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Leesfield Scolaro win on appeal against Insurance Carrier

Leesfield Scolaro wins reversal of trial court order finding that the parties had settled the case. Dwight Grant was horribly injured by a drunk driver that was speeding away and trying to elude the police. He rear-ended the vehicle in which Dwight was a passenger. After reviewing the case, partner Tom Scolaro made a 20-day demand to the Defendant and his insurance carrier to tender their $100,000 policy limits. The carrier refused, instead responding with a counter-offer of policy limits in addition to a hold harmless agreement, confidentiality agreement and a general release for all persons and entities rather than just the driver and carrier. This counter offer was rejected and Defendant moved to enforce the settlement arguing that since they had offered the policy limits, there was a legal settlement. The trial court ruled that there was a legal settlement. Leesfield Scolaro with co-counsel Ross & Girten argued that the insurance carrier’ response did not constitute an acceptance of our demand. The 4th District Court of Appeal agreed and reversed the trial Court order. The Court held that since the settlement documents contained more than just the usual settlement terms, there was no enforceable settlement.

Defendants sought to appeal this decision in the Supreme Court of Florida. On January 4, 2010, the Supreme Court of Florida declined to accept jurisdiction and the Defendant’s petition for review was denied.

Client Reviews
★★★★★
I have known Ira for several decades and without a doubt he represents the best of the profession- a never ending commitment to his clients and a perpetual desire for learning and sharing his expertise with his colleagues. Richard
★★★★★
I found, and still find, that Ira’s firm will evaluate the case fairly and provide the client with a reasonably expectation of the process involved and will avoid giving false hope where there is none. Also Ira’s firm consistently keeps in constant touch with the client as well as referring attorneys so each knows the progress of a case. Finally I can tell you that if I personally were injured, Ira Leesfield is the first person I would call. Michael Browning
★★★★★
I'm impressed and very satisfied with the handling of my injury case at this law firm. I was helped and walked through every step of the way. I'm happy to report a fantastic settlement achieved by this excellent law firm. Thank you Rosa
★★★★★
The people at Leesfield Scolaro are extremely professional and compassionate! I would refer your Law Firm to anyone that was in need of an attorney! Thank you my friends. Karen
★★★★★
Our family highly recommends the team at Leesfield and Scolaro. Every step of the way, Barbie Leon was there to make sure we were updated on the progress of the case as well as answer any questions we had. Barbie was in constant communication with our family. She is thoughtful and caring and worked hard to make sure we understood everything that was happening around us. Linda