News from March 2016
Settlement to give relief to more KB Homes homeowners
TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Attorney General’s office has reached a multi-million dollar settlement with homebuilder KB Homes and its subsidiaries to repair homes found to not meet certain construction requirements.
Non-law students have options for pursuing an LL.M. degree
MIAMI GARDENS – In recent years, there has been a growing interest in students who are pursuing LL.M. degrees, otherwise known as an advanced law certification with credibility worldwide, even though these students may not be involved in the law industry personally.
Chief justice helps find solutions for those unable to defend themselves
JACKSONVILLE – A state chief justice is looking to find a solution for those unable to defend themselves in civil court cases, because of a so-called “legal services gap.”
Brevard County judge removed from office for altercation
TITUSVILLE – A judge with the Brevard County court was removed from office following a decision by the Florida Supreme Court in December.
Spokesman, attorney say lawsuit over Coors Light without merit
MIAMI — A MillerCoors spokesman says a class action lawsuit alleging its Coors brand beer deceptively uses the Rocky Mountains in its advertising is "baseless."
FJRI president: Over-inflated accuracy in damages in personal injury claims harming Florida tort system
TALLAHASSEE – In liability cases, many would assume that the amount billed for medical expenses and the actual amount paid are the same. However, one of the grave issues harming Florida’s legal system is over-inflated accuracy in damages in personal injury claims, sometimes referred to as “phantom damages.”
Fantasy sports sites gamble on Florida law
TAMPA – Fantasy sports sites are operating in Florida despite laws that seem to forbid them, but new legislation may turn the gamble into a sure thing.
Former CEO of Butler & Hosch Law Firm resigns from Florida Bar Association
ORLANDO – Robert Hosch Jr., the founder of Butler & Hosch law firm, has begun the process to resign from the Florida Bar Association but admits no wrongdoing.
Rideshare company Uber subject to injunction in pending trial over trademarked name
GAINESVILLE – Gainesville company Uber Promotions won an injunction against the rideshare company Uber Technologies Inc., limiting the use of its brand name until judgment is rendered in a trademark infringement suit between the two companies.
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.
Former employee seeks allegedly unpaid wages from Diagnostic Medical Imaging
MIAMI – A woman is suing her former employer seeking wages she alleges that was not paid.
Former server alleges Il Gabbiano Miami did not pay overtime
MIAMI – A Miami man alleges his former employer did not pay him overtime pay.
Woman alleges Burger King restaurant terminated her after taking maternity leave
MIAMI – A Palm Beach County woman alleges she was terminated after taking time off for the birth of her baby.
Progressive Leasing accused of contacting plaintiffs without their consent
TAMPA – Two Florida residents are suing a debt collection company over allegations it contacted them without their consent.
Former waitress sues Sabor A Mexico alleging unpaid overtime wages
TAMPA – A Hillsborough County woman alleges her former employer did not pay her overtime wages.
Cruise passenger alleges ship's staff was negligent in care
MIAMI – A passenger that traveled on the cruise ship the Norwegian Epic has filed suit over claims the ship's medical staff was negligent in its care.
Veteran alleges Simply Sweet wouldn't serve him
FORT MYERS – A disabled Sarasota County veteran alleges that a shop wouldn't serve him because of his service animal.
Supreme Court reverses decision allowing State Farm to reduce future damages awarded due to plaintiff’s Medicare benefits
TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Supreme Court has reversed a decision by an appellate court to include evidence of a plaintiff’s eligibility for future benefits under Medicare to determine future damages.
Florida appellate court strikes down arbitration agreement due to cap on damages provision
TALLAHASSEE – A Florida appellate court recently ruled that the arbitration agreement in a dispute between a nursing home and a deceased resident was unenforceable because the agreement included a cap on damages.
Florida's 11th Circuit strikes down credit card surcharge law
MIAMI – A recent decision from the 11th Circuit Court in Florida could have a big impact on credit card transactions in the state.