Berry v. Orr, 537 So. 2d 1014

PER CURIAM.

The central question presented for review is whether the prefiling notice requirements established by Section 768.57, Florida Statutes (1985) are applicable to dental malpractice actions. Based on the indistinguishable authority of MacDonald v. McIver, 514 So.2d 1151 (Fla.2d DCA 1987), with which we agree, we hold that the above-stated statutory notice requirements are so applicable. Because the plaintiffs herein, Antonio and Mafalda Bendeck, did not, admittedly, comply with such statutory notice requirements prior to filing their dental malpractice action against the defendant Allen Berry, D.D.S. in the trial court below, it is clear that the trial court lacks jurisdiction to entertain the aforesaid action, and that, accordingly, a writ of prohibition lies, MacDonald; Public Health Trust v. Knuck, 495 So.2d 834 (Fla.3d DCA 1986); cf. Bondurant v. Geeker, 499 So.2d 909 (Fla. 1st DCA), rev. dismissed, 515 So.2d 214 (Fla. 1987); we specifically reject the respondents’ claim that prohibition is an inappropriate remedy in these circumstances.

Accordingly, the petition for a writ of prohibition filed by the defendant herein is granted, and the cause is remanded to the trial court with directions to dismiss the plaintiffs’ dental malpractice action below.

Prohibition granted; cause remanded with directions.

Case Details

Case Name: Berry v. Orr

Court Name: District Court of Appeal of Florida

Date Published: Nov 1, 1988

Citations: 537 So. 2d 1014; 1988 WL 114741; 88-1569

Docket Number: 88-1569

Court Abbreviation: Fla. Dist. Ct. App.