Constantine "Dean" G. Nickas, a partner in the Miami office, joined Wicker Smith in 1989 and is head of the firm’s retail practice group. In his 20+ year career, Mr. Nickas has tried countless cases involving professional liability, products liability, food safety-related litigation, insurance coverage matters, labor and employment, automobile liability, and general civil litigation cases throughout the state of Florida at both the state and federal level. Mr. Nickas is particularly well-versed in litigation issues unique to the food and beverage industry. His depth of experience in this area of the law includes directing strategy for claims involving alleged food born illnesses, outbreaks and alleged foreign objects. He has represented national restaurant clients, food manufacturers, distributors and retailers in outbreak and contamination claims throughout the United States.Additionally, Mr. Nickas’ practice focuses on professional liability, representing physicians, attorneys, accountants and various other professionals. He has extensive experience handling cases involving complex medical malpractice issues such as brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations and death cases in the defense of long term care facilities, hospitals and physicians. His knowledge in the medical malpractice field has lead to work dealing with other professional liability issues such as the representation of contractors and engineers in matters concerning catastrophic workplace injuries that fall beyond the scope of typical workers’ compensation. He has also represented insurance agents in numerous cases involving liability exposure issues and drawing on his background in accounting, Mr. Nickas has also represented accountants accused of malpractice in the preparation of financial statements and auditing issues.Specialties: Automotive Civil Litigation Insurance Coverage & Bad Faith Labor & Employment Legal Malpractice Medical Malpractice Nursing Home & Assisted Living Premises Liability Products Liability Professional Liability Retail