Taryn Phaneuf News
Maintenance worker cleans up in suit against Wellington mall's janitorial company
WEST PALM BEACH – A man who accused a cleaning company of refusing to hire him because of his race was awarded approximately $172,000 by a jury.
Judge dismisses complaint against Hamilton County horse track
TALLAHASSEE – Despite his criticism of the horse races held at Hamilton Downs, an administrative law judge dismissed a state regulator’s complaint that alleged some of the track’s races don’t count.
Trade secrets and transparency clash in suit over public records request
TALLAHASSEE – A dispute over a public records request submitted to the state children’s health insurance program brings to light the tension between protecting trade secrets and transparency – two important facets of state law that can sometimes be at odds.
Florida Bar fills three board of governors seats after runoff
TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Bar has elected two new members and one incumbent to the Bar’s board of governors after a runoff vote settled three of five contested races.
With new section, Florida Bar sees greater interest in animal law; Creatures are considered family members, attorney says
TALLAHASSEE – Florida attorneys look forward to a new section of the state’s Bar association that will focus on animal law – a growing area of interest that intersects with almost every area of law, from contracts to sports to criminal law.
New VA policy would confirm a veteran's death before stopping benefits
GULFPORT – The Department of Veterans Affairs enacted a new policy for confirming a veteran has actually died after realizing it wrongly stopped benefits for more than 100 veterans.
Artitst can pursue lawsuit against UPS over lost paintings, Supreme Court says
TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Supreme Court has given another shot to an artist who accused UPS of stealing her art and selling it to a third party.
Florida Supreme Court declines to hear birth injury suit; family can continue claim
TALLAHASSEE – In deciding not to hear a dispute over whether the University of Miami can be held liable for a birth injury, the Florida Supreme Court has allowed a family to continue to pursue its claim.
Attorney discipline punishes, deters lawyer misconduct, law professor says
ORLANDO – The Florida Supreme Court disciplined 14 attorneys in February. Among them, two attorneys were disbarred, one had his license revoked, five were suspended, six were publicly reprimanded and one was put on probation
Attorney couple starts 'progressive and independent' super-PAC; Bernie Sanders is favored candidate
MIAMI – Before this year, attorney Elizabeth Beck may not have seemed like the kind of person to start a political action committee.
Got a PIP letter? Attorneys offer tips to insurers who receive personal injury protection demands
FORT LAUDERDALE – If an auto insurance company fails to pay a personal injury protection (PIP) claim, Florida law requires the medical provider submit a demand letter to the insurer before filing a lawsuit. The company has 30 days to respond to the letter and in that time, it has a lot to consider.
In local elections, residency complaints usually settled by voters
TAVARES – Complaints that a Lake County commissioner seeking re-election lives outside the district he represents will likely be resolved by voters this fall.
National firm elects 8 shareholders at Florida offices
WEST PALM BEACH – Diversity is important at Carlton Fields, a new shareholder at the firm’s West Palm Beach office told the Florida Record.
Consumer advocates work to call attention to predatory lending tactics
TAMPA – Consumer advocates are brushing up on new tactics of predatory lenders so they can once again beat back the businesses waiting to take advantage of some of the most vulnerable individuals.
An 'accidental judge' still enjoys her role after 20 years on Miami-Dade County Court
MIAMI – Using her experience as a lawyer and a knack for solving problems, Miami-Dade County Court Judge Deborah White-Labora has built a career she truly enjoys.
Legal foundation: Public Records Act doesn't excuse 'sloppy or even honest and reasonable mistakes'
STUART – A public interest legal foundation argues Martin County should be made to pay the legal fees of two Florida companies that sued the county in 2013 over allegedly unfulfilled public records requests.
Online course will teach lawyers, judges to be critical of expert witness credentials
DELAND — An online legal course for lawyers, judges and law enforcement seeks to teach more people how to evaluate expert witnesses and the laboratory or institution they represent.
Attorney seeks open state House seat in District 25
ORMOND BEACH — A firm believer in the impact of being involved in a local community and volunteering, Thomas J. Leek is not a career politician.
Former compliance director says Broward Health fired him for blowing whistle
FORT LAUDERDALE — The former compliance director at Broward Health claims he was fired after two months on the job because he reported alleged illegal activities being performed by hospital employees, calling them “flagrant and continuous violations."