News from 2018
Condo association accused of numerous misdeeds; attorney says behavior is the norm
DESTIN -- A condominium improvement association is being sued by numerous residents for breach of contract and breach of fiduciary duties.
Judge dismisses negligence lawsuit of Parkland shooting; attorney calls decision 'erroneous'
FORT LAUDERDALE -- A Florida judge has rejected arguments by victims' families of the Parkland shooting, saying that the deputy stationed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School was not required to stop the shooting.
Grandville at Jubilee Park is suing a Delaware company, claiming breach of contract
A Florida partnership is suing H&R Properties LLC, a Delaware company, citing alleged breach of contract.
Bloomingdale’s apologizes to family of teen tackled by security guard over mistaken identity
AVENTURA, Fla. — The Bloomingdale's department store chain has apologized to the teenager reportedly tackled in its Aventura Mall location last February when a now-fired security guard suspected the 13-year-old girl of shoplifting.
Court affirms decision on child protective investigations case
JACKSONVILLE -- A case of child protective investigations, conducted by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO), has resulted in a decision that sustains a district court ruling regarding government immunity held in court.
Florida appeals court upholds jury verdict in Miami-Dade construction project dispute
MIAMI – The Florida Third Circuit Court of Appeal upheld a ruling that awarded Kesoki Painting LLC $91,904 for work done as a subcontractor on a construction project for the Miami-Dade County Overtown Transit Village, according to an order entered Dec. 19.
Leon County court directed to enter ruling backing R.J. Reynolds in lung cancer death case
TALLAHASSEE – The Leon Circuit Court has been directed by Florida’s First District Court of Appeal to enter a verdict in favor of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. in a case filed by the husband of a woman who died of lung cancer, according to a Dec. 18 appeals court ruling.
Appeals court allows shopping center, car dealership easement agreement to stand
WEST PALM BEACH – The District Court of Appeal of Florida Fourth District upheld the 15th Judicial Circuit Court Palm Beach County’s decision to enforce a permanent easement between a shopping center and car dealership, according to an opinion entered Dec. 19.
FLORIDA OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL: Attorney General Bondi, Other State Attorneys General and Federal Government Announce $625 Million Settlement
Attorney General Pam Bondi announced a $625 million multistate and federal settlement with a major pharmaceutical distributor.
Court denies Comcast motion to compel arbitration in suit alleging sales rep badgered former customer
MIAMI – The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida recently dismissed a motion to compel arbitration filed by cable giant Comcast Cable Communication LLC regarding a lawsuit filed by a former customer who claimed she was harassed by its salespeople in an attempt to regain her service.
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA: Former Tax Return Preparer Sentenced for $1.75 Million Stolen Identity Tax Refund Scheme
Ariana Fajardo Orshan, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Michael J. De Palma, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Brian Swain, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Secret Service (USSS), Miami Field Office, and William Hernandez, Chief, North Miami Beach Police Department (NMBPD), announced that Saul Frederick, 45, of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, was sentenced on December 14, 2018, to 61 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay $1,757,397 in restitution for his role in a stolen identity tax refund scheme.
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE FOR THE MIDDLE DISTRICT OF FLORIDA: Davenport Vascular Surgeon Agrees To Pay $2.23 Million To Settle Health Care Fraud Claims Associated With Vein Ablation Services
United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces that Dr. Irfan Siddiqui and his vascular surgery practice, Heart and Vascular Institute of Florida (HAVI), have agreed to pay the United States $2,230,000 to resolve allegations that, from January 2, 2011, to June 30, 2018, Dr. Siddiqui and HAVI violated the False Claims Act by submitting false claims to federal health programs for reimbursement of vein ablation procedures.
Man suing employer claims multiple labor violations
An employee is suing Florida Mobile Rehab LLC d/b/a Salus, a foreign corporation, citing alleged breach of contract, unpaid wages, violation of applicable minimum wage law, violation of workers compensation acts and violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
Veterinarian suing pet owner over social media posts
A veterinarian and animal hospital are suing a pet owner, claiming defamation in Facebook and Google Review posts.
Former employee says she was wrongfully denied compensation, terminated
An employee is suing a Florida corporation, citing alleged intentional infliction of emotional distress and violation of workers' compensation laws.
Woman sues rental property owner, citing unsafe conditions
An invitee is suing the William D. Stark Trust, a rental property owner, alleging insufficient measures were taken to prevent injuries.
Pinellas County couple alleges nursing care was substandard, sues provider
A Pinellas County couple is suing Morton Plant Hospital Association Inc., a nursing care provider, citing alleged insufficient measures were taken to prevent injuries.
Individual sues electrical contractor citing negligence
An individual is suing Lew Electrical Services LLC, a contractor, citing alleged insufficient measures were taken to prevent injuries.
Pinellas County resident accuses Speedway LLC of negligence
A business invitee is suing Speedway LLC, a convenience store owner, citing alleged insufficient measures were taken to prevent injuries.
Motorist sues vehicle owner and driver after collision
A motorist is suing Christine Marie Fisher and All American Transportation Services of Florida Inc., vehicle owner and driver, citing alleged insufficient measures were taken to prevent injuries.