April 19, 2024
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A trial judge improperly applied a contingency fee multiplier that resulted in increased attorneys fees awarded to a claimant’s lawyer in a workers compensation case, a Florida appellate court ruled Friday.
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 The District Court of Appeal of Florida reversed a lower court decision that had awarded $14,310 in claimants legal fees in a lawsuit brought by Carlos Vargas IV against Foot & Ankle Center of Florida LLC.
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Mr. Vargas, a workers comp claimant, sued over claims that the center placed an illegitimate lien on his workers comp settlement proceeds after a center physician treated him for a work related injury. Mr. Vargas was later granted summary judgment on his claims.
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