Appellate Results

In a major victory for the defense, the California Court of Appeal affirmed a summary judgment in favor of WSHB's client involving a significant injury case brought by a longshoreman who was injured at the Port of Long Beach. The plaintiff, who alleged a traumatic brain injury and orthopedic injuries after his rig tipped over while hauling cargo at the Port, originally sought $20 million in damages. This appellate decision marks a rare complete dismissal in this high-stakes area of law.

In a significant legal win, the Dallas office of Wood Smith Henning & Berman (WSHB) secured an exceedingly rare appellate victory through a restricted appeal, a seldom-used legal tool with strict limitations. The successful appeal overturned a default judgment, offering new hope for clients who believed all legal avenues had been exhausted.

WSHB is proud to announce momentous victories achieved by partners Richie Singer and Kimberly Jones and senior associate Erica Pope. Richie Singer successfully argued a complex Motion for Summary Judgment concerning a coverage issue on a forced place policy. This win was followed by an unsuccessful appeal filed by the Plaintiff thanks to the strong briefing and arguments by partner Kimberly Jones. This outcome not only underscores the firm's legal prowess but also exemplifies its commitment to providing exceptional representation for clients.

In a closely watched decision, the Second Judicial Department reversed a surprising ruling by the Supreme Court of Queens County which denied governmental immunity to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. If allowed to stand the lower court decision would have had significant negative implications for public entities engaged in governmental functions. WSHB partner and accomplished trial attorney, Brian Colistra, successfully argued the appeal, securing a crucial victory for a client with much to lose as they operate the Port of New York and New Jersey, as well as the airports, bridges, tunnels, and bus terminals in the metro region.

In a major legal triumph, WSHB is pleased to announce that the Appellate Division affirmed the lower court's decision in a high exposure labor law case. The Appellate Brief was drafted by senior counsel, Courtney Scharpf, and argued by partner, Cole Munson. In its ruling, the court denied the plaintiff's motion for summary judgment citing critical issues of fact regarding the stability of the ladder at the center of this case.