Arbitrary and Capricious

3,777 Florida cases classified under this topic · sorted by citation count

• Creel v. Wachovia Corp.
  543 F. Supp. 2d 1298· M.D. Fla.· 2008-02-25
  The court held that the defendant's decision to terminate long-term disability benefits was not demonstrably wrong under the plan's terms, even if potentially unfair, because the plaintiff failed to provide sufficient objective medical evidence of a disabling physical condition a
• Borschel v. Cont'l Cas. Co.
  536 F. Supp. 2d 1294· S.D. Fla.· 2008-02-13
  The court held that the plaintiff's claim for long-term disability benefits was untimely and that she failed to rebut the presumption of prejudice, thus the denial of benefits was not 'de novo wrong' under ERISA.
• IN & FOR Sussex Cnty. Barbara Murray v. C.A. No. 2249-MG (S Riverview, LLC
  Del. Ch.· 2007-10-11
  The Court granted the petitioners' motion for summary judgment, finding the zoning ordinance invalid due to an inadequate record. The Court held that the appended findings of fact were not properly adopted by the County Council, preventing a meaningful review of whether the Counc
• IN & FOR Sussex Cnty. Bernie's Conchs
  Del. Super. Ct.· 2007-06-08
  The Superior Court reversed the Department's order imposing a two-year moratorium on horseshoe crab harvesting, finding that the moratorium lacked a rational basis in the record and was therefore invalid. The court determined that the evidence did not support the premise that a m
• NuVox Commc'ns, Inc. v. Edgar
  511 F. Supp. 2d 1198· N.D. Fla.· 2007-06-01
  The court held that the FPSC misinterpreted the TRO regarding commingling of § 251 elements with § 271 checklist elements, and that commingling is required. The court affirmed the FPSC's decisions on line conditioning, load coils, bridged taps, auditing practices, and maximum dep
• Manning v. Johnson & Johnson Pension Comm.
  504 F. Supp. 2d 1293· M.D. Fla.· 2007-05-16
  The court found that the Pension Committee's denial of long-term disability benefits was not arbitrary and capricious, as there was a reasonable basis in the administrative record for the decision, despite some conflicting medical opinions.
• Kostoff v. Fleet Sec., Inc.
  506 F. Supp. 2d 1150· M.D. Fla.· 2007-04-05
  The court confirmed the arbitration award, denying the petition to vacate, and reserved jurisdiction to determine attorney's fees.
• Lyncker v. Johnson & Johnson Pension Comm.
  505 F. Supp. 2d 1303· M.D. Fla.· 2006-10-23
  The court held that the denial of long-term disability benefits based on the plaintiff's asthmatic and pulmonary conditions was arbitrary and capricious, as the administrator failed to accurately represent the treating physician's opinion and did not conduct further review.
• Morse LLC v. Beckman Coulter, Inc.
  455 F. Supp. 2d 1339· S.D. Fla.· 2006-09-25
  The court held that the denial of benefits for experimental treatment was not arbitrary and capricious, and therefore summary judgment for the defendant was granted.
• In & for New Castle Cnty. Catherine G. O'Neill
  Del. Ch.· 2006-07-10
  The Court granted summary judgment to the Plaintiffs, invalidating the Town of Middletown's rezoning of a 98-acre parcel to Commercial (C-3). The Court found that the Town Council members failed to provide sufficient reasons for their decision, rendering the rezoning arbitrary an
• IN & FOR NEW Castle Cnty. Toll Bros., Inc. v. C.A. No. 1314-N Carolann Wicks
  Del. Ch.· 2006-06-21
  The Court of Chancery dismissed the plaintiff's complaint for failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted. The court found that the plaintiff had not exhausted its administrative remedies, the claim was not ripe for adjudication, and the plaintiff had not alleged ar
• IN & FOR NEW Castle Cnty. Richard Handloff & H. Gibbons Young v. City Council of City of Newark
  Del. Super. Ct.· 2006-06-08
  The Court affirmed the City Council's denial of the Petitioners' application for a subdivision and parking waiver, finding that the denial was not "manifestly contrary to law" or "arbitrary and capricious." The Court also held that the City Council did not exceed its powers by co
• Watson Constr. Co. v. City of Gainesville
  433 F. Supp. 2d 1269· N.D. Fla.· 2006-05-23
  The court held that the plaintiff could not prove a procedural due process claim because the City's moratorium ordinance was a legislative act, and thus summary judgment was granted on that count.
• Karlan v. The Fla. Int'l Univ. Bd. of Trs.
  927 So. 2d 91· Fla. 3d DCA· 2006-04-12
  The court held that the university did not act arbitrarily or in bad faith in dismissing the student from its master's program.
• Mahon v. U.S. Dep't of Agric.
  426 F. Supp. 2d 1283· M.D. Fla.· 2006-04-07
  The court affirmed the agency's denial of disaster relief benefits to John and Shelby Mahon, finding their crops were not for 'commercial sale' as required by federal regulations because they lacked state registration. The court also dismissed Paul Mahon's appeal for failure to e
• Hadi v. Liberty Behavioral Health Corp.
  927 So. 2d 34· Fla. 1st DCA· 2006-03-29
  Liberty Behavioral Health Corporation challenged the Department of Children and Families' (DCF) Request for Proposals (RFP) specifications for a civil commitment facility for sexually violent predators, arguing that the 1% protest bond requirement was unconstitutional and that it
• Buonincontri v. Liberty Life Assur. Co. of Boston
  424 F. Supp. 2d 1302· M.D. Fla.· 2006-03-10
  The court granted summary judgment for the defendant, finding the plaintiff's disability predated her long-term disability coverage and was a pre-existing condition.
• Coastal Conservation Ass'n v. Gutierrez
  417 F. Supp. 2d 1304· M.D. Fla.· 2006-02-28
  The court held that while plaintiffs were prevailing parties, the government's position was substantially justified, thus denying EAJA fees, but awarded limited costs for filing fees.
• In & for New Castle Cnty. Catherine G. O'Neill
  Del. Ch.· 2006-01-18
  The Court held that the rezoning of the Kohl Property to C-3 was invalid because it was inconsistent with the Town's comprehensive plan in effect at the time. The Court found that the plan projected industrial and office uses for the property and expressly advised against convert
• Sierra Club v. United States Army Corps of Eng'rs
  399 F. Supp. 2d 1335· M.D. Fla.· 2005-11-10
  The court held that plaintiffs have shown a substantial likelihood of success on the merits regarding the Clean Water Act claims, finding the Corps likely issued a general permit that fails to comply with statutory requirements for similarity of activities and minimal environment
• Calmbacher v. Prudential Ins. Co. of Am.
  392 F. Supp. 2d 1364· M.D. Fla.· 2005-10-17
  The court held that the insurance policy did not grant Prudential express discretionary authority, thus requiring a de novo review of the denial of benefits.
• Featherston v. Metro. Life Ins.
  389 F. Supp. 2d 1302· N.D. Fla.· 2005-09-20
  The court held that the defendant insurance company's motion for summary judgment should be granted because the plaintiff failed to present sufficient evidence that she was disabled from all occupations under the terms of the ERISA plan.
• Williams v. Bd. of Trs. of the Int'l Longshoremen's Ass'n
  388 F. Supp. 2d 1353· S.D. Fla.· 2005-09-15
  The court held that the former wife was not entitled to the single death benefit because the plan language unambiguously excluded former spouses covered by a QDRO, and she failed to show detrimental reliance on any alleged misinterpretations.
• Blankenship v. SMITHkLINE Beecham Corp.
  395 F. Supp. 2d 1162· S.D. Fla.· 2005-09-06
  The court held that the defendant's motion for summary judgment is granted because the administrator's decision to terminate benefits was not arbitrary and capricious, even under a heightened standard, given the independent medical examination.
• Normil v. Colonial Life & Accident Ins.
  403 F. Supp. 2d 1159· S.D. Fla.· 2005-08-15
  The court held that the denial of benefits was not arbitrary and capricious because the insurer reasonably relied on information from the employer that the insured had terminated employment, and the insured's contrary claims were not part of the administrative record.
• Streit v. Guardian Life Ins. Co. of Am.
  374 F. Supp. 2d 1109· M.D. Fla.· 2005-06-24
  The court held that the defendant's denial of disability benefits lacked reasonable grounds under ERISA, as the policy covered disability onset while insured, not the date treatment began, and the evidence supported the plaintiff's claimed disability commencement date.
• Sierra Club, Inc. v. Leavitt
  393 F. Supp. 2d 1263· N.D. Fla.· 2005-05-31
  The court held that the EPA's approval of Florida's 303(d) list was not arbitrary and capricious, as the agency reasonably applied its guidance and regulations.
• Porter v. Smithkline Beecham Corp.
  373 F. Supp. 2d 1306· M.D. Fla.· 2005-05-31
  The court held that the defendant's interpretation of the plan granting it authority to request an independent medical examination during the appeals process was reasonable, and the plaintiff's refusal to submit to such an examination justified the termination of her long-term di
• Corkill v. Hartford Life & Accident Ins.
  435 F. Supp. 2d 1192· N.D. Fla.· 2005-04-28
  The court held that the defendant's denial of disability benefits was not wrong, as the plaintiff failed to provide satisfactory proof of continued disability based on objective evidence.
• Baker v. Hartford Life & Accident Ins. Co.
  371 F. Supp. 2d 1352· M.D. Fla.· 2005-04-21
  The court held that the plan administrator's denial of long-term disability benefits was not wrong, as it was based on a reasonable interpretation of the plan and the evidence presented.
• Harman v. Cont'l Airlines
  371 F. Supp. 2d 1377· S.D. Fla.· 2005-04-21
  Continental Stevedoring & Terminals, Inc. appealed a second final judgment, arguing the trial court failed to follow a prior appellate mandate regarding a buy-sell offer and non-compete provision in their joint venture agreement.
• Bird v. Eastman Kodak Co.
  390 F. Supp. 2d 1117· M.D. Fla.· 2005-04-04
  The court held that the plan administrator's denial of benefits was not arbitrary and capricious, as the participant failed to meet the plan's requirements for changing his contingent annuitant.
• Hallford v. Metro. Life Ins.
  367 F. Supp. 2d 1353· N.D. Fla.· 2005-03-11
  The court held that the plan administrator's denial of long-term disability benefits was not arbitrary and capricious, as it was based on substantial evidence and a reasonable interpretation of the plan's terms.
• Dowling v. Metro. Life Ins.
  355 F. Supp. 2d 1311· M.D. Fla.· 2004-12-28
  The court held that the defendant's termination of long-term disability benefits was not arbitrary and capricious, as it was supported by reasonable grounds and medical opinions.
• Rosser-Monahan v. Avon Prods., Inc.
  143 F. Supp. 492· M.D. Fla.· 2004-11-18
  The court held that discovery in ERISA cases applying the arbitrary and capricious standard should not be limited solely to the administrative record, but can include other facts known to the administrator.
• IN & FOR Sussex Cnty. Ellen B. Lynch v. C.A. No. 2266-S THE City OF Rehoboth Beach
  Del. Ch.· 2004-10-08
  The court affirmed the city's rezoning decision, finding that the plaintiffs did not demonstrate a violation of due process and that the commissioners' actions were not arbitrary or capricious. The court denied the plaintiffs' motion for summary judgment and granted the city's mo
• Smith v. Reliance Standard Life Ins.
  350 F. Supp. 2d 993· S.D. Fla.· 2004-09-09
  The court held that the insurer's denial of long-term disability benefits was wrong because the plaintiff was unable to perform the material duties of his regular occupation, and the insurer's interpretation of the policy terms was unreasonable.
• Ridge v. Hartford Life & Accident Ins.
  339 F. Supp. 2d 1323· M.D. Fla.· 2004-08-12
  The court granted Plaintiff's motion for summary judgment and denied Defendant's motion, finding that the denial of long-term disability benefits was improper.
• Mazzacoli v. Cont'l Cas. Co.
  322 F. Supp. 2d 1376· M.D. Fla.· 2004-06-22
  The court held that limited discovery outside the administrative record is appropriate to determine the standard of review, as issues regarding the delegation of discretionary authority and the actual decision-maker remain unclear.
• O'Reardon v. Principal Life Ins.
  301 F. Supp. 2d 1323· M.D. Fla.· 2004-01-03
  The court held that the insurance policy's definition of 'hospital' unambiguously required the facility to be licensed as such by the state, and therefore, treatment at a facility not licensed as a hospital was not covered.
• Kirk v. Metro. Life Ins.
  331 F. Supp. 2d 1361· M.D. Fla.· 2003-07-22
  The court held that the denial of disability benefits was not arbitrary and capricious because there was a rational basis for the decision, supported by objective medical evidence and conflicting physician opinions within the administrative record.
• Jasinski v. City of Miami
  269 F. Supp. 2d 1341· S.D. Fla.· 2003-06-11
  The court held that the City's administrative charge was validly enacted and retroactively applicable, and did not violate the towing lien statute.
• In & for New Castle Cnty. Constellation New Energy v. State of Del.
  Del. Super. Ct.· 2003-04-25
  The Delaware Supreme Court affirmed the Public Service Commission's order approving a comprehensive settlement for Delaware's competitive electric market. The Court held that the Commission's approval was supported by substantial evidence and was not arbitrary or capricious, desp
• Shields & Co. v. Bright
  254 F. Supp. 2d 1253· M.D. Fla.· 2003-03-28
  The court held that the arbitration award was not procured by manifest disregard of the law or arbitrary and capricious decision, and thus denied the motion to vacate the award.
• Galaxy Fireworks, Inc. v. City OF Orlando
  842 So. 2d 160· Fla. 5th DCA· 2003-02-28
  Galaxy Fireworks sought to enjoin Orlando from enforcing its Fire Code against Galaxy's proposed fireworks retail store. The court affirmed summary judgment for the City, holding that Galaxy failed to exhaust administrative remedies and that the Fire Code was validly adopted as a
• Godwin v. Solutia, Inc.
  215 F. Supp. 2d 1291· N.D. Fla.· 2002-07-31
  The court held that the defendant's interpretation of the pension plan's interest rate application was reasonable and correct, entitling them to summary judgment.
• Sharick v. Se. Univ. OF THE Health Scis., Inc.
  780 So. 2d 142· Fla. 3d DCA· 2001-04-04
• At & T Commc'ns of S. States, Inc. v. GTE Fla., Inc.
  123 F. Supp. 2d 1318· N.D. Fla.· 2000-12-12
  The court held that the Florida Public Service Commission's decisions regarding pricing methodology, geographic deaveraging, terminating access charges, and combining network elements were largely upheld or remanded for further explanation, while also affirming the 'pick and choo
• W. Coast-Southern Med. Serv., Inc. v. Sarasota Cnty. Gov't Emergency Servs. Fire Dep't
  766 So. 2d 395· Fla. 2d DCA· 2000-08-11
  West Coast-Southern Medical Service appealed the dismissal of its petition challenging a contract award by the Sarasota County Public Hospital Board to the Fire Department for critical care ambulance services. The court reversed, holding that the trial court abused its discretion
• S. Offshore Fishing Ass'n v. Daley
  55 F. Supp. 2d 1336· M.D. Fla.· 1999-06-30
  The court held that the agency violated its orders by implementing new regulations that altered the status quo and circumvented judicial review.