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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Settlement in Condo Assault Negligent Security Case

During the evening hours of February 26, 2017, Denis Duddy was inside his condo in a Boca Raton Florida high-rise condominium complex when someone broke in an attacked him. Through the litigation of this negligent security case, trial lawyers Pedro Echarte and Michael Haggard of The Haggard Law Firm, and co-counsel Michael J. Brevda learned that if proper security steps been taken at the complex, the attack could have been prevented.

The attacker was a young naked man, who was under the influence of LSD, who gained access to the condominium, proceeded to walk through the parking areas, lobby, and other common areas, until he gained access to Duddy’s unit.  The assailant proceeded to bang on the door until he broke it down and attacked the Plaintiff.  Duddy and assailant (who were previously unknown to each other) continued to fight until the assailant eventually calmed down.  The assailant was arrested shortly thereafter by responding law enforcement personnel.  Duddy suffered injuries to his neck and lower back resulting in two surgeries (including one fusion).

Click here to contact Michael Haggard

Click here to contact Pedro Echarte

Image of the assailant from condominium (Defendant’s) security video

The primary defense in this matter was that there was no prior crime at the condominium and that the area in which it was located (South Boca Raton) was safe.  However, the Haggard Law attorneys and co-counselor Brevda argued that the security guard on duty at the time of the incident (who was employed by Defendant D & D Professional Security) failed to timely detect the assailant and failed to properly respond to his presence at the condominium, which led to the Plaintiff’s attack. The case against D&D Professional Security settled for $825,000.

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Michaels To Receive FJA Bronze Eagle Award

We are very proud to announce the Haggard Law Firm Trial Attorney and Partner Todd Michaels has been named a recipient of the Florida Justice Association’s 2018 Bronze Eagle Award.

Bronze EAGLE recipients are those members who go to great lengths by contributing time and money to the EAGLE cause which aims to provide resources to power FJA’s mission of:

  • defending civil justice at the Capitol and promote lasting and meaningful reforms to protect injured victims,
  • to preserve the safety of Florida’s consumers,
  • and to ensure the continued success of your practice for years to come.

Bronze EAGLE Award recipients have been very involved in EAGLE over the years and continue to be active in EAGLE.

CLICK HERE TO CONTACT TODD MICHAELS

When asked by the FJA what the FJA and EAGLE program meant to him, Michaels responded “When it comes to protecting the rights of the injured, the aggrieved, and the voiceless, there is no more important organization than the Florida Justice Association. The EAGLE program ensures FJA’s staff and leadership remain focused on protecting our practices and the rights of our clients without distraction.” Michaels has been an active member of the FJA since September of 2009.

He will receive the honor during the FJA’s Presidential Luncheon on Friday June 22, 2018 at The Breakers in Palm Beach.

READ TODD MICHAELS BIO: CLICK HERE

For a free consultation or if you are a referring of co-counsel attorney, call 305.446.5700

 

National Crime Victim Bar Association’s National Conference

 

Next week our Pedro Echarte will be one of the featured speakers during the  2017 National Crime Victim Bar Association’s National Conference in Portland, Oregon.  The event, Civil Actions for Criminal Acts, offers attorneys a chance to network and learn from other attorneys in the field, and connect with victim advocates, counselors, program managers, attorneys, social workers, psychologists, researchers, nurses, volunteers, administrators, clergy, nonprofit managers, system-based service providers, and leaders from across the country.

main logo_victimbar

It will include:

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Sun Sentinel: Haggard to Receive Perry Nichols Award

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel has posted the recent news that our Michael Haggard has been named the recipient of the Florida Justice Associations’ 2017 Perry Nichols award.

The FJA says the award is bestowed upon the attorney who sets the standard for the rest of us to aspire to achieve.

The Perry Nichols Award was created in 1977 in honor of the visionary who first brought Florida’s leading trial attorneys together to create the predecessor to today’s FJA. This Award is the most prestigious award given by our organization and is given to the attorney whose perseverance, commitment, and unmatched dedication to the civil justice system is at the forefront of their lives.

Haggard will receive the award during the Founder’s Day Luncheon during the FJA’s Master’s of Justice CLE Event October 4-6th in Sarasota Florida, more info

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Magazine Names Haggard 2017 ‘Super Star’ Lawyer

Congratulations to our Michael Haggard. He was among 10 local lawyers included in Attorney at Law Magazine‘s ‘Super Stars of 2017’ edition.

The Magazine writes “These attorneys have been nominated by their peers to be recognized for their accomplishments both inside and outside the courtroom.”

To read the full article, click on the following link and scroll to page 12-13.

http://bit.ly/2gw0VKl      

This most recent recognition follows news that Haggard will receive the Florida Justice Association’s 2017 Perry Nichols Award, that organization’s highest honor. Click here to learn more

Michael Haggard Bio