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Florida Civil Litigation Questions & Answers
3 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts, Civil Litigation and Civil Rights for Florida on
Q: Does the fact that I couldn’t afford therapy strengthen my emotional distress claim?

I plan to visit the dealership again to secretly record conversations regarding the $3,000 down payment, terms of financing, and other details for my case.

As Florida is a two-party consent state, I am concerned about whether it is legal to record these conversations inside the... View More

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Oct 8, 2024

You first posed a question about the affect of not affording therapy on an emotional distress claim, and you then stated a concern about recording a conversation, which I take to mean a question asking if you can record in the setting you described without asking permission. You did not connect... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Civil Litigation and Employment Law for Florida on
Q: I was held at knifepoint at my last job. Is there anything I can do to be compensated for me having to leave my job?

I had to leave because the guy who held me at knifepoint was the favorite employee and kept his job. I did file a complaint to HR which they finally fired him after I left, however in between that time I was continually scheduled with my attacker and forced to work with him. For about a week I was... View More

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Sep 9, 2024

Though you resigned, it might be considered to be a "constructive discharge" due to you having no choice but to leave. If you are eligible for reemployment assistance (unemployment comp) based on how long you worked there, see if you can apply for such assistance based on constructive... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Litigation for Florida on
Q: Can you be arrested for throwing a cigarette on the ground

I was pulled over for no seat belt. I was asked to step out of the car. As I did so I threw my cigarette on the ground to be polite. I was arrested for littering. Is this legal.

Leonard Louis Cagan
Leonard Louis Cagan
answered on Sep 3, 2024

I find it hard to believe that an arrest would be warranted for throwing a single cigarette to the ground. I would recommend taking a look at the arrest paperwork to see what statute or ordinance was alleged to have been violated. That is a good place to start. Look up that law and read it. Then... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury and Civil Litigation for Florida on
Q: I'm trying to figure out how to file a motion to Oppose/Object a Motion for Summary judgement.

I am the Plaintiff in a slip and fall lawsuit against a grocery store. I had to end up defending myself pro se. On 6/18/24 I was granted the motion to receive a copy of the surveillance footage of the incident before deposition. The defendant sent 9 files that were difficult to access, so I was... View More

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Sep 2, 2024

You need to file an opposition to the motion for summary judgment. It should be supported by an affidavit (written statement under oath and signed by you and the notary before whom you swore under oath) setting forth the genuine issues of material fact which you believe would be issues to prevent... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury and Civil Litigation for Florida on
Q: I'm trying to figure out how to file a motion to Oppose/Object a Motion for Summary judgement.

I am the Plaintiff in a slip and fall lawsuit against a grocery store. I had to end up defending myself pro se. On 6/18/24 I was granted the motion to receive a copy of the surveillance footage of the incident before deposition. The defendant sent 9 files that were difficult to access, so I was... View More

Cesar Mejia Duenas
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answered on Sep 2, 2024

In Florida, to oppose the Motion for Summary Judgment, you should file a written response detailing the new evidence you discovered from the surveillance footage. Explain that the video now shows how the spill occurred and how long it was on the floor, which creates a genuine issue of material... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Litigation for Florida on
Q: If a woman has a restraing order against a guy & she's contacting the guy can she get in trouble for violating the order
Rod Caruco
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answered on Aug 30, 2024

This can be a dangerous situation for the individual that is governed by the restraining order. Generally, a typical order will likely state the individual is to make no contact and, if contacted, the individual is not to respond. If there is a basis for a reciprocal injunction, that may be sought.... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Litigation for Florida on
Q: If a woman has a restraing order against a guy & she's contacting the guy can she get in trouble for violating the order
Leonard Louis Cagan
Leonard Louis Cagan
answered on Aug 30, 2024

A restraining order will be governed by the wording of the order. Usually that relates to some restraint on the Respondent or the person who the order was "sought against." As the previous attorney noted. if you are unsure what the order means you should consult an attorney.

You...
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2 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Business Law, Civil Litigation and Communications Law for Florida on
Q: How should I respond to being threatened by another company's VP?

I was threatened by another company's VP for "willfully and wrongfully withholding payment" and he stated that " it will fall on me and word is going to spread in the industry" if I do not pay an invoice that is 5 years old. I started working at the my company 5 months ago... View More

Cesar Mejia Duenas
Cesar Mejia Duenas pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Aug 22, 2024

The situation you describe involves potential legal claims related to defamation and coercion. Here’s how you might approach this:

(i) Slander and Defamation: Slander refers to a false spoken statement that damages a person's reputation. If the VP's statement that you are...
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2 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Business Law, Civil Litigation and Communications Law for Florida on
Q: How should I respond to being threatened by another company's VP?

I was threatened by another company's VP for "willfully and wrongfully withholding payment" and he stated that " it will fall on me and word is going to spread in the industry" if I do not pay an invoice that is 5 years old. I started working at the my company 5 months ago... View More

Phillip William Gunthert
Phillip William Gunthert
answered on Sep 14, 2024

I would add that most debts in the State of Florida related to contracts have a 5-year statute of limitations attached to them, it would appear based on what you have reported and if correct, that the ability to collect this debt may have expired (thus the threats), you should review the statute of... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Copyright and Civil Litigation for Florida on
Q: How do I request a dismissed from this action with prejudice from the FL case 1:23-cv-21976 zuru lawsuit?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 26, 2024

To request a dismissal with prejudice from the FL case 1:23-cv-21976 Zuru lawsuit, you need to file a motion with the court. Begin by drafting a motion to dismiss, clearly stating your reasons for seeking dismissal with prejudice. Make sure to reference any relevant legal grounds and case law that... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Copyright and Civil Litigation for Florida on
Q: How do I request a dismissed from this action with prejudice from the FL case 1:23-cv-21976 zuru lawsuit?
Bao Tran
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Bao Tran
answered on Jul 25, 2024

Based on your query about requesting dismissal with prejudice from a Florida case, here are the key steps and considerations:

Understand "Dismissal with Prejudice":

This means the case is dismissed permanently and cannot be refiled.

It's a final judgment on...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Constitutional Law and Legal Malpractice for Florida on
Q: If my PD made a negligent error on my sentencing sheet that costed me 6 months past my max date in PA DOC do I have case

The Senior Public Defender of Lehigh County PA made a negligent error on my sentencing sheet that costed me 6 months past my max date in PA DOC. My charges were supposed to be concurrent not consecutive. Was supposed to be out 08/27/18 not 01 09 19. I have a letter from my PD stating that she made... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 20, 2024

You may have grounds for a legal malpractice claim against your Public Defender if their error resulted in you serving an additional six months in prison. The key aspect is proving that the mistake was due to negligence and directly caused the additional time served. Having a letter from your... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law and Civil Litigation for Florida on
Q: In my civil case the attorney didn’t show up in the Plaintiffs behalf and the judge ruled a dismissal without prejudice

I have received court papers stating that. Can I stop making good faith payments?

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Jul 20, 2024

You don't HAVE to make payments at all. But since the dismissal was without prejudice, the plaintiff may, if it chooses, re-file the case and get a judgment. If so, it could attempt to collect by garnishment and by other means.

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3 Answers | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law and Civil Litigation for Florida on
Q: In my civil case the attorney didn’t show up in the Plaintiffs behalf and the judge ruled a dismissal without prejudice

I have received court papers stating that. Can I stop making good faith payments?

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jul 25, 2024

In a dismissal w/o prejudice, the attorney may file the case again, or the plaintiff could retain a new attorney. At worst, it's possible that discontinuing payments might violate your original obligations, or at best, could make you look bad before the court at a subsequent hearing if the... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law and Civil Litigation for Florida on
Q: In my civil case the attorney didn’t show up in the Plaintiffs behalf and the judge ruled a dismissal without prejudice

I have received court papers stating that. Can I stop making good faith payments?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 27, 2024

If your attorney did not show up, leading to a dismissal without prejudice, it means the case can be refiled in the future. You should consider the possibility that the opposing party might refile the case, which means your obligation might not be completely over.

Stopping good faith...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Consumer Law for Florida on
Q: Can I sue an auto body shop for unauthorized use of my vehicle?

After I picked up my car at the body shop, I checked the video recording of the installed dashcam and found out that some employees took a joyride during working hours, on my car and were trying to teach another employee how to drive a manual transmission.

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Jul 17, 2024

A civil lawsuit normally requires money damages. Unless there is a statute imposing punitive damages, such a suit for using your car would bring you pennies, at least, so it probably wouldn't be worth your time and expense. Also, the body shop might well contend that it was necessary to see... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Insurance Defense, Personal Injury, Civil Litigation and Insurance Bad Faith for Florida on
Q: Could we be held financially liable if our adult son is on our insurance policy?

We have a 19-year old son who has his own insurance on a paid off car that is titled to a trust that solely has the vehicle in the trust (vehicle trust). However, he lost his job is now not able to pay for insurance. We would like to know if we add our son to our insurance policy and the car... View More

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Jul 14, 2024

No, it is unlikely that you could be held liable for having him on your insurance. Liability normally results from negligent action on the part of a driver, not co-insured such as you would be.

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1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury, Civil Litigation, Civil Rights, Small Claims and Health Care Law for Florida on
Q: Is there a law that prohibits a person from entering into a hospital? I received a Cease and desist letter.

I visited an Emergency room as a patient. I was subjected to Blood borne substances, unknown fluids and used bed sheets. When I filed a complaint, an Attorney wrote a letter stating I am not to enter into the hospital until this dispute is investigated. So, in essence am I being denied medical... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 26, 2024

Based on the information provided, here's an analysis of the situation:

1. Generally, there is no law that broadly prohibits a person from entering a hospital. Hospitals are typically open to the public, especially emergency departments which are required to provide emergency medical...
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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Civil Litigation for Florida on
Q: judge wont respond to a motion to reconsider on a civil case. Is the 30 day for appeal clock running.

Civil case for damaged approx $5K Judge awarded $1K Plaintiff motioned for reconsideration and then RE Motioned a second time and the court has not or will not answer the motion. Is the 30 day clock running from the 1st order of judgement for $1k?

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Jun 23, 2024

Your motion is probably not the type of motion that stops the clock for the appeal window, BUT whenever there's a question, "In my court case, is the clock running for me to ____?" or "What is my deadline to ____?", that's an issue that you should NOT rely on online... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and DUI / DWI for Florida on
Q: I was arrested for DUI. The charges were dropped because video shows the officer did not make a traffic stop. Can I sue?

This is not a case of me driving in traffic and a cop observed my driving pattern and made a DUI traffic stop. I was at a motel when an incident occurred with an ex, two males got involved and I left. Because I did not know where my phone was, I went to a parking lot 10 seconds away to look inside... View More

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Jun 17, 2024

Sorry to hear about your ordeal. Your inquiry is unclear regarding the phrase, "arrested me without me knowing". If you're arrested, you'd know it. You would be handcuffed, placed in a patrol vehicle, and taken to a facility for booking. Not sure if you mean you were instead... View More

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