Representative Case Summaries By Practice Areas:



Representative Case Summaries By Attorney:

 | Albert v. Thrifty/Newman, et al.
Defense of Christmas light retailer in a case involving the death and severe personal injury to two individuals and extensive property damage in an apartment fire in Bellingham, Washington. The case involved complex issues of fire causes, origin and spread, and building and elevator code compliance, a legitimate challenge to the public duty doctrine, and technology of foreign manufactured products.

Bartelson and Melvin v. Swain
Represented a driver of a vehicle that started a multi-car accident in lawsuit brought by passengers of a vehicle allegedly involved in the accident. Resolved the case for a very minimal settlement amount after the credibility of the plaintiffs was called into question based on extensive discovery.

Crawford v. Van Kleek
Defense of an admittedly liable driver in the King County jury trial. Plaintiff claims neuropsychological and physical injuries in this two week trial. The jury awarded zero damages.

Doe v. Unnamed Retailer
Confidential pre-suit settlement with complex terms relating to the strangulation death of a 3-year old toddler. The retailer's exposure was based on alleged product defect for specifying manufacture of, then retailing a child's hooded sweatshirt with a cord. Significant investigation with the Consumer Protection Safety Commission, the media, and congressional sources provided factual background to allow decision makers to evaluate terms of settlement. We directed confidential polling, and a voluntarily advertised recall program.

Dunn v. Sutherlin
Defense of general contractor in King County jury trial claim by plaintiff of permanent eye injury secondary to demolition work. Defense verdict.

Fuetz v. Dunn Lumber, et al.
Defense of national manufacturer of treated lumber in claims of neurological injury secondary to alleged arsenic poisoning.

Hand v. Gall Landau Young
Defense of a general contractor in a King County jury trial in a claim brought by plaintiffs suffering low back fractures and extensive time off of work. The jury awarded just over $6,000.

Hart v. Grand Coulee Dam School District
Settlement, in trial, of a quadriplegia claim brought by a junior high school athlete injured in a football game in Eastern Washington. This case captured the intense interests and provoked emotions from the community. The settlement was less than 3% of published settlements in this state for similar injuries.

Hinger v. Le
Obtained settlement of personal injury claims short of litigation, which were sustained in a head on roll over car accident, caused by a DUI driver who crossed the center lane of a highway.

Keith v. Custom Built
Summary judgment dismissal of material supplier with alleged principal status for an at fault "agent" in a quadriplegia construction site accident sustained by unpublished Court of Appeals opinion (No. 35596-1-1). The underlying case settled by remaining defendants for over $3.5 million.

Lepe v. Merryman,, et al.
Defense of building owner after explosion of a water heater which resulted in alleged significant personal injuries. Tenants contacted a plumber to inspect the water heater following discovery of water heater problems. Following the plumbers inspection of the water heater, an explosion occurred. Discovery resulted in huge reduction in value of claims against the owner. Owner was also able to recover damages sustained to the building and business as a result of the explosion.

Lint v. Westwood
Defense of general contractor in a Federal Court jury trial from plaintiff claim of permanent injuries to right upper extremity. Defense verdict.

Modig v. Tvedten
Defense driver in an admitted liability, three week jury trial case, on damages, in Pierce County. Plaintiff presented significant evidence of post-traumatic stress disorder and physical injuries.

Newmark v. SDL, et al
Defense of trade contractor and construction manager for claims arising out of building defects to a high rise downtown condominium project.

Nicholson v. UPS
Trial defense of a major delivery company in admitted liability case tried against WSTLA President and future Supreme Court Judge.



Watkins v. Ormand v. Sellen, et al.
Settlement of two severe personal injury cases arising out of a scissors lift accident on a job site. Technical issues of scissors lift design, and maintenance co-existed with general contractor defense, including intense indemnity arguments after extensive discovery and 30 hours of mediation.

White v. Hewlett-Packard
Defense of a facility owner from wrongful death and survivor claims by the surviving spouse and children of an outside electrician killed while performing onsite services.

Zura v. Liberty Mutual Insurance Company
Defense of uninsured motorist claim brought by the driver of a jeep who was allegedly injured when plaintiff was broadsided by an uninsured driver. Case resolved for nominal amount after discovery regarding plaintiff's claims raised credibility issues as well as questions concerning the extent of plaintiff's injuries.

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