Pinecrest Tribune – July 20-Aug. 2, 1998
Law firm won’t settle for negligence
BY 0MAR PEREZ
When faulty products or services injure someone or even take a life, Panter, Panter & Sampedro, P.A. is there to assist.
“I’m most proud of giving help to people who need help,” said Brett Panter, partner of the firm, located at 6950 N. Kendall Drive.
Along with brother and partner Mitchell Panter, the firm specializes in personal injury, medical malpractice product liability, nursing home neglect, and other types of negligence cases.
‘We feel very strongly about the type of cases we litigate,” Brett said.
High profile cases the firm has worked on include a $2.6 million settlement for a teen who suffered a broken neck while diving in a hotel pool in 1989 and a $7.7 million settlement for four British sailors who rented a car from Alamo Rent-A-Car. The driver allegedly dozed off, killing three and severely injuring one.
That case was won through a law known as the Dangerous Instrumentality Law, which states that a company or individual is liable for any damages or deaths incurred while driving a loaned or rented car.
“Because of our results, their wives were able to support their families financially” Brett said. “We did what we could do.”
The firm has been taking on more nursing home neglect cases in the past few months. Among the reasons, Brett said, is seeing his grandfather get older.
Brett and Mitchell Panter both went to University of Michigan, then transferred to the University of Miami Law School.
Mitchell said he and his brother often have a different perspective on matters.
“It works out well,” he said. “Clients have the insight of two people.”
The firm, which started out as Buschbom & Panter, became Buschbom Panter, Panter & Sampedro, P.A. when Mitchell joined the firm. Attorney Ronald Buschbom would later leave the firm.
Come September, the firm will provide space in the second floor of their building to the firm Phillips, Richard, Levy & Rind, which specializes in union representation.
In the past, Brett has hosted several educational law television Shows, including Law Talk and Trial Talk as well as various lectures to other personal injury attorneys.
“We want other lawyers to serve the system better,” he added.
Medical malpractice and product liability is the most difficult, according to Brett.
“They involve a lot of expert witnesses and analysis of the complexities of a product,” he said.
But Brett’s secret to winning a case and earning a reputation as a solid lawyer is honesty
“Work hard and give your heart and soul to your clients,” he said. “Your sincerity shows through.”
For more information on Panter, Panter & Sampedro, P.A., call 305-662-6178.
