August 2025 Newsletter
Trusted Experience. Proven Success. Unmatched Service.
Back to school! What an exciting time of the year! Closing in on Florida “autumn”, which just means second summer! This also brings us to the peak of hurricane season. It is a good time to evaluate your homeowners' policies. Specifically, take inventory of your deductibles and whether you have sufficient coverage should there be a loss. Additionally, remember that water losses can sometimes carry a different deductible. Taking a moment now to review your documents could save a lot of headaches in the future.
Karen Montas, Esq.
Legally Speaking…
From Ride-Sharing to Rights: A Look at This Month's Key Legal Issues
Uber and Sexual Assault Lawsuits:
In a significant development for the consolidated sexual assault lawsuits against Uber, a federal judge in San Francisco has trimmed some of the claims but allowed others to proceed. Senior U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer dismissed fraud claims concerning Uber's general "don't drink and drive" advertisements, ruling that these were non-actionable "puffery." However, he permitted fraud claims to move forward regarding Uber's omission of a driver's criminal or misconduct history in its app's notifications. The judge also dismissed some product liability claims related to Uber’s "safe ride matching" as a service, but he allowed claims against the absence of a gender-matching option, classifying it as a product defect. These rulings, which do not decide the merits of the cases, will shape the upcoming bellwether trials and could significantly impact future ride-sharing industry regulations.
Birthright Citizenship:
In a divided ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a nationwide injunction that had blocked a presidential executive order to end birthright citizenship for children of non-citizens. The Court, in an opinion authored by Justice Amy Coney Barrett, ruled that federal judges lack the authority to issue nationwide injunctions. This decision, hailed by the former president as a "monumental victory," sends the case back to lower courts for further proceedings. In response, the plaintiffs have filed a new federal class-action lawsuit, seeking to protect the birthright citizenship of a larger group of individuals. While this will likely slow down the legal process, the plaintiffs and their attorneys remain committed to challenging the executive order, which Justice Sonia Sotomayor warned could lead to the government bypassing the Constitution.
Two New Insurers Join Florida’s Homeowners Market:
The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation has approved two new property insurers to help stabilize the state’s struggling homeowners insurance market. The newly authorized companies are Incline National Insurance Company, based in Texas, and Florida Insurance and Reinsurance Company, a Florida-based insurer focusing on coverage for condominiums and condo associations. Insurance Commissioner Mike Yaworsky indicated that additional insurers are expected to be announced soon.
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Montas Turner, P.A. in the Community:
Wine, Women & Shoes!
On August 12, 2025, Montas Turner was a proud sponsor of the annual Wine Women & Shoes fundraising event to benefit weVenture, the Women's Business Center at Florida Tech Bisk College of Business.
The weVENTURE Women's Business Center, located in the Florida Tech Bisk College of Business, is committed to being the leading voice and resource for women on the Space and Treasure Coasts.
Pictured Left to Right:
Firm Administrator, Thomas Turner; Attorney Karen Montas; Attorney Nicole Hosey; and Paralegal, Sarah Laleau
Karen's Shoe of the Month!
If you know Attorney Karen Montas, you know she is a shoe connoisseur. These studded suede pumps would have been a great addition to Wine, Women & Shoes (maybe Attorney Montas will wear them next year)!
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