Wood Smith Henning & Berman proudly announce another trial victory achieved by partner Ryan Schoeb and senior associate Olivia Rosenthal, who successfully defended a local construction company in a negligence suit, culminating in an involuntary dismissal during a bench trial
“Truly, this is a remarkable outcome which underscores our deep trial bench and expertise handling complex exposures throughout Florida,” said firmwide managing partner Stewart Reid.
The plaintiff claimed that concrete overspray and debris from the construction site resulted in substantial property damage. Through timely and precise pre-trial motions, WSHB effectively dismantled the plaintiff's case by striking claims for attorneys’ fees, several late-disclosed exhibits, and a key damages witness. Furthermore, during pre-trial proceedings, the court limited the testimony of the plaintiff’s expert witness, ultimately excluding them entirely during direct examination, despite objections from opposing counsel.
"This case highlights the critical impact of thorough pre-trial preparation and assertive trial advocacy," stated Schoeb. "By successfully challenging essential components of the plaintiff's case, we protected our client from an unjust verdict."
The strategic efforts of the WSHB team led the court to conclude that the plaintiff failed to establish a prima facie case for negligence, granting the firm’s mid-trial motion for dismissal. The skillful maneuvers left the plaintiff unable to substantiate their claims in court.
"Our client remained confident that this claim was without merit, and we are honored to have achieved this outcome on their behalf," remarked Rosenthal. "This victory reaffirms our unwavering commitment to defending our clients against baseless claims and exemplifies our litigation prowess."
Wood Smith Henning & Berman: Your Trusted Partner
Experience the power of a proven industry leader in the law. Wood Smith Henning & Berman (WSHB) is renowned globally for our exceptional trial results and expertise in handling complex litigation. With our nationwide network of over 500 lawyers across 42 office locations, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive litigation and counsel to both public and private companies. From start-ups to Fortune 100 corporations, we deliver unrivaled legal representation that consistently achieves favorable outcomes for our clients.
At WSHB, our strength lies in our diverse and accomplished team of attorneys. We boast thought leaders and defense specialists in over 41 fields of practice, covering an extensive range of specialties. Founded in 1997, we are proud to be among the top ten law firms in the nation for diversity, female partners, female lawyers, and Hispanic lawyers. This rich tapestry of diversity forms the foundation of our success when presenting cases to juries of our peers, ensuring we understand the unique nuances underlying each claim.
Our expansive geographic footprint allows us to provide effective and efficient representation to clients nationwide, regardless of their location, background, or legal expertise. By prioritizing strategic and cost-effective approaches to litigation, our dedicated attorneys work tirelessly to protect the interests of our clients. We have a track record of success, securing numerous victories such as summary judgments and defense verdicts on behalf of our clients. As a trial firm, we have taken over 2,000 cases to verdict, making us well-equipped to handle even the most complex and high-stakes litigation matters across the country.