News & Events

Joshua C. Canton a partner in the firm’s Thomasville, Georgia office, along with Justin B. Hales, an associate in the firm’s Thomasville, Georgia office, recently prevailed on a motion for summary judgment in a pedestrian versus motor vehicle accident in Athens-Clarke County, Georgia where they argued that Plaintiff walked into oncoming traffic without regard for the right-of-way.  An offer of settlement was served by Defendant resulting in a claim against the Plaintiff for defense fees and costs.

The COVID-19 pandemic has complicated liability insurance for the hospitality industry. A multitude of lawsuits has forced insurance companies to reevaluate how they provide and price insurance for this industry. Insurance companies must now shoulder much more risk than in the past, especially given the lawsuits against hotels and restaurants for both COVID-19 transmission and labor practices. Now, the hospitality industry must address a new reality.  

Boats are used commercially for many reasons. Some owners will allow their boat to be chartered, often for a day out on the water or as a fishing boat. Others may use commercial boats for transport or to move cargo. Either way, boat accidents can result in significant liability for the owner when an accident causes injuries to passengers, damage to other boats, or the loss of cargo. Major insurance companies offer commercial boat insurance that protects boat owners if there is an accident.

Robert Horwitz, a partner in the firm’s West Palm Beach office, along with Diane Tutt, an appellate partner in the firm’s Hollywood office and Jared Ross, an associate in the firm’s Hollywood office, recently prevailed with a complete defense verdict after a three-week non-jury trial in Miami-Dade County. 

Cristobal Casal and Yasmine Kirollos, Partners in our Fort Myers office, obtained summary judgment in favor of Target in a premises liability lawsuit in which Plaintiff alleged that she suffered a slip and fall while at the store.  Plaintiff claimed she fell due to a spill involving a blue liquid in one of the main aisle ways.  The lawsuit was initially filed in state court, however, Target removed the case to the United States Middle District Fort Myers Division citing diversity of jurisdiction.  Target argued that Plaintiff had failed to prove that the store had actual or constructive notice of the substance under the requirements of the state’s transitory foreign substance law. The federal court agreed in entering summary judgment and found Target to be the prevailing party in this matter.