CLEARWATER — A client is suing his lawyer, alleging professional negligence.
Ralph Rugo filed a complaint Feb. 7 in Pinellas Circuit Court against Kathryn J. Sole and Sole Law PLLC, alleging they failed to act in the best interest of plaintiff.
According to the complaint, beginning in February 2017, Rugo hired Sole to defend him in a mortgage dispute in Dunedin. In August 2017, the suit says, Rugo suffered monetary damages as a result of placing trust and confidence in Sole's capabilities to reduce his fine of $630,882.90 within the required 30-day period and conduct a title search to discover the actual mortgage holder, which the defendant failed to accomplish.
The plaintiff alleges Sole Law failed to file a petition with the city of Dunedin to reduce the lien, failed to discover the mortgage lien holder on the property, and wrongfully represented to Rugo that his property was free and clear and that he could proceed with the planned renovation.
Rugo seeks trial by jury, damages of more than $15,000, costs and all other relief the court deems just. He is represented by attorney Steven W. Moore of Largo.
Pinellas Circuit Court case number 18-CA-790