Wood Smith Henning and Berman is pleased to announce that partner Ryan Schoeb, senior counsel Christina Hall, and senior associate Carl Agnone obtained a voluntary dismissal with prejudice on behalf of a property owner in litigation arising from a 2022 dog attack. The result concluded three years of aggressively contested litigation with no payment by the client.
The plaintiff alleged significant, life-altering injuries after being attacked by a large dog brought to the property by a short-term rental guest. The dogs were allowed outside without leashes and attacked the plaintiff, a neighbor walking past the property. The plaintiff sued both the property owner and the owner of the dogs.
The WSHB defense team identified a narrow, rarely litigated doctrine that provided the foundation for a motion for final summary judgment. Through detailed research, factual analysis, and preparation, the attorneys developed arguments establishing the doctrine's applicability and challenging whether the plaintiff had sufficient evidence to submit the claims against their client to a jury.
"Cases involving serious injuries demand careful preparation and a clear understanding of the legal requirements for imposing liability," said Schoeb. "Our team identified a threshold issue early and built the defense around it. That focused approach allowed us to present a compelling motion and ultimately bring this lengthy litigation to a close for our client."
Following briefing and oral argument on the summary judgment motion, the defense team negotiated an immediate dismissal with prejudice in exchange for the client forgoing a claim for attorney fees and costs. The plaintiff dismissed the claims against the property owner before the court issued a ruling, ending the client's involvement without a settlement payment.
"The strength of this defense came from connecting a highly specific legal doctrine in the case," said Hall. "Thorough research and preparation gave us a strong foundation for summary judgment and a meaningful opportunity to resolve the matter before a ruling. We are pleased to have achieved a final resolution that protected our client from further exposure and the expense of continued litigation."
The result reflects WSHB's experience defending complex, high-exposure negligence, and premises liability claims. By identifying decisive legal issues and developing defense grounded on the facts, the firm helps clients resolve challenging disputes and limit the financial and operational burdens of prolonged litigation.
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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 43 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.
