The Johnston Law Firm Courtroom

CHALLENGE

Our client was working as a tipper operator inside a Waste Management landfill when a Walsh Trucking driver moved his truck forward while the red light was still activated. Our client was closing the rear gate when his safety vest became caught on the moving trailer, causing him to be spun, dragged down the catwalk, and slammed into the hydraulic cylinder. The driver had been previously warned for the same red light violation. The incident resulted in significant and permanent injuries.

HOW WE APPROACHED THIS CASE

We focused on showing exactly how preventable the incident was under standard landfill safety procedures. We reconstructed the sequence of events, explained the red light and green light system, and worked with medical providers and industry experts. We also ran a mock jury focus group to learn what parts of the tipper process and the dragging mechanism jurors needed clarified. Their questions directly shaped the way we presented the case at trial.

RESULT

$1.3 Million judgement

The case went to trial and the jury awarded a judgement that held the driver and the company responsible for failing to follow clear safety rules inside the landfill and recognized the long term impact of the client’s injuries.

CHALLENGE

This case arose from the death of a patient following what should have been a routine colonoscopy performed under general anesthesia. Despite the patient’s known obstructive sleep apnea, which significantly increased the risk of respiratory complications, the anesthesia plan and monitoring failed to address those risks. During the procedure the patient experienced respiratory arrest, cardiac arrest, and a severe hypoxic brain injury. The medical team did not respond appropriately to the emergency, and when first responders arrived, the transfer of care was delayed. The patient never recovered and died from the complications of the event.

HOW WE APPROACHED THIS CASE

Our team focused on demonstrating how the outcome was entirely preventable with proper monitoring, timely intervention, and adherence to basic emergency protocols. We worked with medical experts to explain the significance of obstructive sleep apnea in anesthesia planning and the critical failures that occurred during the procedure. To strengthen the clarity of our presentation, we conducted a mock jury focus group. Their questions helped us identify what aspects of the anesthesia process, the deterioration timeline, and the emergency response needed clearer explanation. Based on the opinions of the focus group, we refined the narrative to highlight the key safety lapses and reorganized the sequence of events in a way that answered jurors concerns before they arose in the courtroom.

RESULT

$24.6 M Jury Verdict

The verdict reflected the jurors recognition that the patient’s death was preventable and resulted from a series of avoidable medical failures. The result held the defendants accountable for violating fundamental standards of care and for the profound and permanent loss suffered by the patient’s family.

 It’s reserved for JLF clients and case preparation. We do like to collaborate with other attorneys. Please reach out to learn more.

As soon as possible. We are always utilizing this room and would need to ensure it is available for the timeframe you require.

We extend the use of this to attorneys we partner with, co-counsel arrangements, and fee-split arrangements. If you are interested in using it outside of these structures, please give us a call. We are always interested in talking to plaintiffs’ attorneys who want to prepare the strongest possible case.