On the eve of trial, Wood Smith Henning & Berman achieved a significant legal victory for the client, a national supplier of countertops, by securing a summary judgment. The Plaintiff, whose story has been widely featured in multiple news outlets, alleged that he developed silicosis as a result of exposure to products containing silica from a countertop manufactured by WSHB's client.
Despite the Plaintiff's claims, the WSHB team successfully argued that Plaintiff failed to establish causation. During the Plaintiff's deposition, the legal team uncovered crucial testimony that highlighted the weaknesses in the Plaintiff's case. Additionally, they demonstrated that the Plaintiff was unable to lay a proper foundation for the invoice produced as evidence of exposure to our client's product.
Partner Rudolf Petrosyan successfully drafted and argued the WSHB team's motion for summary judgment, resulting in the dismissal of the client from the lawsuit. Partners Dennis Baier and Thomas Vandenburg along with Senior Associate Janessa Chun also played a key role in the success of this case.
"This ruling is a testament to the thorough preparation and strategic acumen of our legal team," said Partner Rudolf Petrosyan. "We were able to effectively demonstrate that the Plaintiff's claims lacked the necessary evidence to proceed to trial, safeguarding our client from unfounded allegations."
Wood Smith Henning & Berman is proud to claim victory in this precedent-setting case amongst a series of silicosis countertop cases, with this being the first of over twenty lawsuits to be granted summary judgment. "This outcome not only exonerates our client but also highlights the importance of robust legal defenses in complex toxic tort litigation" stated Partner Dennis Baier, "We will continue to advocate vigorously for our clients in these high-stakes cases."
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 almost 500 lawyers across 41 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 40 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.