330 Alhambra Circle

Coral Gables, FL 33134

633 S. Andrews Avenue Suite 400
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

(305) 446-5700

(954) 323-4400

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$5 Million Pre-Suit Settlement Obtained for Father of 4 Paralyzed in Shooting

Miami, FL – The Haggard Law Firm’s Michael Haggard and Adam Finkel have obtained a $5 Million pre-suit settlement in a negligent security case involving the catastrophic injury suffered by a father of four who was with his children when he was shot outside his home.

On December 20, 2019, 33-year old Paul Barry-Austin returned home from a long day of work. It was a nice day so his wife was enjoying the weather outside with their children. The day drastically turned when she noticed a few unknown men roaming the Alhambra Cove Apartment complex’s parking lot. She noticed the men more than once, roaming suspiciously, and expressed concern to Paul. Worried for the safety of his family and aware that the property owners and managers did nothing to prevent or curtail the many burglaries, car thefts, and assaults on the property, Paul walked through the parking lot to make sure the men were not near his home. Soon after, Paul’s wife heard gunshots, and Paul was found lying in the parking lot in a puddle of blood. He had been shot in the back—likely by the very criminals that roamed the property.

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PRESS CONFERENCE: Miramar Parkway Police Shootout

On Thursday, October 8th a press conference will be held to discuss new findings in the shooting deaths of Frank Ordonez, Rick Cutshaw, and the injuries suffered by Carlos Lara during the December 2019 police shootout on the Miramar Parkway following a two county high-speed chase.

The Haggard Law Firm’s Michael Haggard and Adam Finkel will discuss a new witness who says the police shot first. The lawyers will also announce the intention to file a lawsuit on behalf of victim Rick Cutshaw’s family

Background

On December 15, 2019 UPS driver Frank Ordonez, 27, was taken hostage by two men, who stole his truck after robbing a Coral Gables jewelry store. A high-speed, two-county chase with multiple police departments ensued.

It ended when the UPS truck encountered stopped traffic at an intersection of the Miramar Parkway just west of Flamingo Road. Law enforcement boxed-in the delivery truck and officers exited their vehicles.

As officers approached the truck with their weapons drawn, using bystanders’ vehicles as cover, they opened fire on the robbers and Mr. Ordonez. Through the course of the shootout the kidnappers, Ordonez, and 70-year-old bystander Rick Cutshaw were killed. Bystander Carlos Lara suffered significant injuries.

A lawsuit on behalf of Ordonez and Lara was filed against six law enforcement agencies on September 16, 2020.  

‘Miramar Parkway Police Shootout’ Press Conference

When: Thursday October 8, 2020 – 1 PM EST

Where: Hyatt Regency Coral Gables (Alcazabra Room)

50 Alhambra Plaza, Coral Gables, FL, 33134 USA

Speakers:

  • Jasmine Martinez – mother of Frank Ordonez’s two daughters
  • Luz Apolimario  – Frank Ordonez’s mother)
  • Michael Haggard, attorney, The Haggard Law Firm
  • Adam Finkel, attorney, The Haggard Law Firm

Livestream: The press conference will be live streamed on The Haggard Law Firm Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/HaggardLawFirm

NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: J.P. HERVIS 305.321.4293

*Only credentialed members of the media are invited to attend

*All CDC-guided COVID-19 safety protocols will be in place.

$1.7 Million Settlement – Trip and Fall Injury Case

The Haggard Law Firm’s Douglas McCarron has obtained a $1.7 million settlement for a woman injured in a trip and fall at a department store.

Some details of the case have been withheld due to terms of confidentiality.

Jane Doe was shopping in…

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Holiday Shopping Safety Tips

Tis the season for the holiday shopping surge. Unfortunately with the increased traffic experienced by most stores, malls and gas stations comes a rise in crime at those commercial properties. While some malls take responsible steps to increase security measures, too many businesses are negligent in providing the adequate security needed to protect you and your family from harm.

The Haggard Law Firm has litigated hundreds of negligent security & premises liability cases. It’s with that vast experience of investigating what security measures some business owners or property managers fail to do that we bring you  Holiday Shopping Safety Tips.

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Haggard Law Earns $1.57 Million Verdict in Car Crash Case

 

Miami, FL (October 30, 2017) – Late Friday night, following a 5-day civil court trial, a Miami-Dade jury awarded John Souza nearly $1.57 million. The trial stemmed from a lawsuit Souza, an Atlanta resident, filed after suffering injuries to his spine following a car  Pictures of Souza Crash 2accident on October 20, 2014. Souza and his wife, Anh, were traveling north on Biscayne Boulevard when another driver violated the right-of-way and collided into their car just off NW 35th Street.

The defendants, CH Global Construction who owned the vehicle, admitted the crash was their fault but also said the Souza was traveling too fast for the conditions. Souza, who was in town for a fitness competition, did not seek medical attention until he went back home to Atlanta the next day.

(Click to see other case results)

Haggard Client Injuries, Trial Challenges

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