Legal Question in Personal Injury in Florida

Jurisdiction for tort claim

What is the right jurisdiction for a tort claim over $75,000 involving three states? I loaned an art collection of 70 works by one artist valued over $800,000 to a North Dakota museum in 1994. I had the intention of leaving it to them I expected to die since I was ill. I recovered. I then sought to sell the art at a discount to someone who would donate it to the same Museum.

The curator and artist believed the buyer wouldn�t donate it. They let it be known when I tried to sell it the art would never be released for reasons of a claim of unpaid storage fees. The artist claimed offering it violated some vague copyright laws. No such laws were violated. No storage fees were due. When a bill for on this unfounded claim was requested none was given.

After 3 years I sold the art at distress prices, as I needed the money. The price was less than 10% of the appraised value as there was no liquid auction market.

The amount is over $75,000. The two proposed defendants live in separate states: the artist (NY) and the curator, the Museum and the trustees are all in North Dakota. I hope that Florida Federal Court is jurisdiction is proper. Are the trustees liable too?


Asked on 7/22/01, 2:39 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys

Anthony Comparetto Comparetto Law Firm

Re: Jurisdiction for tort claim

Your questins involves complex areas of the law. You will need to meet directly with an attorney

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Answered on 7/23/01, 2:55 pm
Peter Gonzalez Sanchez-Medina, Gonzalez, Quesada, Lage, Crespo, Gomez & MachadoLLP

Re: Jurisdiction for tort claim

You need to consult an attorney in person. No one will be able to provide you with any meaningful guidance over the internet. Hind sight is 20/20, but you should have contacted an attorney prior to selling the art. Good luck.

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Answered on 7/23/01, 5:43 pm
Scott Sterling Law Offices Of Scott L. Sterling, PA

Re: Jurisdiction for tort claim

There are many factors including where the agreement was entered into, any written terms of any contracts ,amounts involved and if any torts occured. Please consult with an attorney to help you answer your questions.

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Answered on 7/24/01, 11:00 am


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