Dee Thompson News
Florida high court reverses public utilities ruling
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- The Florida Supreme Court has reversed a lower court’s ruling in a rate case involving the Florida Public Utilities Company (FPUC).
New class action brought by former felons aims to restore voting rights
Florida's harsh laws regarding disenfranchisement of felons face new challenges from the newly filed class action.
Action taken by Met Life against squabbling sisters results in settlement
ORLANDO -- A disputed estate has caused Metropolitan Life Insurance to file an interpleader complaint and bow out of the fray, leaving the court to decide which sister gets the insurance money.The sisters, however, took it upon themselves recently to settle their dispute.
Groups trying to help veterans with PTSD get proper care
TAMPA — Many military veterans suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, but if they are discharged with anything less than an honorable discharge they cannot get the mental-health treatment they need.
Appeals court overturns $1.3M award in alleged voyeur case
MIAMI — The 3rd District Court of Appeal recently overturned a jury’s award of $1.3 million to a Coral Gables woman who claimed she suffered emotional distress after a man who worked for a security company allegedly took video of her several years ago.
'Now is the time to admit that PIP can’t be fixed,' FJRI president says
TALLAHASSEE – Florida law regarding PIP (Personal Injury Protection) payments is evolving as the Supreme Court seeks to clarify what is considered “reasonable” when it comes to medical expenses.
Appeals court rules workers cannot choose their own doctors
TALLAHASSEE — The Florida 1st District Court of Appeals decided against the plaintiff in a workers-compensation case because he sought to change primary doctors from a family practice physician to an orthopedist.
Gross named one of Florida's Super Lawyers
FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla — Terence Gross, a personal-injury and wrongful-death lawyer for Gross and Schuster, P.A., has been named one of Florida’s Super Lawyers by the Florida Super Lawyers List.
Class-action lawsuit seeks to crack down on condo association fees
MIAMI – A new class-action lawsuit against a Miami condominium association claims that associations routinely overcharge consumers far more than the legally capped amount.
Jones Day argues that federal law on smoking lawsuits should preempt state laws
TALLAHASSEE -- Attorney Gregory Katsas with Jones Day in Washington, representing tobacco company R.J. Reynolds, recently argued before the Florida Supreme Court that in Florida courts, the liability and negligence claims of smokers are preempted by federal law.
Case highlights statistics regarding some attorneys' substance abuse, mental issues
MILTON, FLORIDA – A recent court case highlights the fact that attorneys have higher rates of substance abuse and mental illness than many other professionals.
Voting booth selfies banned in Florida
TALLAHASSEE -- People want to take “selfies” everywhere they go, which includes the voting booth. However, by law, Florida residents cannot take selfies when they vote.
Negative bar exam results prompt law school dean to expound on diversity
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – Passing Florida’s bar exam can be a daunting task, and one law school dean recently expressed his frustration at the entire law school admissions process after a high number of students at his school failed the exam.
Judge Gregory Holder stands by his actions in helping veteran
TALLAHASSEE— Hillsborough Circuit Court Judge Gregory Holder recently found himself in a place many Florida judges aspire to be in – the Florida Supreme Court. But he was facing a disciplinary panel, not hearing a case, after going above and beyond a judge's duties in helping a veteran.