THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1998
William Bell
vs U.S.B. Acquisition Co., Inc., etc.
Nos. 90,321 & 90,426

Place of Origin
Palm Beach County

Facts
A business transaction led to a suit that William Bell and others lost. Damages were assessed at $1 million, though these later were reduced. A dispute arose over what percentage of the award should constitute the attorneys' fee. The trial court refused to enhance the fees based on a "contingency risk multiplier." The Fourth District Court affirmed but certified the case to the Supreme Court.