Hightower, Stratton, Novigrod & Kantor

Just announced! Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. This selection process includes independent research, peer nominations and peer evaluations. The Rising Stars list recognizes no more than 2.5 percent of attorneys in each state. To be eligible for inclusion in Rising Stars, a candidate must be either 40 years old or younger, or in practice for 10 years or less.

Miami Partner, Charles S. Thompson, and Senior Associate, Mylena O. Chin-See hit a Trifecta this week when they obtained dismissals with prejudice for one of the state’s largest homeowners’ insurers! In three different cases, three completely different Plaintiffs all abandoned their cases once they saw what they were up against! Congratulations Charles and Mylena!

Miami Partner, Charles S. Thompson, and Senior Attorney Nixon J. Alcantara, achieved a dismissal with prejudice for one of the state’s largest homeowners’ insurers! Plaintiff tried mid-litigation to claim her damages were from a named storm, instead of a random day in April. Charles and Nixon were able to uncover numerous instances of pre-existing damage the Plaintiff sought to conceal. During a tough deposition, Plaintiff was forced to admit she had omitted facts and did, in fact, know about the damages when she bought the home. Moreover, she admitted she hadn’t maintained the home as needed. Finally, she had to admit that she had lied about the date of the loss. Result: Based on the great work of Charles and Nixon, Plaintiff dismissed the case against our client with prejudice with an agreement to waive attorneys’ fees!

Just announced…

Firm Founder, Dale Hightower, and Partner, Michael Costello, recently secured a successful verdict on an intense Trip & Fall case at a major restaurant chain in Orlando, FL. Plaintiff suffered a terrible triad injury in which his right arm was stuck at a permanent 90-degree angle after falling on a rock. A month prior to trial, Defendant offered $500,000, which Plaintiff denied. During the week-long trial, Plaintiff made a demand to the jury for $10,000,000. Plaintiff’s orthopedic expert and treating physician testified he relied on Plaintiff’s medical records to diagnose. Plaintiff sustained a significant triad injury to his right arm. During cross-examination, we were able to get the doctor to admit those records contained errors and failed to acknowledge Plaintiff’s long medical history which may have contributed to the fall. RESULT: At the close of evidence, the jury awarded $1,170,000 for Plaintiff’s damages. However, the jury found that Plaintiff was 70% at-fault for the accident, while the Defendant was merely 30% liable, and apportioned fault accordingly. As such, Plaintiff’s reduced award was totaled to $351,000.

Wishing a big congrats to this dynamic duo! First Party Property Attorneys Charles S. Thompson and Mylena O. Chin-See attained Dismissal With Prejudice for one of our homeowner insurance clients. Bravo! #firstpartyproperty #insurancedefense