22 Fla. L. Weekly Supp. 386a
Online Reference: FLWSUPP 2203SJOHNOT FINAL VERSION OF OPINION
Subsequent Changes at 22 Fla. L. Weekly Supp. 845aInsurance — Discovery — Depositions — Failure to attend — Insurer is found in contempt and monetary sanctions are imposed where corporate representative failed to attend court-ordered deposition
SUZANNE JOHNSON, Plaintiff, v. SOUTHERN-OWNERS INSURANCE COMPANY, a foreign corporation, Defendant. County Court, 13th Judicial Circuit in and for Hillsborough County, Civil Division. Case No. 13-CC-027093, Division M. September 22, 2014. Honorable Herbert M. Berkowitz, Judge. Counsel: Philip A. Friedman, FL Legal Group, Tampa, for Plaintiff. Rhamen Love-Lane, Smith, Rolfes & Skavdahl Co., L.P.A., Orlando, for Defendant.
VACATED 10-21-2014. FLWSUPP 2207SJOH
ORDER ON PLAINTIFF’S MOTION TOCOMPEL DEPOSITION, CONTEMPT AND SANCTIONS
THESE MATTERS having come before the Court on Plaintiff’s Motion to Compel Deposition, Contempt and Sanctions under certificate of service September 15, 2014, the Court being apprised of factual basis for same hereby orders and adjudicates without hearing as follows:
1. The Court finds the Defendant in Contempt for violation of this Court’s July 31, 2014 Order Compelling deposition.
2. The Court hereby Compels this deposition of the Defendant’s corporate representative to take place within ten (10) days of this Order at the offices of Plaintiff’s attorney.
3. In addition, the Court enters monetary sanctions in the amount of five thousand ($5,000.00) dollars against the Defendant payable within thirty (30) days of this Order.
a. Three thousand ($3,000.00) of that is to be payable to FL Legal Group in compensation to the Plaintiff for the time and expense as set forth in their Motion.
b. Two thousand ($2,000.00) is to be payable to Bay Area Legal Services, and charitable organization, as part of this sanction. The Defendant shall provide validation of the payment to Bay Area Legal Services to Plaintiff’s attorney for validation.
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