FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 17, 2021

Contact: Eric W. Boyer, Esq.
Managing Partner
305.670.1101 Ext. 1023
Email: eboyer@qpwblaw.com

ARBITRATION TRIAL DEFENSE VERDICT OBTAINED ON BEHALF OF A
PROMINENT SOUTH FLORIDA CAR DEALERSHIP

Violation of Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act
Fraud/Negligence/Punitive Damages

George L. Fernandez

STUART, Fla. ― George L. Fernandez, a partner in the Miami office of Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, P.A., obtained a pure defense verdict in an arbitration trial before the American Arbitration Association against a prominent South Florida car dealership, in a lawsuit alleging claims for violation of Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act; fraud in the inducement; negligence, and punitive damages.

This case stemmed from the sale of a motor vehicle. The plaintiff alleged that the defendant misrepresented whether the vehicle was new or used and that the defendant intentionally damaged his vehicle during a service visit after his lawsuit was filed. The plaintiff sought substantial damages for diminution in value of his vehicle, alleged property damage to his vehicle, punitive damages, and attorney’s fees.

The defense effectively cross-examined the plaintiff and his wife to establish various inconsistencies regarding their actual knowledge of whether the vehicle was new or used at the time of the sale, and to rebut the plaintiff’s claim that the defendant somehow intentionally damaged his vehicle after he filed his lawsuit. The defense also utilized a handwriting expert to rebut the plaintiff’s unsubstantiated claim that one of the key sales documents had been altered.

The American Arbitration Association judge rejected all of the plaintiff’s claims.  Further, the arbitration judge actually awarded almost $24,000 in attorney’s fees and costs to the defendant as the prevailing party after finding that the plaintiff presented meritless claims.

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George L. Fernandez is a partner in the Miami office and is a Florida Bar Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer, a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates and has maintained an AV® Peer Review rating in the Martindale Hubbell Law Directory since 1997. He is recognized as a “Top South Florida Lawyer” in the area of insurance litigation by the South Florida Legal Guide.

About QPWB

QPWB is the largest minority and woman owned law firm in the nation. Our lawyers provide representation in litigation, business, real estate and governmental law.

 

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