Courts and attorneys are closely watching litigation in Florida after a Palm Beach judge’s precedent-setting ruling exposing rideshare companies to legal liability, as Lyft Inc. could be sued for its alleged failure to keep its mobile app safe because it may have caused one of its drivers to hit a pedestrian.

Jeanmarie Whalen, a partner at Domnick Cunningham & Whalen in Palm Beach Gardens, represents plaintiff Teresa Brookes, 61. Brookes was walking across a road in Palm Beach County when defendant Lyft, through its driver, defendant Wilky Ilet, hurled the victim over 40 feet. Brookes fractured her skull and lives with severe anxiety whenever she leaves her home.

Jeanmarie Whalen, partner with Domnick Cunningham & Whalen in Palm Beach Gardens. (Courtesy photo)