Case Examples & Results
The following are examples of some of the cases that the Weber Law Firm has handled over the past 13 years. As we have handled hundreds of cases, we cannot list them all here. You can contact use at 1.855.WEBERLAW or by Email at RMWeber@weberlawfirm.com to discuss these and any other cases we have handled for our clients.
Slip and Fall at National Restaurant - Kendall
On July 25, 2010, our client, Jane Doe, was dining with her husband at a National Restaurant chain in Kendall, Florida. After finishing dinner, Jane Doe walked towards the exit of the restaurant. She slipped and fell on the hardwood floor in the dining room, suffering injuries to her knee that required surgery to repair.
The Restaurant investigated the incident and concluded that there was nothing on the floor that would have caused her to slip - i.e., food, water, grease, etc. As a result, the Restaurant’s insurer denied the claim.
Jane Doe agreed that there was nothing on the floor - but believed that the hardwood floor was just “slippery.” The Weber Law Firm filed suit against the National Restaurant in the Fall of 2010. During the litigation, Lawyers at the Weber Law Firm uncovered two other women who had slipped and fallen at the Restaurant on the very same night as Jane Doe. Moreover, the Weber Law Firm located several former employees of the National Restaurant who testified that the hardwood floor in the dining room had been slippery for a long time before Jane Doe slipped and fell and that it was well known among the hostesses, wait staff and management that the floor was slippery - particularly for females wearing high heels.
Exactly one year from the date of Jane Doe’s slip and fall - July 25, 2011 -- the Weber Law Firm was scheduled to go to trial in this case. On the Thursday before trial, the lawyers for the National Restaurant indicated that their client would likely “admit liability” and accept fault for Jane Doe’s Slip and Fall. WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES! On the eve of trial, the National Restaurant agreed to pay a confidential amount of money for Jane Doe’s injuries.
Slip and Fall on Chicken Wing Juice - Boynton Beach
On June 1, 2007, our client, Jane Doe, was dining at a Sports Bar/Restaurant in Boynton Beach, Florida. When she first arrived with her family, Jane Doe observed a waitress drop a plate full of chicken wings on the concrete floor. A restaurant cleaning crew quickly cleaned the area and Jane Doe thought nothing more of it…
That is until Jane Doe got up to go to the bathroom. As she walked through the area nearby the spill, she suddenly slipped and fell, landing on her knee and breaking her knee cap. As a result, Jane Doe required surgery.
The Sports Bar/Restaurant’s insurance company denied the claim arguing that Jane Doe knew about the dropped chicken wings and should have been more cautious as she walked across the floor.
Shortly after the denial, the Weber Law firm filed suit on Jane Doe’s behalf in Palm Beach County. Within a few months, the case was set for trial and the parties were ordered to mediate the case. At mediation - less than 1 year after the incident and on the eve of trial, the Sports Bar/Restaurant paid Jane Doe $250,000.00 to settle her claim.
Medical Malpractice Case - Physical therapist breaks patient’s knee cap
Our client, Jane Doe, was 70 years old who suffered from severe arthritis in her knee. As a result, doctors recommended that she have a total knee replacement. The surgery was a great success and it looked as if Jane Doe would soon be walking pain free - something that she hadn’t done in year!
As part of her recovery, Jane Doe underwent regular physical therapy. About six weeks after the surgery, Jane Doe had a physical therapist who had never worked on her before. During a particular range of motion exercise, this therapist pushed Jane Doe beyond her limits. Jane Doe was screaming and pleaded with the therapist to stop. Unfortunately, by the time the therapist stopped it was too late. Jane Doe’s knee was bleeding. Although the therapist told Jane Doe that it was just her wound that had “opened up,” in reality, the therapist broke Jane Doe’s kneecap. To make matters worse, this was an “open fracture,” meaning that the broken bones broke through Jane Doe’s skin. Jane Doe underwent an additional surgery to repair for her knee.
The Weber Law firm conducted a medical malpractice pre-suit investigation pursuant to Florida law and thereafter filed suit on Jane Doe’s behalf against the physical therapist. Shortly before trial, the parties mediated the case as ordered by the Court. The lawyers for the Weber Law Firm were able to recover the maximum amount of damages available under Florida’s Medical Malpractice damage caps.
Medical Malpractice - Mystery burn during hip replacement surgery
Jane Doe broke her hip in a fall at home. Following hip surgery at the hospital, Jane Doe had an unexplained, third degree burn to her underarm. Neither the hospital nor the surgeon could explain the source of the burn. The medical records were of no help either. Therefore, the Weber Law Firm retained a “top notch”, medical device failure expert who unraveled this mystery. When the hospital refused to settle the case, the Weber Law Firm went to trial. The result: The Jury awarded more money than we asked for in closing argument.
United Parcel Service (UPS) Pays Driver in Seemingly Impossible Case - Our Client was Cited By FHP!
John Smith was driving his pick up truck on I-75. Out of no where, a white pick up truck, which was several car lengths ahead of him and in the same lane, slammed into the rear end of a UPS Brown Delivery truck. Our client then struck the rear of the white pick up truck. Our client was then airlifted from the scene due to the severity of his injuries.
When Florida Highway Patrol arrived on the scene, the Trooper cited our client with Careless Driving and faulted him for causing the crash. Under normal circumstances, this would be correct under Florida law. But not here!
Through expeditous and diligent investigation, the Weber Law Firm, its investigator and accident reconstruction expert discovered a witness to the crash. The witness swore that the UPS truck actually veered out of his lane and cut-off on-coming traffic including the white pick up truck. The Weber Law Firm then subpoenaed the driver’s cellular phone records and discovered that the driver was texting (for work purposes!) at the time of the Crash.
Despite the evidence, UPS insisted upon going to trial. Just before closing arguments, however, UPS settled the case, paying a substantial, “Six Figure” settlement.
Patient Beaten into a Persistent, Vegetative State
Our client, while a patient at a local facility for the mentally handicapped persons, was beaten by a fellow patient. As a result of the attack, our client was in a coma and then a persistent vegetative state. Through early, diligent investigation, the Weber Law Firm discovered that the attacker had a long history of violence about which the facility was well aware. Due to the nature and severity of her injuries, our client required 24 hour/7 day a week medical care for the remainder of her life. Following a lengthy mediation, this matter was settled for a confidential sum.
Computer Exporter’s Hijacking Claim - denied
Our client, a computer exporter, specializes in shipping computers and computer equipment to South America for distribution. Unfortunately, one of these shipments - a container with nearly $1,000,000.00 in computer equipment -- was hijacked by armed bandits while on the highway in a foreign country.
Luckily, our client purchased insurance coverage for this shipment … or so they thought. After investigation, the insurance company denied coverage completely.
Thereafter, our client filed suit against the insurance company. Less than one year later, the Weber Law Firm filed a Motion for Summary Judgment against the insurance company. Just before the Court entered judgment in favor of our client, the insurance company paid a confidential sum of money to compensate our client for the theft and for the attorney’s fees and costs expended.
Doctor Fails to Return Phone Call from Patient
Our client underwent surgery and thereafter called the doctor’s office to complain of pain and discomfort. The doctor inexplicably failed to return these calls for a period of approximately 24 hours. As a result, our client developed a life threatening infection requiring emergency surgery and extended hospitalization. The doctor settled for a confidential amount of money.
Underage drunk driver
Just days before he was to turn 21, C.O. was out partying in an 18 and older nightclub in Coconut Grove. The bartender apparently served large amounts of alcohol to CO. As a result, CO was impaired and got behind the wheel of a car. Tragically, he killed our client’s 16 year old daughter. As it turned out, the nightclub did not have insurance coverage. And CO had a small amount of insurance coverage. In the lawsuit that followed, however, the Weber Law Firm was able to recover substantial, confidential settlements from CO’s insurance carrier that were above policy limits, as well as from the nightclub’s outside security company.
Boat Propeller - Major Wounds
Our client went out for a day of fun and sun with his girlfriend and her family. The girlfriend’s family had two boats - a large one and a small dingy. Later that day, our client was swimming in the ocean when his underage girlfriend, who was apparently drinking alcohol, mistakenly ran him over as he swam. Unfortunately, our client sustained major lacerations to his buttocks. Luckily, the blades of the propeller missed his spine by mere inches. The Weber Law Firm obtained a large, confidential settlement prior to litigation.
Slip and Fall at National Restaurant Chain
Our client was a fundraiser for a major charitable organization. During a fundraising event at a National Restaurant Chain, our client slipped and fell, while on her way to the restroom. As a result, she injured her cervical spine. Through the course of litigation, the Weber Law Firm was able to prove that the restaurant’s employee mopped the floor but improperly failed to dry the floor or warn that it was wet. As a result, the National Restaurant Chain paid a “six figure” confidential settlement.
Worker Fired for Making Worker’s Compensation Claim
After being injured on the job, our client made a worker’s compensation claim as was her right under Florida law. After being an exemplary employee for years, our client’s employer fired her due to the “mess” that she caused by making a Worker’s Compensation Claim. Of course, this termination violated Florida law. Shortly after filing suit, the Weber Law Firm settled this claim for fair compensation.
Resident Psychologist Fondles Female Patient
Our client became a patient at a local area hospital. She was seeking psychiatric care. The resident who was providing her with counseling was also giving her breast examinations. Apparently this was not the first time he’d done something like this. And apparently, the Hospital knew. In the ensuing lawsuit, both the Hospital and Doctor contributed to the confidential settlement.
Slip and Fall at Ft. Lauderdale Hotel results in Fractured Wrist
AM traveled from New York to attend one of his favorite annual events, which was being hosted in Ft. Lauderdale.
Client takes medication for Parkinson’s and Suffers Adverse Results
Our client, John Doe, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s and began taking a popular, prescription drug for the condition. Thereafter, he experienced compulsive behaviors that caused he and his family a great deal of emotional and financial harm. After investigating the matter, the Weber Law Firm filed a claim on John Doe’s behalf in a Multi District Litigation pending in Minnesota. The case was settled favorably following a settlement conference.
Exploding Electrical Equipment
Like many other people in South Florida, RM came to the United States in search of achieving the American Dream. He was a hard working electrician who did not have a contractor’s license issued by the State of Florida. Nevertheless, a national corporation hired him to perform major electrical work because they were so impressed with his work. One day, while he was working on an Electrical Disconnect box, our client sustained 2nd and 3rd degree burns when the Disconnect Box exploded. This was a very difficult case that was vigorously defended. Fortunately, the Weber Law Firm retained a highly respected, local electrician expert who reconstructed the accident. Following mediation, the parties reached a favorable settlement agreement.
Electrocution due to downed street light conductor
Following a hurricane that nearly struck South Florida, a downed street light conductor electrocuted our client’s 26 year old son. Following the hotly litigated case, the parties reached a confidential settlement agreement at mediation.
Police Officer Trips and Falls while responding to Emergency Call
While in the line of duty, Officer H received a robbery call on her 2-way radio. As she raced towards her squad car, Officer H tripped over a broken wheel stop in the parking lot. Consequently, she fell, fracturing her shoulder. The Weber Law Firm made sure that the shopping center that had failed to properly maintain its parking lot did not escape liability. The shopping center paid full and fair compensation shortly after suit was filed.
Fire Inspector Falls while Inspecting Fire Sprinkler System
Our client, a fire inspector, was injured while inspecting a new condominium project’s sprinkler system. The injury happened when she stepped into a hole in the ground that was covered with a thick, plastic tarp. The condominium should have covered up the hole, but failed to do so. As a consequence, our client suffered a fractured ankle that did not require surgery. The case was resolved shortly before trial for a confidential amount of money.
Grocery Store Slip and Fall - Spinal Injury
While shopping for breakfast foods, our client slipped in a streak of water on the floor. The water came from a defective piece of floor cleaning equipment. Unfortunately, our client fell and injured her cervical spine. Through the course of investigation and discovery, the Weber Law Firm found that the Grocery Store’s cleaning company was at fault for the accident. A confidential, pre-trial settlement was reached.
18 Wheeler makes Jug Handle Turn - causes crash
Our client was returning to work when an 18-wheeler made an unusual right hand turn in front of his car. As a result, our client hit the rear of the 18-wheeler and careened into on-coming traffic. Unfortunately, our client suffered a badly fractured leg - though thankfully he was not injured worse. The Weber Law Firm hired experts in the area of accident reconstruction and Commercial Driver’s Licenses. The lawsuit was filed and litigated aggressively. Nearly 1 year after filing suit, the trial began. A favorable settlement was reached shortly after jury selection.
Motorcycle Rider loses his leg
It was a leisurely Sunday afternoon as our client was riding his motorcycle to the grocery store. A large SUV made a left hand turn in front of our client, violating his right of way. Sadly, our client’s leg became wedged in between the bumper of SUV and the motorcycle. Consequently, our client’s leg was traumatically amputated. The parties reached a confidential settlement.
Fall at a Gas Station - Broken Ankle with Surgery
Our client, a Venezuelan National, was visiting Miami. She went to a nearby Gas Station to purchase fuel. As she got out of her car, she slipped and fell in gasoline that had spilled from another car. As a result, our client suffered a fractured ankle requiring surgery. The Weber Law Firm became involved almost immediately after the accident. Through “boots on the ground” investigation, we discovered a witness who would testify that the gas station knew about the spilled fuel long before our client slipped and fell, but did nothing to clean it up. Because of our efficient and speedy investigation, this case was settled before suit was filed. Our client was fully and fairly compensated.
Client slices finger at South Beach Nightclub
A Venezuelan National was visiting South Beach when she sliced her finger open on a sharp piece of sheet metal located underneath the bar where she was standing. The injury caused nerve and tendon damage and necessitated a surgery. The Weber law Firm became involved early in the case. We investigated the scene of the incident and photographed the dangerous condition before it could be fixed. The case was litigated and settled favorably at mediation.
Client at South Beach Nightclub Suffers Broken Nose
Our client was visiting from the Northeast for the weekend. She and her friends went to a popular nightclub on South Beach. While there, a dancer/club promoter was dancing wildly. He jumped off of a table and slammed his forehead into our client’s nose - breaking it. Initially, the nightclub denied that the incident occurred and that the dancer was one of their employees. By conducting undercover investigation, we were able to prove that the dancer was, in fact, a club employee. The case was settled favorably shortly after mediation.
Customer of Nightclub Punched in the Nose for Being Gay
Our client was “sucker punched” in the nose by a drunk customer of a restaurant/bar in Coral Gables. The attacker uttered an anti Gay Slur as he threw the punch. Our client’s nose was broken. The Weber Law Firm gathered witness statements and conducted legal research regarding local ordinance violations by the restaurant/bar. As a result, the restaurant settled the case before a lawsuit was filed.
Stairwell Cases - Slip and Fall due to malfunctioning lighting system
Our elderly client was a resident of an apartment complex in the Grove. One morning, she got up before sunrise to get her newspaper, which was at the downstairs entrance. As she descended the stairwell, she realized that the lights were not working. It was dark and she missed her step, falling and fracturing her leg. The Weber Law Firm conducted extensive discovery along with locating favorable witnesses. This case was settled shortly into litigation for a confidential amount of money.
Another Stairwell Case - more bad lighting
ZR is a sweet, elderly lady who enjoyed visiting her friends. One day, she visited her friend who lived in an apartment complex in West Kendall. After visiting for several hours, ZR decided to go home. It was dark outside. As she was descending the staircase, it was dark. She missed her step and fell, breaking her ankle. The Weber Law Firm inspected the lighting system and discovered that it was never adjusted for day light savings time. As a result, the lights did not turn on until well after it had become dark. Of course, the owner and its maintenance company negligently failed to adjust the timer system and were responsible for ZR’s full measure of damages.
Dog Chases Cyclist - Causing him to Fall -- Fractured Pelvis
Our client was an incredibly active and fit gentleman in his seventies. Following a long ride - more than 20 miles - our client was near his home when a neighbor’s dog got loose. The dog chased our client’s bike and hit the front tire. Our client fell and suffered a fractured pelvis. Fortunately, the dog owner had homeowner’s insurance that covered injuries due to domestic animals. A confidential, six-figure settlement was reached before suit was filed.
Elevator Stops Working - Passenger Stuck Overnight
Our client worked at a large office building in downtown Miami. At 5:00 PM, our client left the office and took the elevator to the lobby of her building. The elevator stopped and went out of service. Unfortunately, it did not restart until the next morning. Our client was forced to spend the night on the elevator, which was stressful and traumatizing. The Weber Law Firm reached an amicable settlement agreement before filing suit.
Television Van Violates right of way, causing wreck
Our client sustained a fractured ankle when a local television news van on the way to a story violated his right of way causing a crash. The lawsuit was filed. The Weber Law Firm subpoenaed news records showing that the van was in a rush to get to the location, thus explaining the driver’s erratic driving. The case was favorably resolved at mediation.
Department Store Make-Up Stool Broken
While waiting for his wife to finish shopping, our elderly client decided to rest his tired feet. He attempted to sit down at a make-up counter in a major department store. The stool slipped out from under him. As a result, our client fell to the ground and fractured his hip. The Weber Law Firm was able to prove the stool was in a dangerous condition at the time of the accident. A confidential settlement agreement was reached.
Rehabilitation Hospital Violates Fall Prevention Policy - Elderly Patient Falls and Suffers Fatal Head Injury
Follow surgery, our client was admitted to a local rehabilitation hospital. The hospital evaluated him as being at high risk for falls. Unfortunately, the hospital failed ensure that all of the precautions were being followed. Our client’s husband fell while un-attended, hitting his head and suffering a fatal injury. The case was resolved during pre-suit, mandatory arbitration under the Florida’s Medical Negligence statute.