Wood Smith Henning & Berman is proud to announce a significant defense victory achieved by New Jersey partner Brendan Johnson and associate Danielle Harris, who secured a summary judgment dismissal in a high-stakes personal injury case involving multiple surgeries, implanted hardware, and a $1.5 million demand.
The matter arose from an alleged trip-and-fall accident involving a tree well that had been renovated by the client and his company approximately one year before the incident. All Defendants moved for summary judgment, but the court solely granted a dismissal in favor of the WSHB's clients, marking a decisive win.
Through a focused and strategic presentation, the defense established that plaintiff failed to present sufficient evidence to support key elements of the claim. Among other arguments, the attorneys demonstrated that plaintiff failed to establish successor-in-interest liability, failed to offer proper expert testimony, and failed to show that the client's work deviated from the township's approved building plans.
"This result reflects the importance of a disciplined legal strategy and a careful command of the facts," said Johnson. "We were able to show that the claims against our clients were not supported by the evidence and that dismissal was warranted as a matter of law."
Harris added, "This was a hard-fought case with significant exposure, and we are pleased to have achieved this outcome for our clients. It speaks to the strength of our team's preparation and our commitment to delivering results in complex litigation."
This victory highlights the firm's depth of experience in defending challenging construction and premise-related claims, particularly matters involving significant alleged injuries and substantial damages demands.
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.
