Representative Matters

Plaintiff was fatally electrocuted when the forklift he was operating at a construction site made contact with live power lines.  Chris represented the subcontractor for the project that retained the company for which Plaintiff was employed.  Faced with a seven figure settlement demand and allegations that Chris’s client allowed hazardous conditions on the work site and did not do enough to ensure safe forklift operation, Chris focused discovery on demonstrating the distinct roles and responsibilities of the contractors and Plaintiff himself, which revealed his client’s responsibilities were separate and apart from the forklift operation.  This resulted in resolving the case for his client for a nominal amount.

Plaintiff suffered catastrophic injuries when she was struck by a commercial truck and pinned against another vehicle.  Chris was brought in at the close of discovery to represent the owner and operator of the truck that struck Plaintiff.  Plaintiff demanded punitive damages and an eight-figure settlement demand, which she increased to a nine-figure demand at the mediation.  While liability against his client was very strong, Chris focused on the defense of punitive damages and the weaknesses of Plaintiff’s experts during trial preparation and the filing of pre-trial motions.  Days before trial, the case settled on favorable terms for Chris’s client, more than 80% less than the demand at mediation.  

Plaintiff was working at a commercial construction site on the roof of a structure when he fell through the roof to the ground approximately thirty feet below, sustaining a catastrophic brain injury and debilitating physical injury.  A number of parties were joined as defendants and the demand for settlement was in the eight figure range throughout the course of the case.  Chris represented the demolition contractor, whom Plaintiff alleged improperly weakened the roof structure which led to the accident.  Through extensive discovery that included deposing project management and experts, Chris established that the demolition was performed as planned and that the accident was the result of distinct failures caused by third parties beyond its control.  Just prior to trial, Chris was able to reach a settlement for his client for a nominal amount that was below what it would have cost to try the case. 

Plaintiff was a worker at a bottling facility when she alleged an industrial mixer malfunctioned, which resulted in her suffering severe chemical burns.  Chris’ legal team was retained early on in the litigation.  Working with Plaintiff’s counsel in providing information yet explaining the mechanics of the machine and facility, Chris was able to secure dismissal of his client before incurring significant money and resources in litigation. 

A fatal residential fire resulted in the death of the homeowner.  A Fortune 500 Company wisely engaged Chris immediately upon receiving notice of the fire and intention that a lawsuit would be filed against them.  Utilizing a pre-lawsuit defense plan of action that consisted of gathering documents and engaging with the responding fire departments and utilizing experts as well as a site inspection, Chris was able to show the true cause of the fire, which did not involve Chris’ client.  The legal team for the decedent did not pursue the matter further and litigation was avoided efficiently and effectively.  This is one of many cases demonstrating the advantages of retaining Chris and his legal team as early as possible.