The Haggard Law Firm’s Pedro Echarte and Michael Haggard have settled a wrongful death dive case involving multiple defendants.  The case settled globally for $4.25 Million.

The settlement was contingent on the parties remaining confidential.

When Fun Turns to Tragedy: Advocating for Victims of Maritime and Water Excursion Injuries

The open water should be a place for adventure, relaxation, and recreation. But when negligence is involved, a dream excursion can quickly become a life-altering nightmare. 

Why Choose The Haggard Law Firm for Maritime Injury Cases?

Our firm is nationally recognized for taking on complex injury and wrongful death cases involving dangerous water excursions, boating operators, cruise lines, and tour companies. Our attorneys understand the intricate legal landscape of maritime law, including Jones Act claims, admiralty jurisdiction, and state vs. federal liability issues.

We’ve won millions in verdicts and settlements on behalf of clients seriously injured—or families who have lost loved ones—due to preventable incidents on:

• Charter boat tours
• Jet ski and parasailing operations
• Cruise ship excursions
• Marina and dockside accidents
• Snorkeling and scuba diving tours
• Ferry and passenger vessel negligence

Fighting for Safer Excursions – Holding Negligent Companies Accountable

Far too often, tour operators prioritize profits over passenger safety. At The Haggard Law Firm, we’ve built a national reputation representing individuals and families harmed in maritime accidents, including boating and jet ski crashes, parasailing incidents, diving injuries, and more.

We partner with top maritime experts and investigators to uncover the truth and build compelling cases that force accountability and improve safety standards industry-wide.

Know Your Rights After a Water-Related Injury

If you or a loved one has been injured—or worse—during a water excursion or maritime activity, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages and future earnings
• Pain and suffering
• Funeral costs in wrongful death cases
• Punitive damages for reckless conduct

Don’t let negligent operators avoid responsibility. Let The Haggard Law Firm fight for the justice you deserve.

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The Haggard Law Firm has secured a $3.54 million settlement in a wrongful death negligent security case centered around a shopping center in Central Florida. Attorney Douglas McCarron represented the family of a man who was shot and killed while after his shift at a restaurant and club within the shopping plaza in 2022. 

The victim, a hardworking young man and beloved son, left behind two grieving parents who sought justice after his tragic and preventable death. Due to confidentiality terms, the names of the parties involved in the lawsuit remain private. This case is a powerful example of how gun violence and negligent security intersect. The lawsuit alleged that the shopping center and the restaurant/club operator failed to provide adequate security—including the absence of video surveillance, security guards, or off-duty police officers—despite being in an area with a history of criminal activity.

“The lack of basic safety measures created an environment where violent crime could occur unchecked,” said McCarron. “This settlement is a step toward accountability and a reminder that property owners have a legal duty to protect the public.” 

The Haggard Law Firm is nationally recognized for its work representing victims in gun violence lawsuits, negligent security cases, and other forms of premises liability. With a focus on holding businesses and property owners accountable, the firm continues to fight for safer communities and justice for victims of preventable violence.

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In 2022, a tragic and preventable incident claimed the life of a young autistic boy who was struck by a vehicle on a main road just outside his apartment complex. The child had exited the property through a broken vehicle gate that had been left open and unrepaired.

Attorneys Michael Haggard and Adam Finkel of The Haggard Law Firm filed a wrongful death lawsuit against both the driver of the vehicle and the property owners and managers of the apartment complex, holding them accountable for the conditions that allowed this tragedy to occur.

Plaintiff(s), Defendant(s), and location of tragedy are confidential due to terms of the settlement

Research consistently shows that children with special needs—particularly those with autism—require additional protections from their surrounding environment. This is why premises liability laws and safety standards place a legal responsibility on property owners and managers to maintain safe conditions for all residents, especially vulnerable populations.

In this case, The Haggard Law Firm emphasized that the property managers explicitly assured the victim’s family that the complex’s gates would be fully operational by the time they moved in. That promise was never fulfilled. The attorneys argued that had the gates been functioning as promised, the child would not have been able to access the busy roadway, and the fatal accident would have been avoided. 

Notably, the defendants all denied liability, and argued that the child might not have left through the vehicle gate, but instead a pedestrian gate elsewhere on the property. The defendant-property managers also denied having promised the family that the gates would be repaired before they moved in.

Ultimately, the case was resolved with a $2.775 million settlement. The young victim is survived by his two loving parents, who bravely pursued justice not only for their son, but to help ensure greater accountability and safety for other children in similar situations

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On December 27, 2022, Luis Penaloza Herrera died from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning while staying at an Airbnb short-term rental property in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. Mr. Penaloza Herrera was neither the first nor the last Airbnb guest to die from CO poisoning while staying at a property in a foreign country booked through Airbnb. During the 10 year period between 2013 – 2023, it has been reported that at least 19 Airbnb guests have died from CO poisoning.  

In December 2024, The Haggard Law Firm, on behalf of Mr. Penaloza Herrera’s wife filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Airbnb, Inc., alleging counts of negligence and premises liability. The crux of the lawsuit is that Airbnb, Inc. operates a tourism business that facilitates the short-term rental of properties and creates the opportunity for its guests to circumvent traditional hotels to rent unregulated, unlicensed, uninspected and ultimately unsafe dwellings from its hosts across the globe.

Further, Airbnb, Inc., became aware of the significant problem of CO poisoning and the risks posed to its guests nearly a decade ago, was in a position to address the risk (e.g., mandating its hosts use CO detectors) and failed to do so reasonably.  Airbnb, Inc., filed a demurrer in the litigation arguing that it could not be liable for Mr. Penaloza Herrera’s death because it owes no duty to its guests. Despite clearly knowing of the risks posed to its guests, Airbnb, Inc., argued that it owes no duty to operate its platform in a reasonable manner and it owes no duty to its guests to mitigate the known risks of CO poisoning (and by extension to keep guests safe from any known risks). A hearing was held on Airbnb’s arguments concerning its lack of duty in San Francisco Superior Court on May 8, 2025. 

The Court issued an Order overruling Airbnb, Inc.’s demurrer, holding that the facts as pled in the Complaint do support finding a legally cognizable duty under California law.  The position taken by Airbnb, Inc. demonstrates the corporation’s callous disregard for the safety of those that its profits from – i.e., its guests – and the dangers posed to those that use its platform. While the litigation is still in its early phases, this victory is a major step forward in holding Airbnb Inc., accountable for this tragic loss of life and for its egregious failures in dealing with this systemic problem with its business.    

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The Haggard Law Firm, led by Michael Haggard and Adam Finkel, successfully secured a $10.5 million settlement in a heartbreaking case involving the fatal drowning of a 5-year-old girl, Thamar Esperance, at a residential pool under construction in Apopka, Florida. 

 A Tragic, Preventable LossOn September 15, 2021, 5-year-old Thamar Esperance wandered away from her home in the Carriage Hill community just before dinner. She came across a residential pool that was under construction in her neighbor’s yard. Although the pool was filled with water, the construction site lacked a child safety barrier—a critical safety feature required to prevent these very tragedies. Without a fence to block her path, Thamar entered the pool area unnoticed and suffered a fatal drowning. By the time her family discovered what happened, it was too late.The loss of young Thamar was devastating for her family. She is survived by her grieving parents. 

Negligence and Accountability: Holding Responsible Parties LiableThe Haggard Law Firm took immediate action, investigating the case and filing a wrongful death lawsuit against multiple parties responsible for the tragedy. Those ultimately named as defendants included the general contractor, Southern Paradise Pools & Spas; the subcontractor, White Sands Pool Plastering; the homeowners’ association; the residential management company; and even a fence company that was contracted to build a fence around the neighbor’s property. The Haggard Law Firm’s legal team argued that the pool was negligently constructed without the required fence, creating a dangerous and foreseeable risk of harm. Despite the need for a safety barrier, the pool construction continued without the proper precautions in place to protect young children. 

Justice for the Esperance Family: $10.5 Million Settlement

After extensive legal efforts, The Haggard Law Firm secured a $10.5 million settlement for the Esperance family. This settlement represents a significant victory for Thamar’s family and highlights the importance of holding negligent parties accountable for their actions. For more than 30 years, The Haggard Law Firm has been at the forefront of representing families in wrongful death and personal injury cases, especially those involving drownings and pool accidents. Our lawyers experience and dedication to justice have earned them the trust of hundreds of families across the country in this legal challenging and emotionally devastating cases. 

The Importance of Pool Safety: Preventing Future Tragedies

This tragic case serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of pool safety, especially in construction zones. Florida, with its many pools, has strict regulations in place to ensure the safety of children around pools—particularly during construction. Pools must be properly secured with barriers to prevent unauthorized access.

 Contact The Haggard Law Firm for Legal Assistance 

If you or a loved one has been affected by a drowning or other pool-related accident, The Haggard Law Firm is here to help. With decades of experience in handling complex personal injury and wrongful death cases, our team can provide the legal expertise needed to fight for justice.Contact The Haggard Law Firm today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how they can help you navigate your legal options.

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TAMPA, FL – The Haggard Law Firm, a nationally recognized personal injury law firm, is proud to announce its expansion to the greater Tampa Bay area. This new office marks a significant milestone in the firm’s commitment to providing exceptional legal representation to victims of negligent security, drowning, sexual assault, product liability and other complex cases.

Leading the firm’s Tampa-based office will be seasoned trial attorney Maegan Bridwell. Bridwell joins The Haggard Law Firm after more than a decade of litigation and trial experience as a defense attorney with Kubicki Draper. Her extensive background in high-stakes litigation, defending corporations and insurance companies, provides her with unique insight that will be invaluable in advocating for injured clients or those who have lost a loved one.

“We are thrilled to welcome Maegan to our team and to establish a constant physical presence in the Tampa-area,” said Michael Haggard, Managing Partner of The Haggard Law Firm. “Her impressive trial experience and deep understanding of defense strategies make her an incredible asset to our firm and, more importantly, to the individuals and families we fight for every day.”

The Haggard Law Firm has built a reputation as a leader in personal injury law, successfully litigating across the country the most complex catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases. The firm has gained national recognition for representing clients in negligent security and drowning cases, securing landmark verdicts and settlements that have set industry standards.

Since its founding in 1972, The Haggard Law Firm has secured more than a quarter billion dollars in verdicts and settlements, including more than $1 billion in results for clients across the country in negligent security cases. With the opening of the Tampa office, the firm strengthens its ability to serve clients throughout Florida with the same dedication and excellence that has defined its legacy for decades.

This marks the second satellite office opened by the Coral Gables-based Haggard Law Firm. In 2023, the renowned trial law plaintiffs firm expanded its footprint by opening an office in Ft. Lauderdale.

“I am honored to join The Haggard Law Firm and to lead the firm’s efforts in my hometown,” said Bridwell. “Throughout my career, I have seen firsthand the tactics used to minimize or deny true justice to injury victims and families of loved ones killed due to corporate negligence. I look forward to leveraging my experience to advocate fiercely for those who need it most.”

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The Haggard Law Firm’s Michael Haggard and Adam Finkel secured a $6.75 million settlement on behalf of the estate of a young parent who was shot and killed at an apartment complex in Tampa, Florida.

Attorneys Haggard and Finkel filed a negligent security wrongful death lawsuit against the property owner and a major nationwide property management company, alleging that the complex was negligently secured despite a well-documented history of criminal activity on the premises.

 Names of the parties involved are confidential per terms of the settlement.

Negligent Security: A Preventable Tragedy

The case centered on a disturbing but preventable reality: residents of the Tampa apartment complex long faced serious safety concerns. While the defendants acknowledged that crime was an issue in the past, they argued that recent security improvements showed progress.However, Haggard and Finkel contended that these improvements were too little, too late.“Security measures that could have saved a life should have been implemented years earlier,” said attorney Finkel. “A delay in action when lives are at stake is inexcusable.”

Accountability Through Legal Action

By holding the defendants accountable, The Haggard Law Firm helped the victim’s family secure justice and financial compensation that will provide long-term support for the victim’s children. The $6.75 million settlement is not just a resolution—it’s a powerful reminder that property owners must prioritize safety and take proactive steps to protect the people who live on their premises.

Standing Up for Victims of Violent Crime

This case underscores the importance of pursuing negligent security claims when landlords or property managers fail to take appropriate precautions in high-crime areas. The Haggard Law Firm remains committed to representing victims of violent crime and holding negligent parties accountable.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a violent incident due to poor security at an apartment complex, hotel, or business, our experienced team is here to help.

Contact The Haggard Law Firm

Call today for a free consultation
Serving clients throughout Florida and nationwide

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 The Haggard Law Firm’s Pedro Echarte along with co-counsel Nick Kassatly and Daniel Tighe of the Traction Law Group have secured a $3 Million settlement in a negligent security wrongful death case against the owners of Red Roof Inn motel in Jacksonville, Florida.  

Case Overview: A Preventable Tragedy

The tragic case involved the murder of Kieron Singleton, who was fatally shot on September 18, 2021, inside a room at the Red Roof Inn, located at 6099 Youngerman Circle, Jacksonville, Florida. On the night of the incident, Andy Williams, a long-term guest at the motel and an alleged drug dealer, entered the room where Mr. Singleton was staying. An argument broke out, and Williams shot and killed Mr. Singleton. Mr. Singleton left behind one surviving son.

A History of Criminal Activity at Red Roof Inn

The wrongful death negligent security lawsuit alleged that the Red Roof Inn had a long-standing history of criminal activity, including drug dealing and other criminal incidents.

Negligent Security Failures

Despite these ongoing issues, the Plaintiff alleged that the property owner and motel operator, Sunstar Orangepark, Inc., failed to implement basic security measures, creating an environment where violent crime was foreseeable. The Plaintiff also alleged that the Red Roof Inn failed to take steps to remove problematic and dangerous guests, including Andy Williams, from the property.  The Plaintiff argued that if the motel had enforced stricter security policies, removed Andy Williams due to his prior behavior at the motel, and taken proactive measures to prevent crime, this tragedy could have been avoided.

Legal Challenges & Key Arguments

One of the primary challenges in this case was that the fatal shooting occurred inside a motel room, rather than in a common area. However, the Plaintiff’s attorneys built a strong case that around the argument that Mr. Williams should have been removed from the property long before the night in question. The Plaintiff also was able to prove that some of the argument had spilled into the common area and if the Red Roof Inn had much needed security, they could have stopped the incident before it escalated to a shooting.

Justice for Victims of Negligent Security

At The Haggard Law Firm, we excel  in premises liability and negligent security cases across the country, helping families seek justice after preventable tragedies. If you or a loved one has suffered due to a property owner’s negligence, contact our experienced legal team today. 📞 Call (305) 446.5700  or fill out our online form for a free consultation. 

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The Haggard Firm’s Adam Finkel and Michael Haggard secured a $2 million settlement in a dram shop liability case.  Finkel and Haggard, along with co-counsel Gregory P. Lee of Texas, successfully held two negligent bars accountable after they served alcohol to underage patrons, leading to a devastating crash.

(click here to learn more about co-counseling with The Haggard Law Firm)

What Happened?

In the summer of 2021, 17-year-old Brody Perque joined a friend’s family on a trip to Orlando, Florida. On the night of August 13, 2021, Brody and his friend borrowed a rental car and attempted to enter downtown Orlando bars using fake IDs. Despite being visibly underage, they were allowed into Saddle Up All American Bar, where they were served alcohol with little to no age verification. Later, they moved across the street to Aero Rooftop Bar & Lounge, where staff briefly checked their out-of-state IDs, scanned them, and let them in.The two continued drinking before leaving and getting back into the rental car. Tragically, they crashed. Brody was ejected through the windshield and pinned beneath the car’s scalding-hot exhaust pipe, suffering severe burn injuries.

Legal Action: Holding Bars Accountable for Overserving Minors

The personal injury lawyers at The Haggard Firm filed a personal injury lawsuit sounding in dram shop liability against Saddle Up All American Bar and Aero Rooftop Bar & Lounge. The case argued that both establishments:

• Failed to properly verify IDs before serving alcohol
• Neglected their legal responsibility to prevent underage drinking
• Violated their own policies and procedures regarding ID checks

The Defense’s Argument

The defendant bars claimed that Brody and his friend presented fake IDs, and Aero Rooftop even successfully scanned the IDs. However, through extensive investigation, our attorneys uncovered evidence proving the bars’ negligence.One of the most critical aspects of the case was our ability to use Aero Rooftop’s own training experts as their own witnesses. Haggard and Finkel anticipated that these experts would have confirmed that Aero Rooftop failed to follow the proper procedures that they were trained to implement.

$2 Million+ Settlement: Justice for the Victim

Facing overwhelming evidence, both bars agreed to pay their full $1 million insurance policy limits.This settlement also included the maximum insurance payout from Brody’s friend and his mother, who had rented the vehicle. The settlement total $2,055,055.00.

Why This Case Matters

This case serves as a reminder of the importance of dram shop laws, which hold bars and establishments accountable for overserving alcohol to minors or visibly intoxicated individuals. The Haggard Firm’s attorneys are committed to fighting for victims and their families when negligence leads to preventable tragedies. 

Contact The Haggard Firm for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured due to a drunk driving accident, overserving of alcohol, or negligence by a bar or restaurant, you may have a case under dram shop laws.

📞 Contact The Haggard Firm today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. Let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

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