Narrative Opinion Summary
In this case, the plaintiff filed a lawsuit against a corporate employer, alleging a breach of a written employment agreement that included specific provisions for a hiring term and relocation expenses. The defendant company countered with allegations of fraud involving the plaintiff and its CFO, claiming an unauthorized employment contract. The trial court granted summary judgment in favor of the defendant concerning the wage claims, allowing only the relocation expenses claim to proceed to trial. The jury found in favor of the plaintiff, awarding relocation costs. On appeal, the defendant contended that fraud impacted both the employment contract and relocation claims, but the appellate court concluded the CFO had authority to contract, thus upholding the jury's verdict on relocation expenses. However, the court supported the defendant's position as the prevailing party on the wage claim, entitling it to attorney’s fees under Florida law. Consequently, the case was affirmed in part, reversed in part, and remanded for further proceedings regarding attorney’s fees. The judgment serves to clarify the implications of alleged fraud and authority in employment contracts, as well as the application of attorney’s fees statutes.
Legal Issues Addressed
Award of Attorney’s Feessubscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: The appellate court remanded the case to determine Sentinel's entitlement to attorney’s fees following the partial summary judgment.
Reasoning: In conclusion, the judgment was affirmed in part, reversed in part, and remanded for a hearing on Sentinel's entitlement to attorney’s fees.
Breach of Employment Agreementsubscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: The court addressed the breach of an employment agreement by determining that Godwin's claim for relocation expenses was valid despite allegations of fraud.
Reasoning: Glen Godwin filed a complaint against Sentinel Enterprises, Inc., alleging breach of a written employment agreement... The jury awarded Godwin $4,139.59 for relocation expenses.
Fraud and Contractual Authoritysubscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: The court found that claims of fraud did not affect Godwin's entitlement to relocation expenses since the CFO had the authority to enter into the contract.
Reasoning: The court determined that Godwin's right to relocation costs was unaffected by any alleged fraud, as Stankiewicz had the authority to hire Godwin, and Godwin had relocated based on the agreement.
Summary Judgment on Wage Claimssubscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: The trial court's summary judgment on Godwin's wage claims was upheld, establishing Sentinel as the prevailing party for attorney’s fees purposes.
Reasoning: The trial court granted Sentinel's motion for summary judgment regarding Godwin’s wage claims... the court agreed with Sentinel that it was a prevailing party entitled to attorney’s fees under Florida Statutes.