall significance of making change through empowered relationships.
From this point on, I saw the value of focusing on local communities. I’m originally from right outside of Jacksonville, and now I get to work directly with people who need my help in the area. I know the local medical providers, and I know the streets people inhabit. The relationships I’ve built with the community provide a steady pillar for me to navigate these cases.
Fighting for People and Finding a Way
There is one car crash incident that occurred out of Tallahassee that stands out to me. My client rear-ended a vehicle that stopped suddenly in front of him. In this accident, my client injured his lumbar spine and ended up needing extensive chiropractic and pain management medical care.
The insurance company was pushing back hard, and I had to get on the phone directly with the adjusters to establish my presence in the case. I took the initiative and contacted a witness to provide a statement, and eventually, the insurance company accepted total liability.
In cases like these, I’ve learned the importance of getting creative and not taking no for an answer. I always find a way and continue to fight for the settlements my clients deserve.
Connecting With Clients
One of the things I find most rewarding about working in personal injury is that I have the opportunity to connect with my clients. I used to work in workers’ compensation on the insurance side, but now I feel like I can truly help individual people in my community.
Getting to speak with more people day-to-day and truly get to know them, and this is the highlight of the experience for me. Every time I win big for my clients, I realize I offer a great impact on their lives and help them move forward in a positive way. Seeing the relief on their faces means everything.
Don’t Let Anyone Talk You Out of Your Dreams
Pursuing this career field has its challenges, especially when some people may try to talk you out of working in law. Despite this, you can’t let anyone distract you or ruin your innate motivation for this work and the opportunity to be an advocate for your clients.
You have to be dedicated, and you have to put your mind to it. Know that you can achieve anything. Don’t let anyone talk you out of your dreams.
Church, Family Dinners, and Football Games
A typical weekday for me usually involves a morning workout, coming into the office to make phone calls and follow up with adjusters, and then spending an evening at home cleaning or going out to eat. On the weekends you can usually find me at a Florida State or FAMU football game or walking around the shops and restaurants at St. Johns Town Center. I’ll usually end the weekend by going to church and then having dinner with my family every Sunday evening.
