Premises Liability and Casualty Defense and Maritime Law
With 20 years of civil litigation experience and an equity shareholder, Michael Garcia regularly litigates cases in State and Federal Courts, as well as in alternative dispute resolution forums. His practice includes the defense of a wide variety of claims, with particular emphasis on premises liability and personal injury matters. He also handles general liability, professional negligence and wrongful death claims. Michael represents leading businesses across diverse industries and he serves as local counsel to numerous nationwide retailers. Born and raised in Miami, Michael grew up in the family restaurant business and as part of his practice now defends restaurants, including national brands and franchises. Michael handles a wide array of matters, including drafting and reviewing lease agreements for retailers, restaurants, landlords and other entities with a special focus on premises liability issues. Michael also handles disputes involving franchise agreements or between franchisors and franchisees. In the maritime industry, Michael handles personal injury and wrongful death suits filed by passengers, crew and offshore workers of commercial and private vessels. He also litigates other maritime-related claims, including commercial disputes, liens and vessel seizures, cargo damage and collisions. Michael also practices in the products liability arena with a special focus on pharmaceutical products liability. He has represented pharmaceutical companies including generic manufacturers involved in MDL proceedings, from the time of the decision to petition for MDL status through the multi-month trial and settlement of "bellwether" plaintiffs. He conducts depositions, develops expert testimony concerning causation and damages issues, and engages in motion practice and oral argument to eliminate opponents' causation experts on Daubert grounds.
