Despite certain state legislators’ efforts to place restricting limitations on the juries of the state in relation to this issue, multiple, beneficial settlements and verdicts in personal injury cases have been reached in Florida over the past year. These cases have helped set the precedent moving forward that serious personal injury cases need to be taken care of — if push comes to shove — in the courts. While tort reform continues to be a hotly discussed issue, both on the local and national scale, we’d like to take a look at some of the notable jury verdicts and settlements that took place in the Sunshine state in the very recent past. These decisions, made by juries, judges and attorneys, prove that justice can be achieved through litigation and/or attorneys working together on your behalf. Below are some stories of success following some gravely unfortunate events.
This past year, the family of an elderly woman, who died while on a drawbridge, was awarded $1.5 million dollars. In 2009, the woman was walking across a drawbridge in Broward County, and as she approached the midpoint, the drawbridge opened, causing her to fall to her death. The plaintiffs argued that the operator of the drawbridge neglected to properly check and make sure that there were no pedestrians utilizing the drawbridge; his negligence led to the elderly woman’s death. Living in South Florida, we’re highly aware of the amount of drawbridges that surround us. We use them frequently and they serve to connect us on the mainland to the other side of the intercoastal. However, this story reminds us of the dangers associated with them and the duty of care that the operators of the drawbridges have to ensure that pedestrians and motorists are safe. This $1.5 million award will serve to both compensate the traumatized family as well as to ensure that drawbridge operators will act more carefully going forward.
Recently, in Miami, FL, megabank JP Morgan Cahse & Co. tentatively acknowledged that they would pay $110 million in an effort to settle a class-action lawsuit filed by customers stemming from outrage over overdraft fees which they claim were excessive. The suit alleged that the bank processed debit card transactions in a way that would allow them to charge customers more frequently. The charges typically ranged from $25–$35, which may not seem like a lot; but with millions of customers around the country, the fees added up, and so did the public outrage. This settlement, which is still pending court approval, will both pay back some customers who could really use the money and serve to serve as a deterrent for banks planning on engaging in unfair business practices. This suit followed a similar class-action suit against Commerce Bank, which resulted in an $18.3 million verdict against the bank, with the money going to refund customers and pay for their legal fees.
A man in Miami, FL has recently been awarded $5 million for the serious brain injuries he sustained in an auto accident, caused by a drunk driver, that occurred in 2007, when the plaintiff was just 22 years old. The plaintiff was a passenger in a stopped vehicle when an intoxicated driver, being chased by police, struck the stopped car. The drunk driver fled the scene of the accident but was later caught. As a result of the horrific crash, the plaintiff endured awful fractures to his skull and face. The injuries led to serious brain damage, specifically to his frontal lobe. The plaintiff now suffers from seizures which require constant care. This settlement will both assist the plaintiff in his recovery and serve as a deterrent to those who might think that they can get away with drunk driving.
These suits and settlements show that justice can be achieved. If you’ve been injured, in any way, in an accident or at the hands of another, don’t think that there is no hope for you to receive compensation. We can help you get the justice you deserve. If you need advice or have any questions, please contact the Law Offices of Aronberg & Aronberg by calling us at 561-266-9191 or email us at daronberg@aronberglaw.com.
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