A coordinated, cross-office effort between WSHB's Jacksonville and Tampa teams delivered a decisive victory in a high-exposure personal injury lawsuit involving significant alleged damages at a commercial storage facility.
The case arose from an incident in which the plaintiff claimed multiple crush injuries after a load of heavy materials allegedly fell from a forklift at the client's facility. The plaintiff sought substantial damages, asserting serious and lasting physical harm.
WSHB's Tampa team, comprised of Partner Zachary Williams, Senior Counsel Tanner Stewart, and Senior Associate Teddy Bilirakis, took the lead in managing discovery and executing a meticulous strategy designed to develop a comprehensive record that undermined the plaintiff's liability and damage theories and positioned the case for early resolution.
Building on that groundwork, the Tampa team then prepared a forceful motion for summary judgment, setting the stage for dismissal. As the matter advanced, Partner Elizabeth Hernandez and Senior Associate Jasmine Hall from the firm's Jacksonville office assumed lead responsibility and brought the case across the finish line.
On the eve of the scheduled summary judgment hearing, the Jacksonville team successfully persuaded plaintiff's counsel to voluntarily dismiss all claims against the client, resulting in a complete defense victory and avoiding the risks and costs of trial.
"This outcome reflects the power of thoughtful collaboration and disciplined litigation strategy," said Hernandez. "From discovery through motion practice, our teams worked seamlessly to protect the client's interests and achieve a result that spoke for itself."
"The victory demonstrates the firm's ability to successfully leverage cross-office talent and unified strategy to resolve complex, high-stakes litigation efficiently and effectively," added Williams.
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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.