(Harris County, TX.) (April 11, 2025)- WSHB is proud to announce that a Harris County District Court granted summary judgment in favor of the client, a real estate development company, dismissing all claims in a premises liability lawsuit alleging permanent injury. This decisive victory comes amid a sharp rise in nuclear verdicts, jury awards exceeding $10 million, in Harris County and across Texas.
WSHB partner Christine Atwood expertly argued the motion, which asserted that all claims were time barred under the statute of limitations. Senior counsel, Jessica Gonzales, rounded out the team and together they provided a solid legal analysis that ultimately led the court to dismiss all claims.
This victory is particularly notable given that Texas has experienced a significant number of nuclear verdicts in recent years, with over 200 verdicts totaling more than $45 billion between 2009 and 2023. In 2023 alone, Texas tallied $3.7 billion in nuclear verdicts, the second-highest statewide total in the United States. Harris County, in particular, has seen significant awards, including a $352 million verdict in 2021 to an injured airline worker.
"This ruling is a significant win for our client, especially in a jurisdiction where nuclear verdicts have become increasingly common," said Atwood. "It underscores the importance of a strong legal strategy in defending against high-exposure claims."
"We're proud of the collaborative effort that led to this outcome," added Gonzales. "In an environment where jury awards are escalating, it's crucial to present compelling legal arguments to protect our clients' interests."
This outcome highlights the firm's commitment to delivering exceptional legal representation, even in the most challenging jurisdictions.
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