Appeals Court Reverses Trial Court's Order to Grant Special Master's Claim for Fees

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - A Florida appeals court overturned a circuit court's order granting a special master's claim for fees and costs after finding that the hearing which led to the order did not satisfy the requirements of due process. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp., Petitioner/Appellant v. Connie Carnoto and Celina Poywing, M.D., et al. Respondents/Appellees, No. 4D02-3578 (Fla. Ct. Appeal, 4th Dist.).

Although the Feb. 19 sua sponte ruling was not definitively decided in Novartis' favor, the appeals court ordered that the circuit court revisit the issue by holding an evidentiary hearing and allowing the drug manufacturer an opportunity to …