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

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

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

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