TAMPA - Jessica Mae Estes filed a complaint on September 8 in Hillsborough County Circuit Court against Joel E. Bernstein, Esq., and Bernstein and Chackman, P.A. for legal malpractice.
According to the complaint, on Sept. 9, 2019, Estes was operating her vehicle when she crashed into a vehicle operated by Jose Gregorio Pereira-Espina and occupied by Yailene Pereira-Espina that caused bodily and property damage. Estes was insured by Windhaven Insurance Company.
On Sept. 13, 2019, the Pereira-Espinas were offered a settlement which was rejected. Windhaven then retained Bernstein as attorney. On Oct. 10, 2019, Bernstein allegedly sent a letter to the Pereira-Espinas, which Estes was never notified about.
Bernstein also allegedly rejected a settlement offer from the Pereira-Espinas in Estes' name without her approval or permission, which Estes claims is the reason for the lawsuit.
Estes is represented by Stephen A. Marino.
Circuit Court of the 13th Judicial Circuit in and for Hillsborough County filing number 134226031