An orthopedic practice's lawsuit against Geico has been settled, according to documents filed Oct. 12 in the 11th Judicial Circuit of Florida in Miami-Dade County.
Florida Spine and Joint Institute — an 18-location orthopedic practice that rebranded in January to iRise Spine and Joint — filed a notice to voluntarily dismiss its April 2 complaint against Geico after the parties reached a confidential settlement.
Geico and Florida Spine & Joint agreed to resolve all allegations brought forth in the litigation, including that Geico wrongfully denied numerous personal injury protection claims and damaged the orthopedic practice's reputation by making "defamatory and false" accusations of fraud in letters to policyholders.
As part of the settlement, the two parties streamlined the claims payment process for Florida Spine and Joint services provided to Geico customers and implemented a dispute resolution process to address disagreements that may arise.
"For our patients and attorneys, this means an efficient payment method, expedited dispute resolutions handled quickly between Geico and iRise outside of the courtroom, and a hassle-free process for our patients and attorneys," said FSJI CEO Ryan Fulcher.
Geico also acknowledged that it has no reason to believe Florida Spine and Joint is in violation of the Florida Health Care Clinic Act or personal injury protection statutes.