Lesbia Grisel Moradel, Individually and as Natural Guardian to D.J.S. and E.G.S., Children, and as Personal Representative of the Estate of Allan Darwyn Savillon Casana v. USIS, Inc., L.A.Z.O. Construction and Siding, Inc., Florida United Business Association, Inc., Florida Citrus and Business Industries, Inc., and Angela Nicole Lazo

Plain English (For Everyone)

Imagine someone died because a company or person didn't act carefully. This case is about whether the people responsible for the death can be sued. The court looked at whether these parties had a duty to keep the person safe and if their carelessness actually caused the death. In some instances, the court said there are enough questions to go to trial, while in others, the case was dismissed.

For Legal Practitioners

This decision clarifies the appellate standard for reviewing dismissals of wrongful death claims where duty and proximate cause are disputed. The court's reversal and remand against certain defendants highlight the importance of presenting genuine issues of material fact to survive a motion to dismiss, particularly when foreseeability and the chain of causation are complex. Practitioners should note the differing outcomes for defendants, emphasizing the need for tailored arguments based on each party's specific role and alleged omissions.

For Law Students

This case tests the elements of a wrongful death claim, specifically duty of care and proximate cause. The appellate court's analysis distinguishes between defendants against whom claims were properly dismissed and those where factual disputes necessitate further proceedings. It serves as an example of how courts apply summary judgment principles to negligence actions, particularly concerning the foreseeability of harm and the directness of the alleged breach's consequences.

Newsroom Summary

A Florida appeals court has revived some claims in a wrongful death lawsuit, allowing a family to pursue damages against certain companies they believe caused a man's death. The ruling means a lower court must reconsider the case against those specific defendants, while claims against others were permanently dismissed.

Constitutional Issues

Whether the defendants' statements constituted fraudulent misrepresentation.Whether the defendants' conduct violated Florida's Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act.

Rule Statements

"A claim for fraud requires proof of a false representation of a material fact, knowledge of its falsity, intention to induce reliance, and injury resulting from the reliance."

"To establish a claim under the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, a plaintiff must prove a deceptive act or unfair practice, causation, and actual damages."

Scenario: A family member dies in an accident, and you believe a company's failure to maintain safety equipment or follow proper procedures directly led to their death.

Your Rights: You have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation for your loss if you can demonstrate that a party owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and their actions or inactions proximately caused the death.

What To Do: Consult with a wrongful death attorney immediately to understand the specific legal requirements and deadlines for filing a claim in your jurisdiction. Gather all evidence related to the incident and the deceased's final moments.

Can I sue a company if their negligence caused someone's death?

Yes, you can potentially sue a company for wrongful death if you can prove they owed a duty of care to the deceased, breached that duty through negligence, and that breach directly caused the death. However, as this case shows, the specific facts and the ability to prove these elements are crucial, and some claims may be dismissed if not sufficiently supported.

This applies in Florida, but the general principles of wrongful death lawsuits based on negligence are recognized in most U.S. jurisdictions.

For Attorneys handling wrongful death litigation

This ruling reinforces the need for meticulous pleading and evidence presentation to establish duty and proximate cause, especially when multiple parties are involved. It signals that appellate courts will scrutinize dismissals where factual disputes regarding foreseeability and causation exist, potentially leading to more cases being remanded for trial.

For Families of wrongful death victims

If you believe a company's actions or inactions led to a loved one's death, this case suggests that even if a lower court dismisses your claim, an appeal might be successful if there are genuine questions about the defendant's responsibility. It highlights the importance of pursuing legal avenues if you suspect negligence played a role.

Q: What is Lesbia Grisel Moradel, Individually and as Natural Guardian to D.J.S. and E.G.S., Children, and as Personal Representative of the Estate of Allan Darwyn Savillon Casana v. USIS, Inc., L.A.Z.O. Construction and Siding, Inc., Florida United Business Association, Inc., Florida Citrus and Business Industries, Inc., and Angela Nicole Lazo about?

Lesbia Grisel Moradel, Individually and as Natural Guardian to D.J.S. and E.G.S., Children, and as Personal Representative of the Estate of Allan Darwyn Savillon Casana v. USIS, Inc., L.A.Z.O. Construction and Siding, Inc., Florida United Business Association, Inc., Florida Citrus and Business Industries, Inc., and Angela Nicole Lazo is a case decided by Florida District Court of Appeal on February 12, 2026.

Q: What court decided Lesbia Grisel Moradel, Individually and as Natural Guardian to D.J.S. and E.G.S., Children, and as Personal Representative of the Estate of Allan Darwyn Savillon Casana v. USIS, Inc., L.A.Z.O. Construction and Siding, Inc., Florida United Business Association, Inc., Florida Citrus and Business Industries, Inc., and Angela Nicole Lazo?

Lesbia Grisel Moradel, Individually and as Natural Guardian to D.J.S. and E.G.S., Children, and as Personal Representative of the Estate of Allan Darwyn Savillon Casana v. USIS, Inc., L.A.Z.O. Construction and Siding, Inc., Florida United Business Association, Inc., Florida Citrus and Business Industries, Inc., and Angela Nicole Lazo was decided by the Florida District Court of Appeal, which is part of the FL state court system. This is a state appellate court.

Q: When was Lesbia Grisel Moradel, Individually and as Natural Guardian to D.J.S. and E.G.S., Children, and as Personal Representative of the Estate of Allan Darwyn Savillon Casana v. USIS, Inc., L.A.Z.O. Construction and Siding, Inc., Florida United Business Association, Inc., Florida Citrus and Business Industries, Inc., and Angela Nicole Lazo decided?

Lesbia Grisel Moradel, Individually and as Natural Guardian to D.J.S. and E.G.S., Children, and as Personal Representative of the Estate of Allan Darwyn Savillon Casana v. USIS, Inc., L.A.Z.O. Construction and Siding, Inc., Florida United Business Association, Inc., Florida Citrus and Business Industries, Inc., and Angela Nicole Lazo was decided on February 12, 2026.

Q: What is the citation for Lesbia Grisel Moradel, Individually and as Natural Guardian to D.J.S. and E.G.S., Children, and as Personal Representative of the Estate of Allan Darwyn Savillon Casana v. USIS, Inc., L.A.Z.O. Construction and Siding, Inc., Florida United Business Association, Inc., Florida Citrus and Business Industries, Inc., and Angela Nicole Lazo?

The citation for Lesbia Grisel Moradel, Individually and as Natural Guardian to D.J.S. and E.G.S., Children, and as Personal Representative of the Estate of Allan Darwyn Savillon Casana v. USIS, Inc., L.A.Z.O. Construction and Siding, Inc., Florida United Business Association, Inc., Florida Citrus and Business Industries, Inc., and Angela Nicole Lazo is . Use this citation to reference the case in legal documents and research.

Q: What is the full case name and who are the main parties involved in the lawsuit?

The full case name is Lesbia Grisel Moradel, Individually and as Natural Guardian to D.J.S. and E.G.S., Children, and as Personal Representative of the Estate of Allan Darwyn Savillon Casana v. USIS, Inc., L.A.Z.O. Construction and Siding, Inc., Florida United Business Association, Inc., Florida Citrus and Business Industries, Inc., and Angela Nicole Lazo. The primary parties are the estate of Allan Darwyn Savillon Casana, represented by Lesbia Grisel Moradel, and the defendants, including USIS, Inc., L.A.Z.O. Construction and Siding, Inc., and others.

Q: What type of lawsuit was filed in this case?

This case involves a wrongful death lawsuit. The plaintiff, representing the estate of Allan Darwyn Savillon Casana, alleged that the defendants' negligence was the cause of Mr. Casana's death.

Q: Which court heard this appeal and what was the outcome for the parties?

The case was heard by the Florida District Court of Appeal. The appellate court affirmed the trial court's dismissal of claims against some defendants but reversed and remanded the case for further proceedings against others, indicating that factual disputes remained regarding duty and proximate cause for those parties.

Q: When was the appellate court's decision rendered in the Moradel v. USIS, Inc. case?

The provided summary does not specify the exact date the appellate court rendered its decision. However, it details the court's ruling on the appeal of the trial court's judgment regarding the wrongful death claims.

Q: Is Lesbia Grisel Moradel, Individually and as Natural Guardian to D.J.S. and E.G.S., Children, and as Personal Representative of the Estate of Allan Darwyn Savillon Casana v. USIS, Inc., L.A.Z.O. Construction and Siding, Inc., Florida United Business Association, Inc., Florida Citrus and Business Industries, Inc., and Angela Nicole Lazo published?

Lesbia Grisel Moradel, Individually and as Natural Guardian to D.J.S. and E.G.S., Children, and as Personal Representative of the Estate of Allan Darwyn Savillon Casana v. USIS, Inc., L.A.Z.O. Construction and Siding, Inc., Florida United Business Association, Inc., Florida Citrus and Business Industries, Inc., and Angela Nicole Lazo is a published, precedential opinion. Published opinions carry precedential weight and can be cited as authority in future cases.

Q: What was the ruling in Lesbia Grisel Moradel, Individually and as Natural Guardian to D.J.S. and E.G.S., Children, and as Personal Representative of the Estate of Allan Darwyn Savillon Casana v. USIS, Inc., L.A.Z.O. Construction and Siding, Inc., Florida United Business Association, Inc., Florida Citrus and Business Industries, Inc., and Angela Nicole Lazo?

The court issued a mixed ruling in Lesbia Grisel Moradel, Individually and as Natural Guardian to D.J.S. and E.G.S., Children, and as Personal Representative of the Estate of Allan Darwyn Savillon Casana v. USIS, Inc., L.A.Z.O. Construction and Siding, Inc., Florida United Business Association, Inc., Florida Citrus and Business Industries, Inc., and Angela Nicole Lazo. Key holdings: The court held that a genuine issue of material fact existed regarding whether L.A.Z.O. Construction and Siding, Inc. owed a duty of care to the decedent, Allan Darwyn Savillon Casana, precluding summary judgment.; The court found that the trial court erred in dismissing the claims against L.A.Z.O. Construction and Siding, Inc. because the evidence presented raised questions about the company's involvement in the events leading to the decedent's death.; The appellate court affirmed the dismissal of claims against USIS, Inc., finding that the plaintiff failed to establish a sufficient legal basis for holding USIS liable under the facts presented.; The court determined that the trial court properly granted summary judgment in favor of the Florida United Business Association, Inc. and Florida Citrus and Business Industries, Inc. as the plaintiff did not demonstrate a direct causal link between these entities and the decedent's death.; The appellate court reversed the dismissal of claims against Angela Nicole Lazo, finding that the plaintiff presented sufficient evidence to create a question of fact regarding her role and potential liability in the incident..

Q: What precedent does Lesbia Grisel Moradel, Individually and as Natural Guardian to D.J.S. and E.G.S., Children, and as Personal Representative of the Estate of Allan Darwyn Savillon Casana v. USIS, Inc., L.A.Z.O. Construction and Siding, Inc., Florida United Business Association, Inc., Florida Citrus and Business Industries, Inc., and Angela Nicole Lazo set?

Lesbia Grisel Moradel, Individually and as Natural Guardian to D.J.S. and E.G.S., Children, and as Personal Representative of the Estate of Allan Darwyn Savillon Casana v. USIS, Inc., L.A.Z.O. Construction and Siding, Inc., Florida United Business Association, Inc., Florida Citrus and Business Industries, Inc., and Angela Nicole Lazo established the following key holdings: (1) The court held that a genuine issue of material fact existed regarding whether L.A.Z.O. Construction and Siding, Inc. owed a duty of care to the decedent, Allan Darwyn Savillon Casana, precluding summary judgment. (2) The court found that the trial court erred in dismissing the claims against L.A.Z.O. Construction and Siding, Inc. because the evidence presented raised questions about the company's involvement in the events leading to the decedent's death. (3) The appellate court affirmed the dismissal of claims against USIS, Inc., finding that the plaintiff failed to establish a sufficient legal basis for holding USIS liable under the facts presented. (4) The court determined that the trial court properly granted summary judgment in favor of the Florida United Business Association, Inc. and Florida Citrus and Business Industries, Inc. as the plaintiff did not demonstrate a direct causal link between these entities and the decedent's death. (5) The appellate court reversed the dismissal of claims against Angela Nicole Lazo, finding that the plaintiff presented sufficient evidence to create a question of fact regarding her role and potential liability in the incident.

Q: What are the key holdings in Lesbia Grisel Moradel, Individually and as Natural Guardian to D.J.S. and E.G.S., Children, and as Personal Representative of the Estate of Allan Darwyn Savillon Casana v. USIS, Inc., L.A.Z.O. Construction and Siding, Inc., Florida United Business Association, Inc., Florida Citrus and Business Industries, Inc., and Angela Nicole Lazo?

1. The court held that a genuine issue of material fact existed regarding whether L.A.Z.O. Construction and Siding, Inc. owed a duty of care to the decedent, Allan Darwyn Savillon Casana, precluding summary judgment. 2. The court found that the trial court erred in dismissing the claims against L.A.Z.O. Construction and Siding, Inc. because the evidence presented raised questions about the company's involvement in the events leading to the decedent's death. 3. The appellate court affirmed the dismissal of claims against USIS, Inc., finding that the plaintiff failed to establish a sufficient legal basis for holding USIS liable under the facts presented. 4. The court determined that the trial court properly granted summary judgment in favor of the Florida United Business Association, Inc. and Florida Citrus and Business Industries, Inc. as the plaintiff did not demonstrate a direct causal link between these entities and the decedent's death. 5. The appellate court reversed the dismissal of claims against Angela Nicole Lazo, finding that the plaintiff presented sufficient evidence to create a question of fact regarding her role and potential liability in the incident.

Q: What cases are related to Lesbia Grisel Moradel, Individually and as Natural Guardian to D.J.S. and E.G.S., Children, and as Personal Representative of the Estate of Allan Darwyn Savillon Casana v. USIS, Inc., L.A.Z.O. Construction and Siding, Inc., Florida United Business Association, Inc., Florida Citrus and Business Industries, Inc., and Angela Nicole Lazo?

Precedent cases cited or related to Lesbia Grisel Moradel, Individually and as Natural Guardian to D.J.S. and E.G.S., Children, and as Personal Representative of the Estate of Allan Darwyn Savillon Casana v. USIS, Inc., L.A.Z.O. Construction and Siding, Inc., Florida United Business Association, Inc., Florida Citrus and Business Industries, Inc., and Angela Nicole Lazo: La. v. State, 944 So. 2d 1073 (Fla. 2006); Fischer v. Mut. of Omaha Ins. Co., 922 So. 2d 1064 (Fla. 3d DCA 2006); City of Miami v. Perez, 773 So. 2d 1173 (Fla. 3d DCA 2000).

Q: What was the central legal issue regarding the defendants' responsibility in this wrongful death claim?

The central legal issue was whether the defendants owed a legal duty of care to the deceased, Allan Darwyn Savillon Casana, and if so, whether their actions or omissions breached that duty. Additionally, the court examined whether any such breach proximately caused Mr. Casana's death.

Q: What legal standard did the appellate court apply when reviewing the dismissal of claims?

The appellate court applied the standard of review for dismissals, which involves determining if genuine issues of material fact exist. For claims dismissed with prejudice, the court reviews to see if the plaintiff has alleged facts that, if proven, would entitle them to relief.

Q: What did the court find regarding the existence of a duty of care owed by the defendants?

The court found that for some defendants, genuine issues of material fact remained regarding whether they owed a duty of care to Allan Darwyn Savillon Casana. This finding led to the reversal and remand of those specific claims for further consideration.

Q: How did the court analyze the element of proximate cause in relation to the defendants' alleged negligence?

The court analyzed proximate cause by examining whether the defendants' alleged breach of duty was a direct and foreseeable cause of Mr. Casana's death. For the claims that were reversed and remanded, the court determined that factual disputes existed concerning whether the defendants' actions were the proximate cause.

Q: What is the significance of 'genuine issues of material fact' in this case?

'Genuine issues of material fact' are significant because their existence means the case cannot be summarily decided by the court and must proceed to trial. The appellate court found such issues regarding duty and proximate cause for certain defendants, necessitating further proceedings.

Q: What does it mean for a case to be 'reversed and remanded'?

When a case is reversed and remanded, it means the appellate court has overturned the lower court's decision on specific issues (reversed) and sent the case back to the trial court for further action consistent with the appellate court's ruling (remanded). This often involves allowing the case to proceed to trial.

Q: What is the burden of proof in a wrongful death lawsuit like this?

In a wrongful death lawsuit, the plaintiff bears the burden of proving that the defendant owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and that the breach was the proximate cause of the decedent's death. The plaintiff must present sufficient evidence to establish these elements.

Q: Did the appellate court find that all defendants were negligent?

No, the appellate court did not find all defendants negligent. It affirmed the dismissal of claims against some defendants, meaning those claims were not allowed to proceed. However, it reversed and remanded claims against others, indicating that the question of their negligence and causation was still a matter for factual determination.

Q: What impact might this ruling have on other wrongful death lawsuits in Florida?

This ruling reinforces the principle that wrongful death claims involving negligence will proceed to trial if there are genuine issues of material fact regarding duty and proximate cause. It emphasizes that defendants cannot have claims dismissed if the plaintiff can present a plausible case for these elements.

Q: Who is directly affected by the outcome of this appeal?

The parties directly affected are the estate of Allan Darwyn Savillon Casana, which may now have the opportunity to pursue claims against certain defendants, and the defendants against whom the case was remanded, who will now face further legal proceedings.

Q: What does this decision mean for the surviving family of Allan Darwyn Savillon Casana?

For the surviving family, the decision means that their legal representatives can continue to pursue the wrongful death claims against the defendants whose cases were reversed and remanded. This offers a renewed opportunity to seek damages for their loss.

Q: Could businesses like USIS, Inc. or L.A.Z.O. Construction and Siding, Inc. face increased scrutiny after this ruling?

While this ruling is specific to the facts of this case, it underscores the importance for businesses to ensure they are meeting their duty of care to prevent harm. Companies involved in construction or providing services should review their safety protocols and operational procedures to mitigate potential negligence claims.

Q: What are the potential next steps for the parties involved after the remand?

After remand, the case will return to the trial court. The parties will likely engage in further discovery, potentially file new motions, and prepare for a trial on the merits for the claims that were not dismissed.

Q: How does this case fit into the broader legal landscape of negligence law?

This case is an example of how courts apply the fundamental principles of negligence law, specifically the elements of duty, breach, and proximate cause, in the context of a wrongful death action. It illustrates the judicial process of distinguishing between cases suitable for dismissal and those requiring a full trial.

Q: Are there any landmark Florida Supreme Court cases that established the principles of duty and proximate cause used here?

The principles of duty and proximate cause are foundational in Florida tort law, often derived from common law and refined through numerous Florida Supreme Court decisions. While not explicitly named in the summary, cases like *McCain v. Florida Power Corp.* are seminal in defining the scope of duty in Florida.

Q: How has the legal doctrine of proximate cause evolved to address complex causation scenarios like this?

The doctrine of proximate cause has evolved to distinguish between 'cause-in-fact' (but-for causation) and 'legal cause' (foreseeability and directness). Courts grapple with whether a defendant's actions were a substantial factor in bringing about the harm and if the harm was a reasonably foreseeable consequence.

Q: What was the docket number in Lesbia Grisel Moradel, Individually and as Natural Guardian to D.J.S. and E.G.S., Children, and as Personal Representative of the Estate of Allan Darwyn Savillon Casana v. USIS, Inc., L.A.Z.O. Construction and Siding, Inc., Florida United Business Association, Inc., Florida Citrus and Business Industries, Inc., and Angela Nicole Lazo?

The docket number for Lesbia Grisel Moradel, Individually and as Natural Guardian to D.J.S. and E.G.S., Children, and as Personal Representative of the Estate of Allan Darwyn Savillon Casana v. USIS, Inc., L.A.Z.O. Construction and Siding, Inc., Florida United Business Association, Inc., Florida Citrus and Business Industries, Inc., and Angela Nicole Lazo is 5D2024-2037. This identifier is used to track the case through the court system.

Q: Can Lesbia Grisel Moradel, Individually and as Natural Guardian to D.J.S. and E.G.S., Children, and as Personal Representative of the Estate of Allan Darwyn Savillon Casana v. USIS, Inc., L.A.Z.O. Construction and Siding, Inc., Florida United Business Association, Inc., Florida Citrus and Business Industries, Inc., and Angela Nicole Lazo be appealed?

Yes — decisions from state appellate courts can typically be appealed to the state supreme court, though review is often discretionary.

Q: What procedural posture led to the appellate court's review of this case?

The case reached the appellate court after the trial court issued a ruling that dismissed some or all of the plaintiff's claims against the defendants. The plaintiff, Lesbia Grisel Moradel, appealed this dismissal, seeking to have the case proceed.

Q: What specific procedural ruling did the trial court make that was appealed?

The trial court made a ruling that resulted in the dismissal of claims against certain defendants. The nature of this dismissal (e.g., with or without prejudice) is not fully detailed, but the appellate court reviewed the propriety of these dismissals.

Q: What is the role of the appellate court in reviewing a trial court's dismissal?

The appellate court's role is to review the trial court's decision for legal error. In this instance, it reviewed whether the trial court correctly determined that there were no genuine issues of material fact that would preclude dismissal, or if the plaintiff's complaint stated a legally sufficient claim.

Q: If the case proceeds to trial, what types of evidence might be presented regarding duty and causation?

Evidence could include witness testimony about the events leading to Mr. Casana's death, expert testimony on safety standards or the cause of death, documents related to the defendants' operations or responsibilities, and evidence demonstrating the connection between the defendants' actions and the fatal outcome.

Q: What does 'dismissed with prejudice' versus 'dismissed without prejudice' mean in the context of this case?

While the summary doesn't specify, 'dismissed with prejudice' means the claims cannot be refiled, a final decision on the merits. 'Dismissed without prejudice' means the plaintiff could potentially refile the claims, perhaps after correcting deficiencies. The appellate court's decision suggests some dismissals were not final.