A song from Cuba says: ‘’When I left Cuba, I left my life, I left my love, I left my heart”. These lyrics encapsulate the bittersweet odyssey of numerous Cubans who embarked on their path to Florida, seeking fresh beginnings and the warm embrace of liberty. Like the captivating melody that echoes through the lively streets, the Cuban community here treasures their heritage while embracing the possibilities and trials of their new home.
In an interview, Nobel Literature Prize winner Mario Vargas Llosa was asked why he no longer sympathized with communist ideas in the 1950s and why he now professes to be a liberal thinker. The Nobel Prize winner answered that he was initially a follower of Castro's revolution. However, this ceased to be a viable path for him when he discovered that in Cuba of the revolution, there were concentration camps.
The UMAP camps functioned as compulsory labor camps for Cubans ineligible for military service due to their status as conscientious objectors, individuals holding religious beliefs, members of the LGBT community, or political adversaries of Fidel Castro and his communist revolution.
The enthusiasts who supported that process do not usually highlight this shadow within the Cuban Revolution. Typically, people close to the dictatorship have tried to obscure or deny responsibility in this regard and have sought to sustain their discourse in the figure of a scapegoat or a common enemy based on the act of attacking the United States of America.
It has been more accessible for those who committed human rights violations to blame a third party or a more significant country instead of assuming their own mistakes. This drama has been experienced firsthand by many island citizens, who were forced to flee from coercion and the limitation of their freedoms.
Thus, many Cubans have been coming to Florida for many years after the revolution. Many of them have even made trips that could easily be a Hollywood movie, like swimming in the open sea, exposing themselves to all kinds of dangers, storms, sharks, and lost dreams, but with a longing for freedom and exclaiming the dream of a promised land over tyranny and the figure of a dictator.
We at The Ward Law Group know that immigrant rights matter. Just as our core value is to serve our community, we make our clients feel supported daily by professionals who love to serve others. That is why, over the years, we have provided counsel in the native language of many members of the Latin American and Cuban communities residing in the United States, providing the calm and recognition that this struggling community deserves.
Contact The Ward Law Group now! You will receive a free case evaluation! You will be able to obtain legal advice in Spanish!
Where is Little Havana
With its rich history and a palpable sense of community, Little Havana has become a cherished home for many Cuban immigrants who sought refuge in the United States. It represents the epitome of the Cuban diaspora, as countless individuals embarked on a poignant journey to escape political unrest and seek new beginnings in the land of freedom.
Little Havana shares a special connection with the island of La Habana, the capital city of Cuba. Situated across the Florida Straits, approximately 226 kilometers south of Little Havana, La Habana reminds us of the massive Cuban migration.
The Atlantic Ocean lies east of Little Havana, and the cool ocean breeze occasionally wafts through the streets, offering a refreshing respite from the warm Miami sun. Merely a few kilometers separate this lively district from the ocean's shore, allowing residents and visitors alike to bask in the allure of coastal living.
Due to its location in South Florida, Little Havana is in an area that is occasionally vulnerable to hurricanes that sweep through the region. As a coastal state, Florida faces the potential risk of tropical storms and hurricanes during the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June to November.
Little Havana is situated relatively close to the coast, so it may be exposed to the impacts of these powerful storms, including strong winds, heavy rainfall, and flooding. While the community takes pride in its rich heritage and vibrant atmosphere, residents and businesses in Little Havana must stay prepared and vigilant during hurricane season, taking necessary precautions to protect their property and ensure their safety in these natural challenges.
Basic History of Little Havana and Cuban Immigrants in South Florida
The story of Little Havana is the story of a people responding to an instinct to survive in the face of circumstances. Freedom is a longing of the human soul. The Monopoly of violence that can be embodied in the State, as in the figure of a tyrant, does not always consider basic elements for a civilized life such as: "the rule of law", "freedom to human rights", and "to the pursuit of happiness". There are cases where violence is monopolized to such a degree that entire people can be trapped in systems of exploitation and misery.
Although the dreams of some served to establish ideals, the project of the Cuban revolution has gone through various stages. The elite that monopolized power and their entourage were always less affected than the men and women on foot, the Cubans who, using a raft, could benefit from policies such as the wet feet and dry feet policy.
Curiously, Little Havana's history is strictly linked to a humanitarian legal initiative in the United States. In this way, by acting as a receiving country for exiles from the island through asylum policies, it found a way to receive immigrants.
The "wet feet, dry feet" policy is a term used to describe a particular migration policy that applied to Cuban exiles trying to reach the United States. Under this policy, if a Cuban managed to touch U.S. soil (having "wet feet") without being intercepted at sea, they were allowed to stay in the country. They could apply for permanent resident status after one year.
This policy differed from the "dry feet" policy, which applied to Cubans who were intercepted at sea before reaching land and were then returned to Cuba or a third country. The "wet feet, dry feet" policy was part of the Cuban Adjustment Act, implemented in 1966 to facilitate the arrival and stay of Cubans fleeing the communist regime in Cuba. However, this policy was modified in 2017 by the U.S. administration, changing how Cuban asylum requests were treated.
Little Havana began to be populated by Cubans in the 1960s, particularly after the Cuban Revolution of 1959. Many Cubans arrived in Miami and settled in the Little Havana neighborhood, seeking refuge and a new life away from the island due to Cuba's political and social changes.
Over time, this community became a symbol in the United States and has maintained its rich cultural heritage.
Types of Personal Injury Cases We Take
At The Ward Law Group, we proudly serve a diverse range of personal injury cases, ensuring that our clients receive the highest level of legal representation and support.
Our experienced team of attorneys is well-versed in handling various types of personal injury cases, and we are committed to fighting for the rights of those who have been wrongfully injured. Here are some of the critical areas in which we specialize:
- Car Accident: Car accidents can have devastating consequences, resulting in injuries, property damage, and emotional distress. Our skilled car accident attorneys are dedicated to helping you navigate the complexities of insurance claims and securing the compensation you deserve.
- Bike Accident: As avid supporters of bicycle safety, we understand the unique risks cyclists face. If you've been injured in a bike accident due to another party's negligence, our team is here to advocate for your rights and seek fair compensation.
- Catastrophic Injuries: such as traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord injuries, can dramatically alter a person's life. Our compassionate attorneys are equipped to handle these complex cases and pursue maximum compensation for your long-term care and recovery.
- Motorcycle Accidents: Often result in severe injuries due to the lack of protection for riders. If you've been involved in a motorcycle accident, our legal team will fight tirelessly to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
- Truck Accident: Collisions involving commercial trucks can lead to catastrophic consequences. Our experienced truck accident attorneys have the knowledge and resources to take on trucking and insurance companies to secure just compensation.
- Pedestrian Accidents: Pedestrians are vulnerable road users, and pedestrian accidents can be devastating. We are dedicated to advocating for pedestrian rights and ensuring those responsible for your injuries are held accountable.
- TBI Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can have long-term consequences on a person's physical, cognitive, and emotional health. Our team of attorneys is well-versed in handling TBI cases and fighting for appropriate compensation.
- Whiplash Injuries: These are common in car accidents and can cause significant pain and discomfort. Our attorneys will diligently ensure you receive proper medical attention and fair compensation for your suffering.
- Broken Bones: Fractured bones can result in extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. We understand the impact of broken bone injuries and will fight for the compensation you need to recover fully.
- Burn Injuries: can be not only physically but also emotionally devastating. Our compassionate attorneys will support you throughout the legal process and work to secure the compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering.
No matter the type of personal injury case you are facing, The Ward Law Group is here to provide the legal representation and support you need. Our commitment to our clients and our dedication to justice drive us to fight relentlessly on your behalf. Contact us today for a free case evaluation, and let us help you seek the compensation you deserve.
Types of Compensation Available for Accident Claims in Little Havana
In Little Havana, accidents can occur unexpectedly, leaving victims facing physical, emotional, and financial hardships. The Ward Law Group is here to assist you in navigating the complex world of personal injury claims and fighting for the compensation you deserve.
- Medical Expenses Coverage: Medical bills can quickly pile up after an accident, causing significant financial strain. Compensation for medical expenses can cover hospitalization, doctor visits, surgeries, prescription medications, physical therapy, and other necessary medical treatments.
- Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages during your recovery period. Moreover, if your injuries result in a long-term disability that affects your ability to earn income, you may be eligible for compensation for loss of earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: Accidents can cause not only physical injuries but also emotional distress and mental anguish. Compensation for pain and suffering seeks to provide financial relief for the intangible damages endured due to the accident.
- Property Damage: In many accidents, property damage to your vehicle or personal belongings can occur. Compensation for property damage covers the repair or replacement costs for damaged property.
- Rehabilitation and Therapy Costs: Accidents may require ongoing rehabilitation or therapy to aid in recovery. Compensation for rehabilitation and therapy expenses can help you access the necessary resources for a smoother recovery.
- Loss of Consortium: In some instances, family members of accident victims may experience a loss of companionship or support due to the injuries suffered by their loved ones. Compensation for loss of consortium aims to provide support to affected family members.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme negligence or intentional harm, the court may award punitive damages to punish the responsible party and deter similar actions in the future.
Contact a Little Havana Personal Injury Lawyer
The Ward Law Group has a proven track record of advocating for accident victims in Little Havana, helping them secure the compensation they need to move forward after an accident. Our dedicated team of attorneys will meticulously assess the circumstances of your case, gather evidence, and build a strong claim on your behalf.
We will stand by your side. Call today at 855-DOLOR-55!