News from April 2016
African-American lawyers recognize civil rights pioneer Virgil Hawkins
GAINESVILLE – Virgil Hawkins opened the door to the legal profession for African-American lawyers in Florida, and the legal profession has not forgotten his sacrifices.
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.
Florida Bar Suspends Fort Myers attorney
ORLANDO – The Florida Bar has suspended Fort Myers attorney Josiah Ewing Hutton Jr. for alleged misappropriations of client funds.
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
Man alleges Hampton Inn Deerfield has barriers that restrict access to disabled
FORT LAUDERDALE – A Palm Beach County man has filed a suit against a hotel alleging that the property owner discriminated against him and others who are similarly situated by denying access to, and full and equal enjoyment of goods and services located at the premises.
Gucci claims sellers offered counterfeit goods
MIAMI – A luxury goods company has filed suit against several online sellers over allegations of offering counterfeit goods.
Man alleges Pita Plus is not ADA compliant
MIAMI – A Broward County man alleges a Fort Lauderdale business has barriers that restrict access to the disabled.
Orange County resident accuses Security Alarm Now of unpaid wages
ORLANDO – An alarm technician is suing his former employer over claims he was not paid overtime.
Miami-Dade County resident accuses Amscot Corp. of gender discrimination
MIAMI – An assistant manager alleges her former employer terminated her because of her pregnancy.
Man alleges company filed suit against him over fraudulent debt
MIAMI – A Broward County Sheriff's Office employee is accusing a Virginia debt collector of malicious prosecution.
Former employees claim The Transition House Inc. owes them overtime wages
ORLANDO – Four former employees of a drug and mental health treatment center allege that they were not properly compensated when they worked more than 40 hours in a week.
Man alleges S.W. Cole Inc. did not pay him overtime wages
OCALA – A man has filed a suit against his former pest control employer over allegations he was not paid overtime wages during his employment.
Attorney predicts deceptive labeling class actions will increase; Leffe case brewing in Florida
The Leffe case is the third such lawsuit AB InBev has undergone in as many years. In 2013, the company was sued for its alleged misleading Beck’s Beer and Kirin Ichiban Beer labels. Those suits claimed AB InBev misrepresented the products by insinuating that Beck’s is brewed in Germany and Kirin Ichiban is brewed in Japan, when both beers are actually brewed in the U.S.
Four attorneys disciplined by Florida Bar
ORLANDO – In a sign that the Florida Bar is taking a no-nonsense approach with its members, it disciplined four lawyers earlier this month for wide-ranging offenses.
Florida A&M student group fights for animal rights
TALLAHASSEE – Animal Law Activists at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) have made great strides for Animal Rights over the past several years through fundraising and informative events meant to better educate the public on their four-legged brethren.
Students can earn law degree faster through 3+3 program at Stetson and Chatham
GULFPORT – The sky is the limit in terms of how many Chatham University undergraduates can take advantage of a new 3+3 accelerated program, a faster way to earn a law degree, a Stetson University College of Law spokeswoman said recently.
Lakeland attorney fears precedent in lottery winnings case; More frivolous claims are likely, he says
LAKELAND – A Seminole County judge's ruling over disputed lottery winnings brought some legal definition to the concept of a verbal contract. One Florida attorney, however, believes the case could lead to a troubling precedent.
Feds file suit against Broward County man over allegedly unpaid student loans
MIAMI – A government agency is suing a Broward County resident citing an alleged failure to pay student loans.
Woman files suit against Prudential seeking disability benefits
ORLANDO – A woman alleges her insurance company wrongfully denied her long-term disability benefits.
Server alleges Papa Vito's Italian Restaurant did not properly pay employees
ORLANDO – A former server alleges a Brevard County restaurant did not pay its employees overtime wages.