News from July 2019
Insurance group applauds DeSantis' efforts to shape Florida courts
TALLAHASSEE - A state insurance group said that reforms Gov. Ron DeSantis supports with respect to the civil justice system should have a positive impact on Floridians.
Insurance group: Transparency is needed in third party litigation funding
TALLAHASSEE -- With Florida’s third party funding of civil litigation under the microscope, a Florida Association of Insurance Agents official cautions that the growing industry could potentially be increasing frivolous filings.
July 23: Pinellas Circuit Court docket for "wrongful act" cases
The following cases categorized as "wrongful act" cases were on the docket in the Pinellas Circuit Court on July 23. All case details are allegations only and should not be taken as fact:
July 23: Pinellas Circuit Court docket for "auto negligence" cases
The following cases categorized as "auto negligence" cases were on the docket in the Pinellas Circuit Court on July 23. All case details are allegations only and should not be taken as fact:
Florida Bar: Supreme Court reprimands two attorneys, another faces suspension in separate orders
TALLAHASSEE — Longwood and Miami attorneys have been reprimanded and a Tampa attorney faces suspension following separate Florida Supreme Court orders, according to a recent announcement by The Florida Bar.
Business leader says innovation is way to solve climate change, not 'absurd' litigation
TALLAHASSEE — Brewster B. Bevis, Associated Industries of Florida's (AIF) senior vice president of state and federal affairs, believes climate change litigation will end up harming Florida residents and businesses.
Florida Chamber of Commerce applauds governor's agenda
TALLAHASSEE -- Since taking office Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' (R) has reshaped the state Supreme Court into a conservative court.
Associated Industries of Florida: Litigation financing proves costly to state, businesses
TALLAHASSEE -- The state of Florida is no stranger to litigation schemes and perhaps one of the most impactful to the state's legal scene is litigation financing, in which third parties finance civil litigation, such as a class action lawsuit, in return for a percentage of the jury award.
NFIB calls for transparency regarding litigation funding in Florida; Will support legislative reforms next session
TALLAHASSEE – Civil litigation funding has become an increasingly lucrative business for third parties in Florida and elsewhere, raising concern about the effect this may have on the justice system and questions about whether more regulation is needed to keep the industry in check.
Royal Caribbean subsidiary wins personal injury ruling in bad guacamole case; Plaintiff alleged hearing loss and fertility complications
MIAMI — A Royal Caribbean luxury cruise line subsidiary, Silverseas, has been awarded nearly $5,000 in litigation costs after it prevailed in a maritime personal injury case filed by a woman who alleged she was served guacamole that contained shellfish even after warning of her seafood allergy.
Federal court rules girlfriend of deceased South Florida real estate mogul can file new complaint
MIAMI — A federal court has ruled the girlfriend of deceased South Florida real estate mogul Mauricio Capuano can proceed with her conspiracy allegation against his estranged wife and nephew that involve an estate dispute over the sale of his $2.3 million Biscayne Bay property.
Federal judge denies Naples golf club's partial judgment motion in Hurricane Irma damage case
FORT MYERS — A Naples golf club that is suing its insurer over a dispute related to a Hurricane Irma damage claim, for which portions of the club's property are covered under its policy, has been denied its motion for partial judgment on the pleadings.
Weeki Wachee attorney faces suspension, probation for allegedly mishandling trust
TALLAHASSEE (Florida Record) — Longtime Weeki Wachee attorney Antonina Vaznelis faces suspension and probation following a July 3 Florida Supreme Court order over allegations she mishandled a trust, according to a recent announcement by The Florida Bar.
Naples attorney suspended, faces probation after practicing law while delinquent
TALLAHASSEE (Florida Record) — Naples attorney Eric Robert Stanco was briefly suspended earlier this month and faces probation following a June 20 Florida Supreme Court order after failing to pay a fee and practicing while delinquent, according to a recent announcement by The Florida Bar.
Valrico attorney indefinitely suspended after contraband, soliciting prostitution guilty pleas
TALLAHASSEE (Florida Record) — Longtime Valrico attorney Andrew Spark faces indefinite suspension following a July 15 Florida Supreme Court order and his guilty plea to contraband and soliciting prostitution charges, according to a recent announcement by The Florida Bar.
Judge backs Pilgrim's Pride in race, disability discrimination suit
JACKSONVILLE — A federal judge has struck down a lawsuit filed by a former Pilgrim's Pride chicken processing employee who alleges the company violated his Family Medical Leave Act rights and he suffered discrimination based on his race and disability.
Federal court rules against Mid-Continent Insurance in its bid for summary judgment
JACKSONVILLE — A federal court has denied Mid-Continent Insurance's request for a summary judgment in a case involving a Florida couple who allege the insurer's bad faith from an underlying construction defect lawsuit in which the insurance company refused to defend their insured builder Cronk Duch.
Geico ordered to pay license plate transfer, title fees as part of vehicle replacement
ORLANDO — A federal court has ruled that the plaintiffs in a breach of contract class action lawsuit whose cars were declared total losses by Geico Insurance are entitled to title and license plate transfer fees as part of the "actual cash value" replacement for their vehicles.
Judge grants BeSweets injunction, default judgment in 'Sugarbearhair' trademark infringement case
MIAMI — A federal judge has granted Broward County-based BeSweets Creations a default judgment as well as a permanent injunction in its "Sugarbearhair" trademark infringement case but has postponed the awarding of the company's proposed relief of $1,000 per unit of copy cat products that were sold.
Court dismisses civil rights claim against Walgreens, but allows whistleblower allegation to go forward
ORLANDO — Walgreens has been granted its motion to dismiss one of four counts filed by a former employee who alleges she was fired and denied family medical leave requests to care for her disabled son because she reported violations and issues taking place at the store.