Florida

New Study Reveals Potentially Fraudulent Practices Impacting Florida Homeowners Insurance Premiums

by

TALLAHASSEE, Florida — A new study commissioned by the Florida Legislature reveals a concerning trend in the state’s insurance landscape. The study analyzed 58,395 insurance claims that led to lawsuits in 2022 and found that a disproportionately high number of these claims occurred in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. This raises suspicions of potential fraudulent or abusive practices prevalent in these areas. Additionally, litigated claims were found to be more than six times more expensive than non-litigated claims, potentially contributing to the high homeowners insurance premiums in Florida. Florida Insurance Commissioner Mike Yaworsky expressed … Read more

Federal Judge Delivers Stinging Rebuke to Florida Virtual School in Landmark Trademark Ruling

by

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A federal judge in Florida has issued a scathing ruling against the state-run Florida Virtual School (FLVS). U.S. District Court Judge Gregory A. Presnell criticized FLVS for pursuing a lawsuit against its private competitor, K12 Inc., calling the school a “trademark bully.” The judge deemed FLVS’s trademark infringement claims as “feeble” and lacking credible evidence. In addition, the judge accused FLVS of making misrepresentations to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. FLVS had argued that it held exclusive rights to the phrase “Florida online school” when used to describe schooling options in … Read more

Florida Jury Awards $261 Million in Total Damages to Family Featured in Netflix Documentary

by

MIAMI, Florida – A Florida jury has awarded $261 million in damages to the family of Maya Kowalski, the child featured in a popular Netflix documentary. The jury determined that a daycare facility was responsible for the severe injuries sustained by Maya, and she was subsequently awarded $211 million in compensatory damages. Additionally, the jury has now tacked on an additional $50 million in punitive damages. The case revolves around a daycare accident that left Maya with permanent cognitive and physical disabilities. The Netflix documentary brought international attention to her story, highlighting the negligence and … Read more

Florida Woman’s Children Awarded $11 Million in Lawsuit Against Philip Morris and R.J. Reynolds Over Mother’s Smoking-Related Death

by

Jacksonville, Florida – Jurors awarded over $11 million this week to the children of a Florida woman who died from lung cancer after years of smoking cigarettes manufactured by the nation’s two largest tobacco companies. The case, known as Ferraiuolo v. Philip Morris, et al., involved a verdict that held Philip Morris and R.J. Reynolds responsible for the woman’s death. The verdict included $1.05 million in compensatory damages and $10 million in punitive damages. However, the jury attributed only 17% of the liability to Reynolds, 28% to Philip Morris, and the rest to the deceased … Read more