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Cap on worker's comp attorney's fees goes to Crist

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The Associated Press

Published: May 1, 2009

TALLAHASSEE - A bill that would negate a Florida Supreme Court ruling and restore a cap on attorneys' fees in workers' compensation cases is headed for the desk of Gov. Charlie Crist.

The Senate passed the bill (HB 903) on a 22-16 vote Friday, effectively trumping the high court's decision last October that struck down the cap on lawyer fees. The justices ruled attorneys should be paid reasonably for representing injured workers.

The legislation was hailed by the National Federation of Independent Business that said it saves small business owners from higher workers' comp rates.

Trial lawyers, however, argued the bill prevents injured workers from having the representation needed to fight insurers that refuse to pay doctor bills.

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