News from May 2018
Florida high court reverses appeals court ruling on time frame for accepting settlement in lawsuit
The Florida Supreme Court issued a ruling May 17 rejecting the 5th District Court of Appeal's decision to reverse a trial court’s ruling to deny a woman sued for car accident injuries to accept a settlement offer that expired.
Boca Raton suing Colorado attorney for alleged negligence in bids to buy shell companies
On May 21, a Boca Raton man filed a suit in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida against a Colorado attorney alleging breach of contract after the attorney accepted over $100,000 to purchase shell companies that allegedly were not available.
Former employee suing Florida testing lab for unpaid overtime
A complaint was filed in the Southern Florida District Court on May 18 alleging Blackwater Testing and other parties owe the plaintiff “unpaid overtime compensation, liquidated damages, and the costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees of this action under the Fair Labor Standards Act.”
High court dismisses Sierra Club challenge to Florida Power & Light rate hike
The Florida Supreme Court in a May 17 decision denied the Sierra Club’s appeal that had claimed a Florida Public Service Commission order granting a Florida Power & Light (FPL) petition to raise utility rates was not in the best interest of the public.
Mother accuses educational facility of negligent supervision
CLEARWATER — A Clearwater mother is suing the county school board, alleging negligent supervision regarding the safety of her child.
Oldsmar homeowner alleges insurer failed to cover water damage
CLEARWATER — An Oldsmar homeowner is suing an insurer, alleging breach of an insurance contract.
Visitor alleges St. Petersburg property owner's negligence caused injuries
CLEARWATER — A Pinellas County woman is suing a St. Petersburg property owner, alleging negligence led to injuries for the plaintiff.
Widow alleges negligence from nursing home, medical providers caused husband's death
CLEARWATER — A widow is suing a Palm Harbor nursing care facility, alleging negligence in her husband's wrongful death.
Attorney accuses Pinellas County woman of defamation
CLEARWATER — An attorney is suing a Pinellas County woman, alleging defamation and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Alleged Vermont ski resort Ponzi scheme suit dismissed
MIAMI -- Judge Federico A. Morino issued an order May 15 for the U.S. District Court Southern District of Florida to dismiss a plaintiffs’ class complaint, alleging the owner of two Vermont ski resorts had used investor money to buy and fund his resort projects.
Marine company ordered to clarify negligence complaint
MIAMI -- The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida has issued an order granting a third party’s motion to dismiss a suit alleging indemnity and contribution after the party was sued for negligence in repairing a boat.
Federal court says FCC definition of automatic telephone dialing systems applies in debt collector suit
MIAMI – The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida issued a ruling that the FCC definition of automatic telephone dialing systems are binding in district courts in a woman's case alleging a debt collector violated the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) by calling her cellphone without consent.
U.S. District Court in Miami cites means test in agreeing to hear bankruptcy appeal
MIAMI – The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida issued an order to deny a bankruptcy trustee’s motion to dismiss an appeal for lack of jurisdiction.
Pinellas County company alleges roofer owes nearly $172,000
CLEARWATER — A Pinellas County business is suing a roofing services company, alleging breach of contract.
Visitor alleges health care facilities' negligence led to injuries
CLEARWATER — A visitor is suing St. Petersburg health care facilities, alleging negligence led to injuries for the plaintiff.
Orlando homeowner alleges insurer failed to provide hurricane coverage
ORLANDO — An Orlando homeowner is suing an insurance company, alleging breach of contract.
Party goer alleges condo association's negligence led to deck injuries
ORLANDO — An Osceola County woman is suing an Orlando condo association, alleging negligence in failing to to take sufficient measures to prevent injuries on a deck.
St. Petersburg property owners allege insurer failed to cover water damage
CLEARWATER — Two St. Petersburg property owners are suing an insurer, alleging breach of contract, due to refusal to acknowledge a policy claim.
Consumer accuses bank of unlawful debt collection practices
CLEARWATER — A Florida woman is suing a bank, alleging violation of telephone harassment statutes.
Federal court agrees to reopen suit involving water-damaged restaurant
MIAMI – The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida on May 18 granted a retrial in the case of an insurance carrier who refused to pay for roof damage to a restaurant saying the damage was outside its coverage.