Florida Supreme Court News

11th Circuit Asks Fla. Supreme Court if Insurers Can Sue Auto-Glass Shops

The Florida Legislature earlier this year struck a mighty blow for auto insurers in their years-long fight against windshield repair shops, ending assignment-of-benefits and the practice of offering gifts to insureds. Now, the Florida Supreme Court could soon decide another …

Fla. Supreme Ct. Rejects Offset from Jury Award for $4M Paid to Settle Bad Faith Claims

Randy Willoughby’s lawyers turned a $10,000 uninsured motorist policy into a $4 million bad-faith settlement with his auto insurer. Then they won a $30 million jury verdict against the co-owner of the truck that crashed into him. Now, Willoughby’s counsel …

Fla. Supreme Court Allows Early Dismissal of Medical Malpractice Cases

Like a sports league deciding to make greater use of in-game instant replay on crucial calls, the Florida Supreme Court has made it a little easier for hospitals and other medical malpractice defendants to challenge expert witnesses’ qualifications. “This is …

Fla. Supreme: Public Adjuster with Contingent Fee Agreement Cannot Act as Appraiser

A public adjuster cannot act as an appraiser for a homeowner they represent when the insurance policy specifies that the appraiser must be “disinterested,” the Florida Supreme Court ruled Thursday. The high court affirmed a 2nd District Court of Appeal …

Fla. Bar Charges ‘Mobile Claim Center’ Lawyer Deceived Hurricane Victims

The Florida State Bar is seeking sanctions against a partner with a prominent New Orleans area law firm, alleging that she used deceptive tactics to solicit clients after Hurricane Ian. The bar on Thursday filed a petition with the Florida …

Fla. Supreme: Plaintiff Can’t Pull Out of Settlement Because Lienholder Named as Payee

Adam J. Sounders agreed to settle his personal-injury lawsuit against a trucking company for $500,000, but pulled out of the deal when he received a settlement check that included a workers’ compensation lien holder as a payee. A Florida jury …

Attorney for a Top Florida Insurance Law Firm Disbarred After Forgeries, Misconduct

A former attorney with one of Florida’s top insurance defense firms has been disbarred after the Bar said she engaged in repeated acts of neglect, deception and forgery. Erika Lynn Muller, until recently a partner with the Cole, Scott & …

With Florida Rulings, Will More Insurers Require Arbitration in Claims Disputes?

A decision handed down Thursday by the Florida Supreme Court, along with a recent ruling by state regulators, could give insurers another tool that could be used to stem the tide of claims litigation. In AirBnB Inc. vs. John Doe, …

Fla. Court Rulings Hand Tool to Insurers to Stem Claims Litigation

A decision handed down Thursday by the Florida Supreme Court, along with a recent ruling by state regulators, could give insurers another tool that could be used to stem the tide of claims litigation. In AirBnB Inc. vs. John Doe, …

Fla. Supreme Rules ‘Hybrid’ Reimbursement Model OK For PIP Claims

Automobile insurance carriers in Florida may limit reimbursement to health providers in keeping with a fee schedule in a personal injury protection policy, the Florida Supreme Court decided in a decision posted today. “We agree with the Second District Court …