Category Archives: Commercial Litigation
Attorneys Michael Pike and Daniel Lustig in the Daily Business Review “After South Florida’s Lawyer’s Suicide, Fight Over Alleged Misappropriated Funds”
Connecticut-based Twin City Fire Insurance Co., an affiliate of the Hartford Financial Services Group, has filed a federal lawsuit in Florida denying any liability for former West Palm Beach lawyer Leonel R. Plasencia, who killed himself in 2017, allegedly before turning over settlement money owed to clients in a personal injury case. Michael J…. Read More »
Florida Commercial Law: What is a Business Tort?
A business tort (also known as an economic tort) is a wrongful act that arises out of a business transaction or business relationship. If a company sustained significant financial losses as a result of the wrongful conduct of another party, that company may have a valid civil claim for damages. At Pike & Lustig,… Read More »
Four Things You Should Do Before You Sign a Business Contract
Contracts are the cornerstone of modern commercial relationships. A business that relies on well-crafted, properly executed agreements is a business that is far more likely to thrive in the current economic environment. Unfortunately, many Florida companies run into serious problems with their contracts. One of the biggest mistakes business owners and operators make involves… Read More »
Florida Construction Liens: Defining the Last Day that Work Was Performed
A construction lien (also called a ‘contractor’s lien’ or ‘mechanic’s lien’) is a powerful collection debt tool. If a construction company has not been paid for its work or materials, it can place a lien against the property that was created or improved. In placing a construction lien, there are many different legal requirements… Read More »
Florida House Approves Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill
On March 1st, 2018, the Florida House of Representatives unanimously passed a major ethics reform bill. HB 7007 is designed to prevent and punish sexual harassment and sexual misconduct. These proposed reforms follow a string of high-profile sexual abuse and sexual misconduct allegations that have come to light this year, both inside and outside… Read More »
Consumer Fraud Alert: Scammers are Targeting Hurricane Victims
Through late September, the 2017 Atlantic hurricane season has been rough. Several major storms have already made landfall in the United States and the Caribbean, including Hurricane Irma, which hit the state of Florida. Sadly, in the confusion of the storm’s aftermath, some unscrupulous actors are attempting to take advantage of hurricane victims. The… Read More »
Commercial Litigation Report: Year in Review
Lex Machina, a leading data analytics firm, recently released its 2017 Commercial Litigation Report. The report is designed to highlight developments and trends in the world of business law, through the comprehensive review of all of the commercial cases that have been filed in United States District Courts. Notably, the researchers found that the… Read More »
What are Teaming Agreements?
A teaming agreement, also sometimes referred to as a teaming arrangement, is a deal between two or more parties that allows them to make a joint bind on a contract. This type of agreement is most often used by contractors that are seeking a large government contract; through, a teaming agreement or joint venture… Read More »
Pike & Lustig Opens Miami Office
Pike and Lustig, LLP is proud to announce the opening of its Miami office! The firm’s new office is located at 777 Brickell Avenue, Suite 500 Miami, Florida, 33131.
Florida Commercial Contract Disputes: What’s Actually in the Contract?
In today’s world, business moves quickly. Often, the realities of the market require companies to enter into commercial transaction without ever sitting down and drafting a contract. In many cases, the two companies will send each other form contracts and simply move forward with the transaction. On the one hand, this is good as… Read More »
Florida Construction Liens: New Verdict Illustrates the Importance of Good Record Keeping and Timely Filing
Recently, the Florida Second District Court of Appeal released a decision in a construction lien case that originated out of a breach of contract dispute. After full payment was not received for work done in relation to a home renovation, a lien was placed against a homeowner’s property. However, a dispute quickly arose over… Read More »
Home-Remodeling Contractors Need Legal Protection
Home-remodeling projects are on the rise. According to reporting from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), an estimated $300 billion will be spent on home improvements in the year 2016 alone. Not only would this be the 5th straight year of rising home improvement expenditures, but it would also be a new record, passing… Read More »
Shareholder Appraisal Rights
Minority shareholders can be substantially affected (and harmed) by the actions of the majority shareholders. This puts minority shareholders in a difficult position. Fortunately, minority shareholders do have some important protections available under Florida law. Perhaps the most valuable legal protection is a minority shareholder’s appraisal rights. These rights, also sometimes referred to as… Read More »
Florida Breach of Contract: Liquidated Damages
When your business makes a contract with another party, you are placing a great deal of faith in that party. If they do not live up to their end of the bargain, your business could sustain serious financial damage as a result. Florida law seeks to remedy this issue by allowing non-breaching parties to… Read More »
Professional Boxer Ordered to Pay Former Associate Damages for Unjust Enrichment
According to reporting from USA Today, a Florida jury has ordered world champion boxer Canelo Alvarez to pay his promoter damages in relation to a business contract dispute. The court found that compensation was entitled on the basis of unjust enrichment. If you have any questions about unjust enrichment, or breach of contract claims… Read More »
Defending a Trade Secret Misappropriation Allegation
Trade secret misappropriation can lead to very serious consequences. Your company might face a misappropriation claim for many reasons, from the careless actions of a single employee to a good faith misunderstanding or even simply because another business is taking illegitimate legal action. If you, or your company, has been accused of trade secret… Read More »
Florida Business Litigation: Lost Profits as Damages
A breach of contract, or any other type of business tort, can cause serious damage to a company. The affected business may not be able to operate at full capacity, or at all, for an extended period of time due to the bad actions of another party. In Florida, companies are entitled to recover… Read More »
Miami Marlins Involved in a Legal Dispute with Stadium Vendors
According to reporting from the Miami New Times, the Marlins, Miami’s professional baseball franchise, have had a hard time attracting fans this season. The poor attendance has led to conflict with some season ticket holders as well as some stadium vendors. Two vendors allege, in separate court cases, that their businesses have been harmed… Read More »
Resolving a Partnership Dispute: Requesting an Accounting
Disputes between business partners can sometimes turn ugly. Relatively minor issues can spiral into much larger problems, and the business relationship can suffer as a result. A dispute can become costly and all around counterproductive. A legal strategy known as an ‘accounting’ can potentially help you reach a resolution in your partnership dispute. If… Read More »
How Contract Review Can help Avoid Future Disputes
Entering into contracts with other individuals or organizations is an essential aspect of conducting business, regardless of the industry in which a particular company operates. After all, the very act of agreeing to perform a service or provide goods in exchange for some type of compensation is a contract, even if the agreement is… Read More »
