Jurimatic: Verdicts and Settlements

Yuredli Mena, a security guard at Florida Memorial University, sued U.S. Alliance Service Corp d/b/a U.S. Security and her supervisor Courtney Francis, alleging harassment, assault, and retaliation. Despite repeated complaints, the company failed to act. After Mena obtained a restraining order, she was suspended. On June 10, 2025, a jury found in her favor and awarded $210,000 in damages for emotional, physical, and financial harm.

Julio Cesar Ceballo Fuentes filed a lawsuit against EMTS Parts & Services, Inc., alleging negligence and breach of contract after a fall from his truck. EMTS denied responsibility, claiming the plaintiff acted on his own and raised multiple affirmative defenses. On June 11, 2025, a jury found in favor of EMTS, concluding the company was not liable for any injuries or damages, and rejecting all claims brought by the plaintiff.

On October 10, 2021, Tomi Handy was rear-ended while stopped at a stop sign in Hamden, CT. She filed a lawsuit claiming Alexander Grennan’s negligence caused the crash. Injuries included spinal damage and ongoing pain. The defendant denied liability, but in July 2025, a jury found in Handy’s favor and awarded her $11,082.80 in damages for her injuries and losses.

On April 26, 2018, Peter Gibson was struck on the head by a falling barrier gate at Universal Studios, causing a traumatic brain injury. He sued The Chamberlain Group and Universal Studios for negligence and product liability. On November 22, 2024, a jury found Universal 77% responsible and awarded Gibson over $7.6 million in damages.

Revolution Fitness, operated by Get Your Back On Track, LLC, won a $22 million jury verdict after it was denied the chance to purchase its leased property. The jury found BANSHEE 3652, LLC, BEE Holdings, LP, and Doug Evans liable for breach of contract, tortious interference, and fraud. The case centered on a violated right of first refusal and undisclosed property transactions.

In a workplace sexual harassment case involving Florida Barber Academy, a jury on June 12, 2025, ruled in favor of the defendant. The plaintiff, Wanda Holloway, alleged repeated inappropriate contact by a coworker, Kerry Wilcox, and claimed the academy failed in its duty to protect her. The court, however, found insufficient evidence to support the claims of negligence, assault, and improper supervision, resulting in no damages awarded to the plaintiff.

In a homeowner insurance dispute stemming from a 2018 roof leak, a Miami jury awarded $60,853.50 to plaintiff Sophie Louise Monique Baillet. The case centered on wind-related property damage that the insurer allegedly underpaid or denied. Baillet claimed she met all policy requirements, while the insurer argued exclusions and noncompliance. On June 4, 2025, the jury found in favor of Baillet, concluding that the insurer breached its contract under Florida law.

In a closely watched rideshare liability case, a Broward County jury ruled in favor of Uber Technologies, Inc. and its affiliates on April 15, 2025. Plaintiff Gabriel Pierre had accused Uber of negligence and agency over an Uber driver involved in a 2022 crash. The jury ultimately found no legal responsibility on Uber’s part, delivering a defense verdict that rejected claims of direct negligence, joint venture liability, and agency.

James Tedeschi filed a wrongful death lawsuit after his father, Raymond G. Tedeschi, died following alleged failures in cardiac care. The case involves multiple defendants, including physicians and healthcare institutions accused of not diagnosing or treating life-threatening heart issues. As the litigation continues, the court has scheduled the next hearing for August 18, 2025, to address procedural developments and possibly move the case toward trial.

Barbara Williams sued World Global Realty, LLC, Oakland Mart, LLC, and Paul Construction & Home Improvement after slipping on a painted sidewalk at the Oakland Park Flea Market. She claimed the surface was unsafe and improperly maintained. On May 22, 2025, a Broward County jury found the defendants not liable, resulting in a defense verdict and no damages awarded.

Judy Dorcelus and Myrtha Ambroise-Dorcelus secured a $75,000 jury award in a breach of homeowners insurance contract case against Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Company. The dispute arose after a sudden plumbing failure caused water damage to their North Miami home. Although the insurer acknowledged the claim, it underpaid the damages, prompting the plaintiffs to sue for full reimbursement.

In a Miami-Dade County slip-and-fall case, Sarah Suarez and her husband Nestor sued Publix Super Markets and Regency Centers, claiming negligence over a hazardous parking lot condition. After a full trial, the jury returned a verdict on May 20, 2025, finding neither defendant liable for the alleged injuries. The case centered on a disputed asphalt hazard, alleged failure to maintain the premises, and loss of consortium—but ultimately ended with no damages awarded.