News from February 2018
McDonald's accused of serving excessively hot coffee
ORLANDO—An individual is suing McDonald's Restaurants of Florida Inc., citing alleged insufficient measures were taken to prevent injuries and negligence.
Marriott Grand Vista owners accused of negligence
ORLANDO — A husband and wife are suing Marriott Ownership Resorts Inc., Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation and Shawn McFarland, alleging insufficient measures were taken to prevent injuries and negligence.
Opioid judge doesn't want media to know details of settlement talks
CLEVELAND (Legal Newsline) - The judge overseeing multidistrict litigation against opioid manufacturers and distributors has named the teams of lawyers who will try to negotiate a settlement of hundreds of federal lawsuits - a complex task given parallel investigations and litigation by state attorneys general and potentially conflicting goals of private attorneys and their government counterparts.
Sarasota attorney voluntarily disbarred following allegations of misappropriating more than $215,000
TALLAHASSEE — Sarasota attorney Jordan Lloyd Wallach has been voluntarily disbarred following a Jan. 4 Florida Supreme Court order in light of allegations that he misappropriated more than $215,000 in client funds, according to a recent announcement by The Florida Bar.
Tampa attorney suspended following traffic-related arrest, alleged professional misconduct
Tampa attorney Mayowa F. Odusanya has been suspended for six months following a Dec. 14 Florida Supreme Court order over numerous professional misconduct allegations, including those arising from his traffic-related arrest last year, according to a recent announcement by the Florida Bar.
Employee says he was wrongfully terminated by Law Offices of John L. Di Masi
ORLANDO — A former employee is suing the Law Offices of John L. Di Masi, P.A., alleging the firm violated the Florida Whistleblower Act.
Former guard at Orlando International accuses HSS Security of discrimination
ORANGE — A former security guard at the Orlando International Airport is suing her Colorado-based employer, alleging discrimination and retaliation.
Melbourne attorney suspended following 2 life sentences for forcing sex on 12-year-old
Melbourne attorney Joseph Pallante III has been suspended until further notice following a Dec. 14 Florida Supreme Court order after he received two life sentences plus 90 years for repeated forced sex acts on a 12-year-old girl, according to a recent announcement by the Florida Bar.
Business groups urge Florida Supreme Court to decline minimum wage review
Business groups and the state of Florida are urging the state Supreme Court to pass on reviewing a lower court decision blocking the city of Miami Beach from unilaterally raising the minimum wage.
Margate attorney voluntarily disbarred over alleged misuse of funds, neglecting client
Margate attorney Elaine S. Laura has been has been voluntarily disbarred following a Jan. 4 Florida Supreme Court order over allegations she misused client funds and neglected a client’s case, according to a recent announcement by the Florida Bar.
Yulee attorney suspended following alleged unauthorized charges to client's credit card
Yulee attorney Laura Healan Coggin has been suspended for 18 months following a Jan. 2 Florida Supreme Court amended order over allegations she made unauthorized charges to a client's credit card, according to a recent announcement by the Florida Bar.
Man hit by car claims Dunedin shopping center owner negligent
CLEARWATER — A business invitee is suing a Florida shopping center owner, alleging negligence.
Widow sues doctors and Mease Countryside Hospital after husband dies
CLEARWATER — A widow is suing a number of local medical providers, alleging negligence, vicarious liability and wrongful death.
Woman alleges she slipped and fell in Dunedin Wal-Mart
CLEARWATER — A shopper is suing Wal-Mart Stores East LP, alleging negligence.
Appeals court rules new trial in discount diamond case
The Third District Court of Appeal is sending back a $235,000 diamond discount breach of contract appeal back to trial.
Winter Garden attorney voluntarily disbarred following alleged improper use of client funds
Winter Garden attorney Leigh A. Kyer has been voluntarily disbarred following a Dec. 28 Florida Supreme Court order over allegations she improperly used client funds, according to a recent announcement by the Florida Bar.
Palm Garden nursing home accused of negligence
CLEARWATER— A representative is suing Palm Garden of Pinellas LLC, Palm Healthcare Management LLC and Samantha Vosloo, alleging negligence and breach of fiduciary duty.
Coral Gables attorney suspended again following alleged trust account irregularities
Coral Gables attorney Francisco Jose Aguero has been suspended following a Dec. 21 Florida Supreme Court order over irregularities in his client trust funds, according to a recent announcement by the Florida Bar.
Steube AOB bill passes judiciary panel despite business opposition
TALLAHASSEE - A revamped bill that aims to address rising assignment-of-benefits concerns in Florida passed the state Senate’s Judiciary Committee Tuesday, but still failed to win support from the insurance industry and business interests.
House bill would reduce man's jury award by over $2 million
A man who was injured in an Orlando crash involving a county employee may be awarded $750,000 by Orange County rather than a $2.9 million award from a 2012 jury trial.