WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (Legal Newsline) - A murdered Florida lawyer's firm faces legal malpractice claims after representing the interests of a couple who died in Surfside Condominium collapse.
Richard Oller, as the Personal Representative of the Estates of David F. Epstein and Bonnie H. Epstein, filed a lawsuit June 14 in Palm Beach County Circuit Court against Paul S. Labiner, Esquire, P.A., also known as The Law Office of Paul S. Labiner.
Labiner was allegedly killed by his son last year. His son committed suicide in jail.
The complaint alleges legal malpractice and negligence by Labiner in handling estate tax matters following the deaths of David and Bonnie Epstein in the Surfside Condominium collapse on June 24, 2021.
The plaintiff claims that due to errors made by Mr. Labiner and his firm, including missed deadlines and incorrect filings with the IRS, there were significant delays and financial penalties incurred by the estates.
Specifically, a $3.7 million tax payment intended for Bonnie H. Epstein's estate was incorrectly attributed to David F. Epstein's estate, resulting in substantial interest charges and penalties from the IRS, the suit says.
The complaint outlines multiple counts including legal malpractice, breach of fiduciary duty, and vicarious liability for Mr. Labiner's actions before his alleged murder on July 1, 2023.
Austin Hamilton of Jimerson Birr represents the plaintiff.