Florida

Florida Woman Sues Pasco County Over Alleged Disability Discrimination in Building Code Dispute

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Pasco County, FL — More than half a year has passed since Danielle Atherton-Bonner first voiced her concerns, and now, the Florida resident has taken legal action. Atherton-Bonner has filed a lawsuit against Pasco County, citing discrimination based on disability. This legal battle stems from a contentious requirement by the county for her to install a costly fire sprinkler system in her home, a mandate they defend as a safety precaution. Atherton-Bonner, who uses a wheelchair for mobility, claims that the county’s insistence on the installation of the sprinkler system in her single-family home does … Read more

Jury Awards $16 Million to Florida Family in Tobacco Lawsuit, Citing Conspiracy and Fraud by Philip Morris

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Miami, FL — A Florida jury has awarded $16 million to the family of a deceased smoker, holding Philip Morris accountable for his death due to lung cancer. The verdict, delivered this week, includes $6 million in compensatory damages and an additional $10 million in punitive damages, finding the tobacco giant responsible for the untimely demise of 56-year-old Manuel Garcia, who was a long-term user of Marlboro cigarettes. Garcia, who succumbed to lung cancer in 1998, had been a regular smoker for two decades. His family argued that Philip Morris played a crucial role in … Read more

Landmark Verdict: Florida Jury Holds Tobacco Giants Accountable for Smoker Illnesses in Historic 1999 Ruling

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Miami, FL — In a landmark decision on July 7, 1999, a jury in Miami-Dade County found major tobacco companies liable for the illnesses of several Florida smokers, marking a significant moment in legal and public health history. This pivotal case, originating from a class-action lawsuit filed in 1994, was the first of its kind to go to trial, setting a precedent for future tobacco litigation. The case highlighted the ongoing battle between public health advocates and tobacco companies over the impacts of smoking. The jury’s decision underscored the increasing legal challenges tobacco firms faced … Read more

Disney Faces Lawsuit Over Canceled Florida Relocation Plan Amid Allegations of Misrepresentation

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Los Angeles, CA — A judge involved in a high-profile lawsuit against Disney has recused herself due to a potential conflict of interest, as her daughter is employed by the entertainment giant. The case concerns accusations that Disney misled some employees about the conditions of a massive cross-country relocation from Southern California to Orlando, Florida. The lawsuit was initiated by Maria De La Cruz, VP of Product Design, and George Fong, Director of Product Design, who allege that Disney misrepresented the benefits of moving to a new “camperview” campus in the Lake Nona community in … Read more