Intentional vs. Accidental: How It Affects Your Payout

In this week’s episode, hosts Matt Dolman and Stan Gipe share valuable insights into navigating the complexities of tort law and insurance coverage. 

We discuss the distinctions between intentional torts and negligence, focusing on the insurance coverage implications for each. Intentional torts occur when someone purposely causes harm. Negligence arises from unintentional harm due to careless actions.

Florida law doesn’t provide insurance coverage for intentional acts, making it vital for attorneys to identify and correctly present cases involving underlying negligence. We delve into specific case types, such as negligent transmission of sexual disease and security cases.

Matt and Stan share examples of how framing cases strategically can result in insurance coverage even when harm may initially seem intentional. It’s essential to have a skilled attorney who can present a case in a way that triggers insurance coverage. Most people don’t have sufficient liquid assets to cover large claims. 

It’s also essential to seek a second opinion if you've been told you don't have a case. Different attorneys may have varying perspectives on case approaches and the ability to identify negligence in seemingly intentional acts.

In this episode: 

• [00.36] The differences between intentional torts and negligence
• [01.43] Florida's insurance coverage policy on intentional acts
• [04.39] Insurance coverage in specific cases, such as negligent security cases
• [05.58] How testimony from criminal cases can sometimes benefit civil claims
• [09.53] The importance of framing cases correctly for insurance coverage
• [11.14] Pursuing insurance coverage over individual assets
• [15.41] Why you should consider seeking a second opinion if you’ve been told you don’t have a case

💡 Meet Your Hosts 💡

Name: Matthew A. Dolman, Esq.

Title: Partner at Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA

Specialty: Matt is a nationally recognized insurance and personal injury attorney and focuses much of his practice on the litigation of catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida. 

Connect: LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

Name: Stanley Gipe, Esq.

Title: Partner and Head of Litigation at Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA

Specialty: Stan is a Florida Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer. This distinction connotes expertise in the discipline of trial practice. He has served as lead counsel on over 1,000 Florida personal injury lawsuits.

The insights and views presented in this podcast are for general information purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. The information presented is not a substitute for consulting with an attorney. Nor does tuning in to this podcast constitute an attorney-client relationship of any kind. Any case result information provided on any portion of this podcast should not be understood as a promise of any particular result in a future case. Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers: Big firm results, small firm personal attention.