November 2025 Newsletter
Trusted Experience. Proven Success. Unmatched Service.
Happy Thanksgiving!! May this season bring you and your family laughter and joy. I am grateful for all of you and your willingness to trust my Firm for your legal needs.
Karen Montas, Esq.
Legally Speaking...
Wrongful Death in Focus: Tesla, Grindr, and Florida's Act Expansion
Wrongful death litigation in Florida continues to be a relevant area of law, defined by potential legislative changes, rapidly evolving technology, and fundamental questions of legal accountability.
Florida House Panel Advances Bill to Expand Wrongful Death Act in Medical Malpractice Cases:
A Florida House panel overwhelmingly approved HB 6003, a bipartisan bill that seeks to restore the right of certain adult survivors and adult children to recover non-economic damages in wrongful death cases caused by medical negligence. Supporters argue the current law is unjust, creating a disparity compared to other wrongful death cases, while opponents—including the Governor and medical groups—worry the expansion will drastically increase healthcare costs and reduce access to care. The measure, which currently faces one more committee stop before advancing to the House floor, highlights an ongoing conflict between patient rights advocates and the healthcare industry.
Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed Against Tesla Over Crash That Claimed Five Lives:
Family members of two victims in a fatal 2016 Tesla Model S crash have filed a wrongful death lawsuit, claiming the vehicle's electronically operated door system trapped passengers inside the burning car after it lost power. The suit alleges the backup manual door release was "hidden, unlabeled and impractical in an emergency," and further claims the high-voltage battery pack lacked proper design features to prevent heat transfer during the crash. Lead attorney Andrew McDevitt stated that the goal is to drive safety changes, as neighbors reported hearing people trapped inside the vehicle for up to five minutes after the impact.
Federal Judge Orders Arbitration in Wrongful Death Suit Against Grindr:
A federal judge has ruled that a wrongful death lawsuit filed against Grindr LLC, stemming from the high-profile slaying of a Florida teen, must be resolved through arbitration. U.S. District Judge Tom Barber sided with the dating app, determining that the 16-year-old victim had consented to the terms and conditions, including the arbitration clause, when she created multiple accounts despite her minor status. This decision forces the estate to pursue its claim alleging the app's negligence contributed to the victim's death outside of the public court system, while the two individuals charged with the murder remain jailed.
Recent Accident?
Your insurance coverage can be affected by what you
do after a motor vehicle accident.
Montas Turner, P.A. in the Community:
Celebrating Our Veterans
Scott was born at Ft. Benning Army Hospital in Columbus, Georgia. His family later moved from Atlanta to Conyers, Georgia. Wanting to race motocross, Scott was told by a friend that he needed to get in shape, and soccer was suggested. At 12 years old, having never even seen a soccer ball, he gave it a try. It quickly became clear that soccer would change the course of his life.
Before long, Scott was training with the Atlanta Chiefs, his hometown’s former NASL team, at their training facility. Although he earned the #6 AMA plate in motocross, it became apparent that soccer would become his true path.
The Atlanta Chiefs arranged for him to train with Leicester City in the United Kingdom, where he spent a year with the team. He traveled overseas the day after graduating high school in 1980 and returned home in 1981 to join the Portland Timbers. Unfortunately, the league folded shortly thereafter. Scott was advised to attend junior college, with the understanding that he would be recruited when the new Atlanta professional team launched in 1982.
In his freshman year of college, Scott earned First Team All-American honors along with numerous other accolades. In 1982, he played for the Georgia Generals, but once again the professional league folded. Scott ultimately completed his college career at Flagler College, earning national attention, awards, and honors.
In 1985, while flying home from his honeymoon, the head coach of the Orlando Lions recognized him on the plane and offered him a professional contract on the spot. Scott played for the Orlando Lions during their opening season; however, at that time, soccer in the United States simply could not support a young family. He went on to attend Mercer School of Law, graduating in 1991.
After the attacks of 9/11, Scott volunteered to serve in the U.S. Army, where he remained for nine and a half years. He earned numerous letters of commendation, honors, and medals, and volunteered for multiple special missions both domestically and abroad. Serving in Airborne, Air Assault, Pathfinder, and as a Combat Lifesaver, Scott completed his service with an honorable discharge.
To say Scott has been blessed would only scratch the surface. In everything he has pursued; including professional race car driving in IMSA, NASCAR, SCCA, Grand-Am, and other racing sanctioning bodies, Scott approaches every challenge the same way he always has: with a mission to win, to be a great teammate, and to elevate everyone around him to a higher level of success.
Karen's Shoe of the Month!
If you know Attorney Karen Montas, you know she is a shoe connoisseur. With these gorgeous pumps, you can brighten up any day, one step at a time.