News from 2017
Former employee accuses fitness company of discrimination
CLEARWATER — A Pinellas County woman is suing a fitness company, alleging pregnancy discrimination, gender discrimination, and violation of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
Driver alleges another motorist's negligence caused crash
CLEARWATER — A Pinellas County woman is suing a motorist, alleging the defendant's negligence caused a crash that injured the plaintiff.
Guardian blames Pinellas County School Board for child's injuries
CLEARWATER — A Pinellas County woman is suing the local school board, alleging negligence led to a child suffering injuries.
Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust files record request in state Supreme Court hot mic controversy
TALLAHASSEE – Washington-based Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust (FACT) is seeking emails from two Florida Supreme Court justices following a controversy over comments the pair made that were picked up by a hot mic.
Visitor blames Holiday Inn Express for injuries
CLEARWATER — A guest is suing Holiday Inn Express, alleging negligence caused him to fall in the bathtub and suffer injuries.
Couple alleges building contractor's negligence caused leaky roof
ORLANDO — An Orlando husband and wife are suing a building contractor, alleging breach of contract, breach of implied warranty, violation of building code and negligence.
Couple blames contractor, homeowner for husband's injuries
Couple accuse contractor and homeowner of negligence
CLEARWATER — A couple are suing Antonio Lopez and Nancy Dougher, contractor and homeowner, citing alleged loss of consortium and negligence.
Patient alleges medical professionals' negligence led to suffering
CLEARWATER — A Pinellas County woman is suing a doctor and medical facilities, alleging negligence.
Customer blames Target for fall, injuries
CLEARWATER — A Clearwater woman is suing Target, alleging negligence led to her suffering injuries.
Jacksonville attorney suspended after failing to return $1.25 million deposited in client account
Jacksonville attorney Christopher Michael Ochoa has been suspended until further notice following an Sept. 19 Florida Supreme Court order over $1.25 million allegedly transferred into his client trust account for a business deal that he failed to return upon request.
Kissimmee attorney suspended following allegations she failed to diligently represent clients
Kissimmee attorney Talitha Marcine Leacock has been suspended following a Sept. 14 Florida Supreme Court order over allegations she failed to diligently represent clients after being retained.
Construction firm accuses subcontractor of tortious interference
ORLANDO — A construction firm is suing a subcontractor, alleging defamation and tortious interference.
Florida nursing homes called ill-equipped to handle emergencies
Florida nursing home agencies have been called upon to cooperate in an effort to properly equip residential facilities to handle emergency situations like the recent hurricanes.
Miami attorney suspended for allegedly soliciting client at hospital
Miami attorney Arturo Dopazo III faces a year of suspension following an Oct. 5 Florida Supreme Court opinion over allegations that he solicited a client at a hospital following an automobile accident more than a decade ago.
Tenant blames Orlando apartment complex for assault
ORLANDO — A tenant is suing an Orlando apartment complex, alleging negligence and vicarious liability in an assault on the plaintiff.
Florida Supreme Court authorizes changes to state bar regulations
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - The Florida Supreme Court issued its decision Oct. 19 regarding proposed changes to the regulations that govern the Florida Bar.
Customer blames St. Petersburg yoga studio, owners for injuries
CLEARWATER — A customer is suing a St. Petersburg yoga studio and owners, alleging negligence led to the plaintiff suffering severe shoulder injuries.
Orlando property owner alleges tenant owes more than $100,000
ORLANDO — An Orlando property owner is suing a tenant, alleging it owes $106,000 for breach of a lease agreement.
Clearwater attorney agrees to disbarment following grand theft guilty plea
Clearwater attorney John Arthur Smitten, currently in Pinellas County Jail following his guilty plea on a charge he had stolen more than $100,000 from an area law firm, has agreed to his disbarment following a Sept. 14 Florida Supreme Court order.
Motorist alleges Geico failed to cover crash injuries
CLEARWATER — A Pinellas County driver and her minor passenger are suing Geico, alleging breach of contract.