Wood Smith Henning & Berman is pleased to share a significant legal victory in a case led by partner Nicholas Donzuso and senior associate Lauren Vicencio, securing a motion for summary judgment for the client in a complex personal injury case in Philadelphia.
The case arose from a complaint alleging that improper streetlight installation, repair, or maintenance contributed to a pedestrian collision at a crosswalk. The plaintiff, who claimed permanent injuries, including a right shoulder fracture dislocation, sought $650,000 in damages.
The plaintiff alleged that the intersection's lighting was insufficient for both motorists and pedestrians, contributing to the accident. However, WSHB successfully demonstrated that its client fulfilled its contractual obligations with the city for streetlight maintenance and owed no duty to the plaintiff.
The court agreed, finding that the client met its contractual duties pursuant to its contract with the city and owed no additional duty to the plaintiff under these circumstances. Accordingly, it granted the Motion for Summary Judgement and absolved the client of any liability.
"This case serves as a prime example of the intricate challenges involved in litigating claims related to public infrastructure, especially when multiple entities are at play," remarked Donzuso. "By concentrating on the factual elements and illustrating our client's strict adherence to its obligations, we achieved an optimal outcome. This result is a testament to our firm's strategic vision, extensive legal expertise, and steadfast commitment to defending our clients against unfounded allegations."
Adding her perspective, Vicencio stated, "Collaborating with Nick on this case was an enlightening experience. Our proactive and well-prepared approach allowed us to present a compelling argument that effectively avoided a protracted trial. This outcome not only protects our client but also highlights the critical importance of diligence and strategy in navigating complex legal terrains."
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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.
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