Steven A. Messer, Attorney

TRIAL CASES OF INTEREST:

1. Semi-Tractor Trailer Property Damage: St. Lucie County Court Case, 2002.  $77,500 settlement from Defendant's insurance company for damages to Plaintiff's semi-tractor trailer for accident caused by Defendant's negligence. Plaintiff owed in excess of $80,000 on the truck and $15,000 in towing and storage charges. Pre-settlement offer: $49,000 from his own company. All bills were negotiated, including the note on the truck. All parties were satisfied, and Plaintiff walked away with $5,000.

2. Consumer/Homebuyer Protection: St. Lucie County Circuit Court Case, 2002.  $44,700 settlement after defense caused mistrial. Damages resulted from a negligent termite inspection performed by the Defendant company on behalf of the Plaintiff, who was a prospective homebuyer. Actual damages to the home were estimated at $23,000.

3. Consumer/Homebuyer Protection: St. Lucie County Circuit Court Case, 2004. $135,000 settlement on behalf of Plaintiffs who were damaged when their new home was infested with dangerous mold stemming from an improperly installed air conditioning unit by the Defendant Homebuilder.

4. Insurance Bad Faith/Personal Injury: St. Lucie County Circuit Court Case, 2004. $75,000 settlement for elderly client who had been mislead into executing a release of all his claims for $570.00. Client had in excess of $25,000 in medical bills which were negotiated to less than $10,000 after Defendant was forced to rescind the improper release.

5. Hurricane Damages Resolution: Polk County Circuit Court Case, 2005. Settlement in excess of $550,000 on behalf of non-profit corporation for catastrophic hurricane damages suffered from Hurricanes Charley, Frances, and Jeanne.