July 5, 2022 | Legal Alerts

General Contractors and Subcontractors: Navigating Liability in Construction Claims

In Florida all construction claims must comply with the pre suit requirements of Florida Statute Section 558. The property owner is obligated to follow a legal process under Fla. Stat. § 558 that requires them to first notify all applicable contractors and subcontractors about the defect before taking any additional legal action. If a contractor believes one of its subcontractors was at fault for the defect, the contractor will forward the § 558 notice to them. Both the contractor and subcontractor may be present at a walkthrough of the property to see what the property owner claims is a defect. Under the statute the contractor must provide a response within a specific time period. The benefit of the process, is it allows the contractor in early to review the project and potentially make an offer of repair or resolution without litigation. It also benefits the contractor to put on notice all responsible subcontractors for risk transfer obligations to either defend, indemnify or both for their work on the project.    

June 25, 2022 | Verdicts and Settlements

Motion for Summary Judgment Granted in a Georgia Motor Vehicle Accident

Joshua C. Canton a partner in the firm’s Thomasville, Georgia office, along with Justin B. Hales, an associate in the firm’s Thomasville, Georgia office, recently prevailed on a motion for summary judgment in a pedestrian versus motor vehicle accident in Athens-Clarke County, Georgia where they argued that Plaintiff walked into oncoming traffic without regard for the right-of-way.  An offer of settlement was served by Defendant resulting in a claim against the Plaintiff for defense fees and costs.

June 24, 2022 | Legal Alerts

Reviewing Post-Pandemic Insurance Liability Issues for the Hospitality Industry

The COVID-19 pandemic has complicated liability insurance for the hospitality industry. A multitude of lawsuits has forced insurance companies to reevaluate how they provide and price insurance for this industry. Insurance companies must now shoulder much more risk than in the past, especially given the lawsuits against hotels and restaurants for both COVID-19 transmission and labor practices. Now, the hospitality industry must address a new reality.  

June 24, 2022 | Announcements

Conroy Simberg Attorneys Recognized as 2022 Florida Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

Conroy Simberg is pleased to announce Hinda Klein, a partner in Hollywood and chair of the firm’s appellate practice group, and Jayne Pittman, managing partner in Orlando and chair of the firm's construction practice were selected to the 2022 Florida Super Lawyers list. Additionally, Matthew Troy, a partner in Orlando, Tashia M. Galloway, a partner in Jacksonville and Justin Hales, an associate in Tallahassee were selected to the 2022 Rising Stars list.

June 17, 2022 | Legal Alerts

The Ins and Outs of Commercial and Charter Boat Insurance

Boats are used commercially for many reasons. Some owners will allow their boat to be chartered, often for a day out on the water or as a fishing boat. Others may use commercial boats for transport or to move cargo. Either way, boat accidents can result in significant liability for the owner when an accident causes injuries to passengers, damage to other boats, or the loss of cargo. Major insurance companies offer commercial boat insurance that protects boat owners if there is an accident.