On September 10, 2020 the Florida Supreme Court will hear arguments in Younkin v. Blackwelder

On September 10, 2020 the Florida Supreme Court will hear arguments in Younkin v. Blackwelder to address whether the protections provided in Worley v. YMCA extend to defense law firms or, alternatively, whether those protections should be overruled. Presently, a plaintiff law firm that this not a party to the litigation is protected from having to disclose its financial relationship with experts that it retains for purposed of litigation, but defense firms are not, including those relationships with experts performing compulsory medical examinations under Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.360. Boyd Richards Appellate Partner, Elaine Walter, co-authored an amicus brief discussing the fact that lower courts’ interpretation of Worley, Boecher, and their progeny has created an uneven playing field in favor of plaintiffs and against defendants with an onerous burden placed on defense counsel, their clients, and their clients’ insurers with regard to production of documents, available discovery, and potential bias in the presentation of evidence to a jury. The brief was filed on behalf of the Florida Defense Lawyers Association. To view the Court’s online docket for Younkin v. Blackwelder click here.