Eduardo J. Valdes

PARTNER/MIAMI

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit."
Aristotle

Since joining Hightower & Partners, Mr. Valdes has quickly risen through the ranks to become a successful Partner where he practices civil litigation including premises liability, products liability, wrongful death, automobile negligence, negligent security, toxic torts, false imprisonment/malicious prosecution, libel/slander/defamation, construction defects, property damage, professional negligence, subrogation and insurance coverage issues. Whether it's trying cases or crisscrossing the state to attend mediations and depositions, Mr. Valdes is known for his hands on approach to litigation leading his team of lawyers and support staff to deliver the results that clients expect.

Mr. Valdes is admitted to the Florida Bar and to the United States District Court for the Middle and the Southern District of Florida. He is a member of the Dade County Bar Association and currently sits on the organization's Professionalism Committee. He is also a member of the American Bar Association, the Cuban American Bar Association and he is fluent in Spanish.

As for a personal background, Mr. Valdes was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. At the age of 13, he and his family relocated to South Florida where he attended Cooper City High School. In 1995, Mr. Valdes graduated from Florida State University and received a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Psychology. While at Florida State, Mr. Valdes was selected as an intern at Common Cause, a nonprofit, nonpartisan citizen's lobbying organization promoting open, honest and accountable government. Upon graduating college, Mr. Valdes entered the work force and became employed as a general manager for a multinational sales corporation.

Upon returning to academics, Mr. Valdes attended the University of Miami to pursue a law degree. During law school, he interned at the Eleventh Judicial Circuit and the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. Mr. Valdes also clerked at two AV rated law firms specializing in medical malpractice defense and personal injury. While at the University of Miami, he was active in various organizations such as H.O.P.E. (Helping Others through Pro Bono Efforts), Phi Alpha Delta, Hispanic Law Student Association and the student section of the American Bar Association. After graduating law school, Mr. Valdes began his legal career at an AV rated law firm specializing in commercial litigation and family law. He remained in this position for 3 years where he obtained extensive courtroom experience and was made a member of the Inns of Court.

Mr. Valdes resides in Miami Beach. Away from work, Mr. Valdes enjoys government and politics and he is a member of the Miami-Dade County Democratic Executive Committee. His hobbies include travelling, public service and architecture.

Great Results

Rodgers v. Afterschool Program/Trial

In this Broward County case, the parents of a deceased eight year old child brought a wrongful death action against Aftercare Program, Inc., claiming over a million dollars in damages. The child died while in the care, custody and control of the aftercare program. The Plaintiffs alleged negligent hiring and retention and claimed that the program employees negligently supervised the minor child. The jury returned a DEFENSE VERDICT.

John Doe v. Retail Store/Settlement

In this Palm Beach County Case, the Plaintiff filed a product liability claim against the corporate defendants claiming that a deodorant stick that he received as a gift with purchase caused him severe blistering and scarring to his body. The Plaintiff’s wife also filed a loss of consortium claim against the named defendants. Plaintiffs demanded $200,000 and settled for $10,000.00.

John Doe v. Residential Developer and Management Company/Settlement

In this Duval County case, the Plaintiff was assaulted upon returning to his apartment complex where he was stabbed in the neck multiple time and sustained neck injuries. As a result of the incident, the Plaintiff also suffered from post traumatic stress disorder and severe headaches. The Plaintiff’s demand was $225,000.00. The matter settled for $20,000.00.

John Doe” v. “Security Company/Settlement

This was a Miami-Dade County case where the Plaintiff was assaulted while walking to his condominium. The Plaintiff was hit over the head with a gun, beaten and thrown to the ground. He sustained a brain injury, neck and back injuries and suffered from severe post traumatic stress disorder. Plaintiff brought suit against the security company alleging negligent security and demanded $95,000.00. The matter was settled for $12,000.00 at mediation.

John Doe v. Transportation Company/Settlement

In this Miami-Dade County case, the Plaintiff was involved in a car accident with a truck driven by the defendant driver while in the scope of his employment with the defendant corporation. The Plaintiff sustained an aggravation of a prior hip fracture, back and neck injuries, and a meniscal tear requiring multiple surgeries. The Plaintiff demanded $500,000.00. The matter settled for $130,000.00.

Jane Doe v. “Building Maintenance and Facility Services Company/Settlement

In this Broward County case, the Plaintiff slipped and fell on an oil slick while approaching an ATM machine at a bank. She sustained a fracture to her wrist which required surgery. Plaintiff alleged that the fracture prohibited her from continuing working in the capacity as a master draftsman. Plaintiff demanded $200,000.00 and the matter settled for $25,000.00