Hill, Farrer & Burrill LLP
Tort Defense
-
Represented a manufacturer of large diameter PVC pipe against claims that, during the testing of a system in which the pipe had been installed, the pipe exploded and caused serious injury to the worker performing the test. Following discovery in the case and a settlement process which included an advisory jury which hearing the positions of all parties and giving an advisory opinion, the matter was favorably settled.
-
Represented a manufacturer of conveyor systems against claims that a component of one of those systems — a gate that could be raised in order to walk through the conveyor line – had failed to stay upright as intended, fallen on the head of an employee and caused bodily injury to that employee. Following a three week trial, the jury determined that the conveyor system was not defectively manufactured and could not have caused the alleged injury.
-
Represented leading California commercial and residential pest control company in a variety matters, including misappropriation of intellectual property and trade secrets, unfair competition, breach of employment agreement, intentional interference with contractual business relationship and prospective economic advantage, and trade libel.
-
Represented corporate finder when his claim for finders fee denied by acquiring corporation.
-
Served as lead counsel for plaintiff national railroad in an action to recover damages sustained in a major train derailment. Negotiated favorable settlement with defendant shipper that had allegedly placed a defective railcar in service on the train that included significant recovery for the railroad.
-
On behalf of fortune 500 national railroad company, brought a negligence action in United States District Court against a stevedoring company which had incorrectly loaded shipping containers onto rail cars in client’s train, resulting in a derailment causing significant property damage. After successfully obtaining partial summary judgment establishing liability, negotiated a $2 million settlement.