Florida Supreme Court Oral Arguments - June 3, 2025
In the case of Mohammed Bouayad v. Normandy Insurance Company, attorney Michael Winer of Winer Law Group represented Mr. Bouayad, who was seriously injured in a workplace shooting.
Background
On June 28, 2019, Mr. Bouayad, serving as the general manager for Value Car Rental at the Orlando International Airport Holiday Inn, was shot seven times by an unidentified assailant while walking between the company’s kiosk and office.Despite the severity of his injuries, the motive behind the attack remained unclear. Mr. Bouayad filed for workers’ compensation benefits, asserting that his injuries occurred within the course and scope of his employment.
Legal Proceedings
The Judge of Compensation Claims (JCC) initially ruled in favor of Mr. Bouayad, awarding him benefits. However, the First District Court of Appeal reversed this decision, stating that while the incident occurred during his employment, Mr. Bouayad failed to prove that the injuries “arose out of” his work duties. The court emphasized the necessity of a direct occupational causation for such claims.
Implications
The outcome of this case holds significant implications for workers’ compensation law in Florida. A decision affirming the appellate court could narrow the scope of compensable workplace injuries, particularly those resulting from unforeseen violent acts. Conversely, a ruling in favor of Mr. Bouayad could reinforce protections for employees injured under ambiguous circumstances during their employment.
Attorney Michael Winer’s advocacy in this case underscores the complexities of workers’ compensation claims involving workplace violence and the importance of legal interpretation in ensuring fair compensation for injured workers.
Call Michael Winer – Injury Attorney- (813) 224-0000.
UNPARALLELED SERVICE
MAXIMUM RESULTS
UNENDING DEDICATION
By you using this website and the electronic mailbox contained within, you agree not to transmit any case-related documents, including, but not limited to, pleadings, service of process, correspondence or any other case-related documentation of a time-sensitive nature.
YOU ARE NOT ESTABLISHING AN ATTORNEY-CLIENT RELATIONSHIP BY COMPLETING THIS FORM. YOU ARE NOT A CLIENT UNLESS AND UNTIL YOU RECEIVE A SIGNED WRITTEN REPRESENTATION AGREEMENT FROM THE FIRM.