Trial Lawyers Archives - The Haggard Law Firm

For the Second Time, $1 Million Negligent Security Case Policy Limit Settlement Against Food Market

Posted on February 26, 2025February 26, 2025 by HaggardTeam

The Haggard Law Firm, led by attorneys Kimberly Wald and Michael Haggard, has secured a $1 million policy limit settlement in a personal injury negligent security case. This marks the second successful negligent security case litigated by the firm against the same defendant.

The recent case stems from a drive-by shooting incident that occurred on June 17, 2023, at the Fiesta Food Market on Sunrise Blvd in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. A 26-year-old man was an innocent bystander at the store when an unknown assailant drove by and opened fire in the parking lot. The victim, The Haggard Law Firm’s client, was shot multiple times, sustaining serious injuries, including gunshot wounds to his thigh, bowel, and bladder. While he has made significant progress in his recovery, he continues to live with the painful physical and emotional scars of the attack, including permanent scars on his legs and stomach.

The Haggard Law Firm’s investigation revealed there was a lack of adequate security at Fiesta Food Market. Wald and Haggard argued if necessary security measures to protect customers from such incidents were in place their client would have not suffered these injuries. Defense argued that this was a targeted shooting which occurred off of their property and thus they could not prevent this crime from occurring.

Unfortunately, this is not the first time the firm has taken action against Fiesta Food Market for negligent security. In a prior case, The Haggard Law Firm represented another gunshot victim who was also shot at the same store. That case resulted in a settlement of $1 million, paid from the defendant’s full policy limit.

Attorneys Kimberly Wald and Michael Haggard

“We have handled negligent security cases nationwide for decades,” says Michael Haggard. “Often, after we achieve a just settlement or verdict, defendants learn from the experience and make changes to improve safety. Unfortunately in this case, the necessary changes were not made, putting our client in the latest case at risk.”

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed due to negligent security, The Haggard Law Firm is here to help. With years of experience, we fight tirelessly for justice, change, and the compensation our clients deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Florida Court Affirms $13 Million Verdict in Wrongful Death Product Liability Case

Posted on February 13, 2025February 13, 2025 by HaggardTeam

The Florida Third District Court of Appeals has upheld a $13 million verdict in a wrongful death product liability case litigated by The Haggard Law Firm, led by attorneys Pedro Echarte and Todd Michaels, along with co-counsel Ernesto Santos of HALPERN | SANTOS | PINKERT, and Haggard Law appellate attorney Jim Blecke. This decision, which stems from a verdict in Miami-Dade County Court in July 2023, involves the carbon monoxide poisoning death of Matthew Burns, a beloved father of two, resulting from his use of a piece of equipment he rented from Sunbelt Rentals, Inc.

Court’s Decision on Expert Testimony

The court’s ruling addressed the defendant’s objections regarding the testimony of two plaintiff’s experts under the Daubert standard, as well as the claim that one of the Estate’s experts provided “surprise” testimony. Sunbelt Rentals, the defendant in the case, argued that excluding this expert testimony would have left the record insufficient to support the jury’s verdict and requested an entire dismissal of the case. The appellate court rejected these arguments and affirmed the jury’s decision, ensuring justice for the Burns family (click below to read the court opinion).

Opinion-Disposition Download

The Tragic Incident and Preventable Death

On July 12, 2019, Matthew Burns tragically lost his life due to carbon monoxide poisoning while operating a “Shot Blaster” machine, which he had rented from Sunbelt Rentals. Attorneys Echarte, Michaels, and Santos argued that Sunbelt Rentals was negligent in renting out the equipment without the necessary safety equipment, including a carbon monoxide monitor, and failing to warn Mr. Burns of the need for such equipment. Sunbelt was aware that the machine would be used in indoor or partially enclosed environments, putting operators like Mr. Burns at serious risk for carbon monoxide poisoning. The legal team further highlighted that Sunbelt Rentals failed to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings in the machine’s manual. As per the manufacturer’s safety guidelines, Sunbelt should have informed Mr. Burns to use a portable carbon monoxide monitor and ensure he received proper training before operating the machine.

Matthew Burns’ Family’s Heartbreaking Loss

Matthew Burns left behind his wife and their twin children. Through their dedicated legal work, The Haggard Law Firm has ensured that the Burns family received justice for their devastating loss and highlighted the urgent need for better safety standards in the rental equipment industry.

Experienced Attorneys in Complex Product Liability Cases

The Haggard Law Firm has a proven track record in handling some of the most complex product liability cases nationwide. Our team has represented families affected by dangerous products ranging from faulty theme park rides to defective boating equipment, unsafe sports gear, and hazardous pool drains. We are committed to helping victims of product failures seek justice and compensation for their losses.

Contact The Haggard Law Firm’s Trial Lawyers

Child Dies in Michigan Hyperbaric Chamber Explosion

Posted on February 2, 2025February 3, 2025 by HaggardTeam

(Stock Image – This is not the chamber referred to in this story)

Friday a 5-year-old boy died in an explosion inside a hyperbaric chamber at The Oxford Center in Troy, Michigan. First responders found the boy dead inside the chamber, and his mother, who was standing next to it, suffered arm injuries. The incident occurred during hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which uses high-pressure oxygen to treat various conditions, though the exact cause of the explosion remains under investigation. The Oxford Center, which has been providing such therapy for 15 years, expressed sorrow and vowed to cooperate fully with the investigation.

This tragic event has brought renewed attention to the risks of hyperbaric therapy, especially in non-FDA approved treatments. Hyperbaric chambers, which operate in a pressurized, oxygen-rich environment, are highly combustible, and the explosion is thought to have been fueled by the oxygen present.

A Similar Tragedy: Francesco Martinisi’s Fatal Journey

The recent tragedy in Troy echoes a devastating case from 2009 when 4-year-old Francesco Martinisi, who had cerebral palsy, died in a hyperbaric chamber explosion at a clinic in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Florida. Francesco’s grandmother also perished in the fire. The Haggard Law Firm represented the family in the wrongful death product liability case. During the case The Haggard Law Firm’s Michael Haggard discovered that the clinic used outdated equipment, contributing to the explosion. Haggard’s efforts helped secure justice for the Martinisi family, but the case highlighted critical safety failures in hyperbaric treatment.

A Call for Greater Accountability

The Haggard Law Firm continues to fight for families affected by similar, preventable tragedies and is stressing the need for stronger safety regulations in hyperbaric therapy centers. “There is no excuse for these types of incidents,” Haggard said. “Stricter oversight and safety protocols are essential to prevent further tragedies.”

Michael Haggard

As investigations into the Troy incident unfold, the hope is latest tragedy will prompt reforms in hyperbaric therapy practices. For now, the families involved are left grappling with a devastating loss.

To contact The Haggard Law Firm click here

$2 Million Negligent Security Wrongful Death Settlement – Florida

Posted on January 22, 2025January 23, 2025 by HaggardTeam

The Haggard Law Firm’s Douglas McCarron has secured a $2 Million policy limit settlement in a wrongful death negligent security case involving a shooting a gas station.

$7.65 Million Settlement in Negligent Security Wrongful Death Case

Posted on November 21, 2024December 22, 2024 by HaggardTeam

The Haggard Law Firm, led by trial lawyers Kimberly Wald and Michael Haggard, along with co-counsel Charlie Flynn and Paul Basil, have obtained a $7.65 million settlement in a negligent security wrongful death case.

$7.35 Million Settlement in Negligent Security Wrongful Death Case in Palm Beach County

Posted on October 16, 2024February 23, 2025 by HaggardTeam

The Haggard Law Firm’s Todd Michaels and Joshua Padron , along with co-counsel David Scheiner and Stratton Shiner of the David Smiley of the Scheiner Law Firm, recently secured a **$7.35 million settlement** in a negligent security wrongful death case in Palm Beach County, Florida. This settlement underscores the firm’s continued commitment to advocating for victims and their families in the face of unimaginable and preventable loss.

$11 Million Negligent Security Wrongful Death Case Settlement

Posted on September 19, 2024September 23, 2024 by HaggardTeam

Pedro Echarte of The Haggard Law Firm and Mark B. Stanley of The Stanley Law Group, have successfully resolved an $11 million settlement in a wrongful death case centered on negligent security. This case arose from a tragic shooting incident at an apartment complex in Duval County, Florida, in 2020. The victim was fatally shot while visiting the complex, leaving behind two grieving parents and a child who was born posthumously.

Echarte and Stanley argued that the apartment complex failed to provide adequate security, especially given its extensive history of criminal activity. In contrast, the defendants contended that the existing security measures were sufficient and that the victim bore responsibility for the incident.

The Haggard Law Firm’s Pedro Echarte, trial lawyer

The case was resolved shortly before trial, resulting in a settlement of $11 million. The identities of the parties involved and the specific date of the incident remain confidential as stipulated by the settlement agreement.

The Haggard Law Firm has a proven track record, having litigated hundreds of negligent security cases involving wrongful death and catastrophic injury. Recently, Echarte secured a $7 million settlement in a similar case involving a preventable homicide at an apartment complex. Over the past two decades, The Haggard Law Firm has secured over $1 Billion in verdicts and settlements in cases related to negligent or inadequate security.

$2 Million Fatal Drowning Case Settlement Reached with City of Miami Beach

Posted on August 21, 2024August 21, 2024 by HaggardTeam

The Haggard Law Firm’s Douglas McCarron along with co-counsel Mark Brumer, has secured a $2 Million policy limit settlement in a fatal drowning case against the City of Miami Beach.

The Haggard Law Firm Announces Two New Partners

Posted on August 13, 2024August 13, 2024 by HaggardTeam

The Haggard Law Firm is very proud to announce the promotion of trial attorneys Kimberly Wald and Adam Finkel to partner.

“Since each of their first moments with our law firm, Kim and Adam have individually shown their commitment, skill, and passion to fight for clients to the dominant standard The Haggard Law Firm expects. They have both delivered impressive results in a variety of case types while also assuming important leadership positions within the legal community locally and nationally.”
– Michael Haggard, Managing Partner, The Haggard Law Firm

$7 Million Settlement in Negligent Security Wrongful Death Case

Posted on July 24, 2024July 24, 2024 by HaggardTeam

The Haggard Law Firm’s Pedro Echarte has secured a $7 Million settlement in negligent security wrongful death case where the victim was tragically killed during an attempted armed robbery and carjacking.

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Category: Trial Lawyers

For the Second Time, $1 Million Negligent Security Case Policy Limit Settlement Against Food Market

Florida Court Affirms $13 Million Verdict in Wrongful Death Product Liability Case

Child Dies in Michigan Hyperbaric Chamber Explosion

$2 Million Negligent Security Wrongful Death Settlement – Florida

$7.65 Million Settlement in Negligent Security Wrongful Death Case

$7.35 Million Settlement in Negligent Security Wrongful Death Case in Palm Beach County

$11 Million Negligent Security Wrongful Death Case Settlement

$2 Million Fatal Drowning Case Settlement Reached with City of Miami Beach

The Haggard Law Firm Announces Two New Partners

$7 Million Settlement in Negligent Security Wrongful Death Case

Recent Posts

For the Second Time, $1 Million Negligent Security Case Policy Limit Settlement Against Food Market

Florida Court Affirms $13 Million Verdict in Wrongful Death Product Liability Case

Child Dies in Michigan Hyperbaric Chamber Explosion

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