Parisien v. Lucio

Plaintiff purchased a Pioneer Square condominium from our client and after moving in experienced water intrusion. Plaintiff brought claims for fraud, negligent misrepresentation, and breach of contract based on the Form 17 Disclosure and other real estate documents. Plaintiff argued that our client's volunteer position on the condominium’s board of directors imputed additional knowledge of any and all defects in the building. At the conclusion of a three-week jury trial, Plaintiff asked for over $5 million in damages. The jury returned a defense verdict on all claims and the Court denied the Plaintiff's request for rescission of the contract. Judgment for attorney fees in favor of the client was entered.

 

  • Three week trial

  • November 2022

  • King County

  • 20-2-10799-9 SEA

Lewis v. City of Burien

Premises liability claim brought by pedestrian who, after leaving a bar in Burien in May 2016, missed a step down from the curb ramp to the sidewalk, fell and broke her ankle. The plaintiff claimed the City negligently constructed and maintained the curb ramp, that the curb ramp was unsafe, that it should have been designed without a curb or elevation change, and demanded $450,000 in damages at jury trial in August 2021. The defense proved that the curb ramp was designed and built exactly according to engineering plans and WSDOT specifications for such curb ramps, and after a 10-day jury trial (conducted entirely via zoom) and about 40 minutes of deliberations, the jury of 12 returned a unanimous defense verdict.

 

  • Two week trial

  • August 2021

  • King County

  • 19-2-11367-7 KNT

Fairchild v. Catering Advisors, Inc. d/b/a The Athenian Seafood Restaurant & Bar and The Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority

Premises liability claim brought by a customer who fell from her stool at the counter of The Athenian, located within Pike Place Market. Claimant fractured her knee, requiring surgery and internal fixation with a plate and screws. Post-traumatic arthritic changes were demonstrated in the knee compartment. Claimant also tore a ligament in her left wrist in the fall. Medical expenses totaled over $77,755.16. Claimant alleged negligence in the design of the stool and platform from which she fell, and also alleged negligence resulting from failure to warn her of the danger. Claimant demanded $1.3 million at mediation and issued a final demand of $600,000 prior to the start of trial. Following a two-week jury trial, a verdict was returned in favor of the defendants.

 

  • Two week trial

  • August/September 2021

  • King County

  • 18-2-26648-3 SEA

Moon v. Clallam Transit System

Trip and fall negligence claim brought by a user of the Sequim Transit Station in Sequim, Washington. Claimant tripped over an empty planter box and sustained a major injury to her left elbow that required multiple surgeries and resulted in partial loss of bone in her arm, together with other minor injuries. Claimant demanded over $920,000.00 in damages, $124,000.00 of which were for medical bills. Following a five day trial, the jury returned a verdict in favor of Clallam Transit System, finding no negligence.

News Article

 

  • One week trial

  • October 2019

  • Clallam County

  • 18-2-00333-05

Cham & Smith v. Foote

Admitted liability rear end car accident case.  The total medical specials were around $12,000.00 and Plaintiff’s wife had a loss of consortium claim. Plaintiff asked the jury for $60,000.00 (inclusive of wage loss claim).  We served an offer of judgment for $15,000.00.  Following a three day trial and following an hour of deliberations, the jury awarded $13,000.00. 

 

  • Three day trial

  • October 2019

  • King County

  • 18CIV01219KCX

Dover v. Wrecking Ball

Admitted liability motor vehicle accident where Plaintiff and her son were rear ended on I-5. Plaintiff claimed approximately $66,000.00 in medical expenses and asked the jury for $150,000.00. Following a week long trial, the jury awarded just over $38,000.00. Pretrial offer of judgment was $40,000.00. 

 

  • One week trial

  • June 2019

  • King County

  • 17-2-26459-8 SEA

Neff, et al. v. Rocket Market

Nuisance claim brought by eight neighbors against Spokane business that hosted outdoor concerts twice a week.  Plaintiffs presented evidence the defendant violated the Spokane Municipal Code and made pretrial demand was $220,000; our pretrial offer was $16,000.  Plaintiff asked the jury for $1,600,000 - $2,400,000.  Following a two and a half week long trial, jury returned a defense verdict for client.  

 

  • Two and a half week trial

  • February 2019

  • Spokane County

  • 17-2-00586-4

Helmbreck v. McPhee, et al.

Case reassigned after discovery cutoff in trial strategy following unsuccessful motion for summary judgment brought by prior counsel’s office. 18-year old plaintiff claimed low back surgery and soft tissue injuries arising out of MVA at uncontrolled intersection. Plaintiff alleged our client was negligent in failing to provide a clear line of sight for drivers using abutting roadway and told us we needed to make a “significant offer” to resolve the case before trial. He asked jury for $250,000-$750,000 and the jury returned a defense for our client.

 

  • Three week trial

  • February 2019

  • King County

  • 18-2-02781-1 KNT

Shafer v. Lee

Adverse possession dispute between insureds and landowner of unoccupied land (Lee).  Lee filed claims for intentional interference with a contractual relationship, nuisance/trespass, and pro rata taxes.  Lee demanded over $220,000 and presented evidence he had a $400,000 contract to sell the property before insureds filed their adverse possession claim and, as a result, could only get $200,000 after adverse possession claims.  Lee’s claims were dismissed via summary judgment, voluntary dismissal, and a defense verdict at trial.  Prior to trial, we discovered Lee’s attorney had improper contact with his key witness, the prior owner of your insured’s property.  Lee’s attorney paid him after a phone deposition and purported to represent him despite a conflict of interest.  After we brought these issues to the Court’s attention, the Court sanctioned Lee’s attorney $8,526.47 in attorney fees and costs. Insureds prevailed at trial, and were awarded $104,509.60 in attorney fees and costs.

 

  • No trial

  • November 2018

  • King County

  • 16-2-21858-0 SEA

Dalton v. Schultz

Admitted liability motor vehicle accident where Plaintiff was rear-ended in his work vehicle. Plaintiff claimed injuries to all regions of his spine, as well as to his hips and left shoulder. In addition, Plaintiff claimed to have chipped two teeth and developed neurological issues in his left arm. Plaintiff’s total claimed medical damages amounted to $21,816.00. Plaintiff also asserted a wage loss claim for $1,015.00. Plaintiff’s last pre-trial settlement demand was for $70,000.00, and he asked the jury for $98,000.00. Defendant’s last pre-trial settlement offer was for $29,500. The jury returned a verdict of $31,344.00. Plaintiff’s wife requested an additional $5,000 for loss of consortium. The jury awarded her $0.

 

  • 1 week trial

  • August 2018

  • Pierce County

  • 774401

Jacquemart v. Wong

Admitted liability, serious and permanent injuries arising out of vehicle versus pedestrian crosswalk injury. Case transferred from another law firm's office and carrier lifted the policy limits.  Plaintiff’s counsel is notorious for obtaining some of the highest jury verdicts in the state. Plaintiff refused to make any demands before trial and asked for $33,000,000 from the jury.  At mediation, plaintiff’s counsel indicated he would reject a bracket of $9M-$16M.  Verdict for plaintiff in the amount of $8,000,000. 

 

  • Three week trial

  • July 2018

  • King County

  • 16-2-26480-8 SEA

Brown v. Wahl

Neighbor dispute where plaintiffs alleged defendants were liable for nuisance, trespass, invasion of privacy, and outrage. Defendants’ actions allegedly resulted in severe emotional distress and hospitalization. After a three-week trial, plaintiffs’ counsel asked for over $300,000. The jury returned a defense verdict.

 

  • Three week trial

  • November 2017

  • Pierce County

  • 16-2-10236-6

McNeill v. City of Auburn

Admitted liability motor vehicle accident involving a police officer. Plaintiff never returned to work following the accident and underwent five surgeries (both shoulders, both knees, and his right elbow). He alleged chronic pain in all areas as well as hip pain, chronic post-traumatic headaches, and depression. After a two-week trial, plaintiff’s counsel asked for $3,000,000. The jury awarded $165,000.

 

  • Two week trial

  • May 2017

  • King County

  • 15-2-25044-2 KNT

Silver v. Libstaff

Property dispute concerning a shared well. Neighbor (Libstaff) cut off access to the well, claiming the client (Silver) had no right to its use. Following a bench trial, client was awarded an easement allowing access to the well, together with permanent injunctive relief prohibiting Libstaff from interfering with Silver’s use and enjoyment of the well. Silver was awarded costs as the prevailing party.

 

  • 1 week trial

  • January 2017

  • Pierce County

  • 15-2-11578-8

Johnson v. Billings & Town of Steilacoom

Action involving allegations of intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress against client law enforcement officer (and co-defendant Steilacoom) arising out of arrest and use of force on plaintiff-motorist in the course of a traffic stop. Plaintiff also alleged wrongful conduct based on subsequent interactions with client. Plaintiff requested $800,000 in total damages from the jury. Defense verdict was issued following two-week trial. 

 

  • Two week trial

  • December 2016

  • Pierce County

  • 14-2-13145-9