Wood Smith Henning & Berman is proud to announce a major defense victory in Harris County, Texas, where partner Spencer Dunn and associate Grace Cousins obtained a motion for summary judgment (MSJ) on behalf of a trucking company and its driver in a hotly contested personal injury case.
The plaintiff alleged that the truck driver negligently ran a red light, causing the accident, and further claimed negligence per se and vicarious liability against the trucking company. Through strategic motion practice, the defense team established that the truck driver was not negligent and that in fact, the plaintiff's own actions were the proximate cause of the accident.
The court granted summary judgment in favor of the defense, dismissing all claims against both the driver and the trucking company. This result represents a total defense win, effectively ending the case in favor of the firm's clients.
"Prevailing on summary judgment in Texas, particularly in Harris County, is an exceptional outcome," said Cousins. "Courts in this jurisdiction are often reluctant to grants MSJs, even in cases where the facts strongly support dismissal. These ruling underscores the strength of our clients' position and the effectiveness of our defense strategy."
This decisive result not only eliminates all liability for the firm's clients but also highlights WSHB's litigation skill and commitment to delivering successful outcomes in complex transportation and trucking cases.
"This victory demonstrates the importance of aggressive motion practice in defending complex transportation cases." Dunn added. "Our clients trust us to protect their interests in high-stakes litigation, and this result reflects our team's skill, persistence, and deep industry knowledge."
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 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.
