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Our Verdicts
Charter Jet Crash Resolved In Eight-Figure Settlement
The pilots landed downwind on a wet runway that was far too short to accommodate the turbine aircraft.
After touching down the crew deployed thrust reversers in an unsuccessful effort to slow the aircraft and then attempted to go around – in violation of the pilot operating handbook. When the plane overshot the runway striking an embankment, the crew members were killed and the two passengers were seriously injured. Our client suffered significant orthopedic and neurological injuries. Post-crash investigation revealed that the flying pilot had been taking medications that impair judgment and decision-making.
In pre-suit settlement conferences, the legal challenge was overcoming the one-million-dollar cap on non-economic damages which the defense argued should apply. According to Bob Spohrer: “We were able to successfully make a choice of laws analysis which would avoid the very unfair cap on damages and at the same time advance a significant claim for the client’s business losses. The carrier for the charter operator made a realistic evaluation of their exposure and a settlement in excess of ten million dollars, present value, was reached on the second day of negotiations.”
$22.9 Million Verdict Upheld By The U.S. Supreme Court
One example of that is the Rhodes, et al. v. United Technologies, Inc. case that involved the crash of a Sikorsky Blackhawk helicopter on landing at Wiesbaden Army Airfield in Germany. The firm’s aircraft accident investigation disclosed an unrecognized design defect that led to a $22.9 million jury verdict on behalf of injured and deceased Army personnel and their families.
This verdict was upheld on appeal by the U.S. Supreme Court.
U.S. Government Awards $9.48 Million After Verdict Found FAA Largely Responsible For Crash
There was heavy fog in the region that evening and Mr. Weidner had tried to land at two other nearby airports, without success. Relying on favorable weather reports about current conditions at Jacksonville International (JIA), he diverted the aircraft there. The plane crashed while he was attempting to land.
In investigating the crash, our attorneys uncovered several factors they were certain had played a major role. The accident occurred when the tower was closed for renovations. Air Traffic Controllers at JIA were operating out of an ill-equipped temporary tower. This tower did not include standard weather equipment, including radar and weather-measuring instruments. Controllers were communicating via the “walkie-talkie” feature of their cellular phones with other controllers in a separate building and providing only infrequent weather updates.
Our attorneys proved in a federal court trial that Air Traffic Controllers failed to update Don Weidner on the deteriorating weather conditions prior to his attempted landing and that this negligence was the key cause of his crash.
A U.S. District Court judge ruled that the Air Traffic Controllers were negligent by failing to provide the pilot with current weather conditions and attributed the majority of the fault for the crash to the FAA. The Federal Government paid the families involved a total of $9.48 million settlement in this wrongful death case.
$9 Million Awarded In Aviation Accident
$8 Million Awarded For Plane Crash
$4.1 Million Awarded In Aviation Accident
$3.75 Million Settlement Reached On Behalf Of Five Military Families
Our firm was retained to represent a number of the families of the deceased Guardsmen. We discovered that the manufacturer had modified the plane’s original design by cutting it in two, adding a cargo ramp, removing 6 feet of the cabin, and making a change to the tail section. The scientific evidence showed that these modifications had a catastrophic effect on the longitudinal stability of the aircraft.
A settlement of $3.75 million was reached with Bombardier Aerospace, Short Brothers of Northern Ireland, Duncan Aviation and Rockwell Collins, all of whom had been involved in the production or maintenance of this airplane.
U.S. Government Awards Family Confidential Settlement For Mid-Air Collision Caused By F-16
Jacques Olivier had just a few moments to try to avoid the collision before the impact cut his Cessna in half, killing him instantly. Pieces of the plane rained down on the golf course below. The Air Force pilot thought he had “hit a bird,” ejected and landed safely. Our attorneys, retained by co-counsel for our aviation expertise, investigated this accident and determined exactly what had occurred to cause this tragedy. While never officially reporting fault, the Air Force acknowledged liability, and we negotiated a confidential settlement for the surviving members of Jacques Olivier’s family.
$2.8 Million Settlement Reached In Pilot-Caused Helicopter Crash
NTSB investigators and officials were initially baffled about why an experienced pilot, on a routine flight, would suddenly lose control and crash. Our firm was hired by Ms. Leedom’s estate to determine the cause of this fatal accident. Our investigation uncovered that the blood alcohol level of the pilot was at an illegal level of 11 points when he was transporting Ms. Leedom. Prior to filing suit, a $2.8 million settlement was reached with the insurers for the charter company.
“My sister would be very pleased with the work you did for her kids. Thanks again to you and your team for a tremendous job!” – Jeff Smith, Brother of Robin Leedom
$4.9 Million Verdict Awarded For Spinal Cord Injuries
Ultimately, an MRI imaging study revealed the foreign material compressing Barbara’s spine. Emergency surgery removed the substance, but the damage was done. Barbara was left with severe and permanent neurological injury and extraordinary medical care costs for the rest of her life. Although the surgeon and hospital denied responsibility and blamed each other, Bob Spohrer and our medical negligence team took the case to a jury in a two-week trial. The jury evaluated the evidence and rendered a verdict of $4.9 million in favor of our client.
$1.645 Million Awarded For Aviation Accident
$1.5 Million Awarded For Aviation Accident
$1.47 Million Awarded For Helicopter Crash
$1.25 Million Awarded For Airplane Crash
$925,000 Awarded For Helicopter Crash
$800,000 Awarded For Aviation Accident
$650,000 Awarded For Helicopter Crash
Niehart v. Auto Owners Insurance
Holbrook v. Trans General Life Insurance
Kellogg v. Nationwide Insurance
$7.165 Million Awarded In Medical Malpractice Case
$6,145,036.99 Judgment | Coleman v. USA
$3.2 Million Awarded In Medical Malpractice Case
$2 Million Awarded In Medical Malpractice Case
Doctor’s Negligence During Birth Process Results In $1 Million Settlement
Upon admission to the hospital, labor did not progress normally and the physician allowed nurses to try manipulating the unborn child to facilitate a vaginal birth. More than 15 hours of unsuccessful labor passed before her physician ordered a cesarean section.
In the operating room, the physician told others that she felt faint and during the course of surgery cut through the patient’s uterine artery. After the delivery, the new mother was sent to recovery where her blood pressure began to drop and she lost consciousness. This was reported to her doctor, but it was more than an hour before the physician came in to do an examination. At this point the patient was suffering from internal bleeding and severe shock; her blood pressure and pulse had become dangerously low. Although her critical injuries were accumulating, the physician waited another 12 hours before attempting to repair the bleeding artery. The new mother suffered a brain injury, damage to her reproductive system and nerve damage to her lower extremities.
$1 Million Settlement Reached In Military Medical Malpractice Death Case
The chain of medical events that lead to the death of Jocelyn Foster began with her first visit to the Jacksonville Naval Hospital. She was referred to a gynecologist who scheduled a total hysterectomy without ever looking at her medical records which noted previous abdominal surgeries.
By her own admission during deposition, the physician should not have performed the surgery at all, due to Jocelyn’s medical history. With the first surgical incision, the doctor transected Jocelyn’s small bowel, cutting it in two.
A second surgery was performed to repair the bowel but during the surgery, her bowel was injured again. Mrs. Foster never recovered and died of sepsis. Our team of attorneys settled the federal tort claim with the U.S. government for $1 million on behalf of Mrs. Foster’s survivors.
$975,000 Awarded In Medical Malpractice Case
$700,000 Awarded In Medical Malpractice Case – Failure To Treat
$500,000 Awarded In Medical Malpractice Case
$2.637 Million Awarded In Workplace Explosion
$1.6 Million Awarded For Workplace Injury
$825,000 Awarded In Medical Malpractice Case
$700,000 Awarded In Medical Malpractice Case – Failure To Diagnose
$4 Million Awarded For Workplace Injury
$2 Million Awarded In Premises Liability Case
$1.27 Million Awarded In Boating Accident
$725,000 Awarded In Medical Malpractice Case
$612,500 Awarded In Medical Malpractice Case
$3.657 Million Awarded For Trip And Fall
$1.85 Million Awarded For Workplace Injury
$1 Million Awarded In Premises Liability Case – Workplace Shooting
$1 Million Awarded In Premises Liability Case – Assault
$1 Million Awarded For Workplace Accident
$1 Million Awarded In Premises Liability Case – Fall
$850,000 Awarded For Workplace Injury
$750,000 Awarded In Premises Liability Case
$600,000 Awarded In Premises Liability Case
$550,000 Awarded In Premises Liability Case
$550,000 Awarded For Negligent Security
Medical Device Case Leads To Ground-Breaking U.S. Supreme Court Ruling: Lohr v. Medtronic
Our client, Laura Lohr, was a young woman implanted with a pacemaker manufactured by Medtronic. The device failed to operate properly and although Laura called Medtronic’s 800 number, she received no response or assistance. The claim that ensued from the failure of what was marketed as a life-saving product became the contentious and well-documented case, “Lohr v. Medtronic.” Medtronic’s attorneys took the position that because the product was FDA-approved, the manufacturer could not be held liable for damages arising out of its failure to operate as specified. Arguing that the defense’s motion constituted “preemption” and was unjust, Bob Spohrer won the right to take the case to trial. The decision was appealed, and ultimately upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court. The court ruled that defective FDA-approved products are not immune from liability and prosecution in the civil justice system. Bob and his team reached a confidential settlement with Medtronic that provided fair compensation for our client’s damages and medical needs.
$19 Million Awarded In Product Liability Case
Firm Reaches $1.2M Settlement With Negligent Apartment Complex
A claim against the Massachusetts-based complex owners and management company had already been filed and a settlement offer of $100,000 tendered when firm Attorneys Roger Dodd and Jay Howanitz were asked to handle the case. With consideration for the severity of Mr. Anderson’s injuries and the impact on his career and life, they rejected this offer and began to vigorously prepare the case for trial. Investigation revealed that the railing was more than 40 years old and while it had periodically been painted for cosmetic appearances, it had never been structurally maintained or repaired. Our firm also discovered that the railing violated height and maintenance requirements in Florida building codes.
Beginning in August of 2007, Roger and Jay litigated on several fronts in Florida and Massachusetts against a large defense firm, bringing the case to conclusion in January of 2008 with a $1.2 million settlement on behalf of their client Chip Anderson.
$1.3 Billion Class Action Settlement With Sulzer Orthopedics
Scores of victims injured by those products asked our firm to represent their interests. We filed both individual claims and the lead class action case for victims in Florida.
Ultimately, all claims were consolidated into a federal class action in the Northern District of Ohio. Attorney Chad Roberts was appointed by federal Judge Kathleen O’Malley to help coordinate nationwide discovery activities and to serve as a liaison between national class counsel and counsel in other states throughout the country. After many months of hard work by Chad Roberts and teams of attorneys representing the victims of Sulzer Orthopedics, a $1.3 billion settlement plan was negotiated that provided substantial compensation to those whose artificial joints had failed or were likely to fail in the future.
$6 Million Awarded For Defective Product
$4.34 Million Awarded For A Defective Product
Dangerous Toy Causes Fire And Death Of Two Children
In the early morning hours, two children under eight were asleep in their room. Their newly acquired toy, a “disco light,” an electrified sphere that emits colored lights in flashing patterns, was plugged into a wall socket. The “disco light” caught fire.
Asleep in another room, their mother was unaware of the fire until she smelled smoke and carried her children outside. Unfortunately, the children were overcome by carbon monoxide poisoning from the smoke and could not be revived.
Steve Browning comments on the cause of this tragedy: “Children are too often the victims of unthinkable things. This was a toy – it should not have been built to get hot enough to catch fire. We investigated and found this product was manufactured in China. Clearly, it did not meet the strict codes that should have been imposed on it before being shipped to retailers in the U.S. It is one more example of dangerous imported products being sold to children.”
Vigorous discovery and prosecution ultimately resulted in a confidential settlement with multiple defendants on behalf of the family of the deceased children.
Defective Products Cause Catastrophic Accident
Our attorneys undertook a thorough investigation of the accident and inspection of the failed tire, discovering that product defects were to blame. Attorney Steve Browning explains: “Accidents and severe injury are caused by defective products more frequently than is realized or reflected in litigation. In this case, we determined that both the tire and automobile manufacturer were liable. On the eve of trial, both defendants offered settlement commensurate with our client’s injuries and needs.”
$1.375 Million Awarded For Defective Product
$1 Million Awarded For Defective Product
$980,000 Awarded For Defective Product
$856,336 Awarded For Defective Tire
$805,000 Awarded For Defective Product
$727,537 Awarded In Product Liability Case
$725,000 Awarded For Boat Defect
$650,000 Awarded For Defective Product
$500,000 Awarded For Defective Airbag
$3 Million Awarded In Product Liability Case
$2.9 Million Awarded For Defective Product
$1.64 Million Awarded For Defective Product
$550,000 Awarded For Negligent Security
Husband Compensated For Wife’s Death By “Big Rig” Manufacturer
Steve Tucker survived, believing what had occurred was just a horrible accident. While at the funeral service for Tammy, Steve learned that a recall notice had just come out from Peterbilt related to a faulty latch on the same door that had unexpectedly come open and thrown his wife to her death.
Steve Browning took the case, and flew out to the accident site in South Dakota to conduct a thorough investigation, which included an examination of the door on the Tucker’s truck. He gathered evidence that proved that the door latch was defective. “Peterbilt took a hard line – their product was not defective and they did what was required by sending out a recall notice. Of course it was obvious to us that companies do not send recall notices out on products that are not defective. This, coupled with the results of our investigation, demonstrated their culpability,” said Steve Browning, who reached a confidential settlement with Peterbilt on behalf of Steve Tucker and his children.
“I appreciate everything Steve Browning did for us. Under the horrible circumstances, working with him and the firm was a positive experience and led to the best outcome possible.” – Steve Tucker
$700,000 Awarded For Defective Power Tool
$590,000 Awarded For Defective Product
$450,000 Awarded for Bike Defect
Jury Awards $4 Million For Death Of Young Woman In Trucking Accident
The site of the accident was an intersection that was part of a road-widening project. The intersection was cluttered with construction barrels and debris and a 10-foot mound of crushed rock that made it impossible for Brooke to see the oncoming truck. Despite these facts, the official investigation concluded that Brooke was at fault in the accident.
Brooke’s parents, Ted and Carolyn Ladue, brought their case to our firm, asking us to help vindicate Brooke for the accident and to help bring related public safety issues to light. Attorneys Bob Spohrer and Steve Browning investigated the accident and discovered negligence and liability with two defendants – the truck driver’s company and the roadway construction company. The case concluded with a jury award of $4 million.
$2.4 Million Awarded For Pedestrian Accident
Traumatic Brain Injury Victim Receives $15M Annuity
Steve Browning aggressively prosecuted the case on behalf of this young child and her family, successfully resolving it in just over one year from the date of the accident. He explains: “The defending law firm refuted our claim of negligence and liability for months. They claimed that the child’s mother caused the accident while crossing the intersection. Ultimately, the facts we presented at mediation brought the case to a positive conclusion. We reached a settlement sufficient to purchase an annuity that covers all of the child’s future medical and life-care needs.”
“Thank you so much for all you have done for our family. You are all a very gifted group of attorneys and we thank you for your efforts” – Mother of Injured Child
Distracted Driver Hits Pedestrian
$2.3 Million Recovered For Traumatic Brain Injury Caused By Negligent Trucker
After spending almost a month in a coma, our client awoke to find she had suffered cognitive and personality changes. She was no longer the nurse that, months earlier, was commended for providing excellent care for the hospital’s newborns. In the accident, her wrist was severely deformed and a blood clot required her to relearn how to walk without assistance.
In addition to her orthopedic injuries, her short-term memory had deteriorated. She was no longer able to remember specifics from her life-long nursing career. After 18 months of litigation, attorney Barry Newman negotiated a settlement that funds an annuity that provides our client with financial assistance for life.
$1.3 Million Awarded In Pedestrian Accident
$1.3 Million Awarded For Car Accident
$1.25 Million Awarded For Auto Accident
$1 Million Awarded In Pedestrian Accident Case
$950,000 Awarded In Commercial Truck Accident Case
$650,000 In Rear-End Accident Case
$600,000 Awarded In Car Accident Case
$335,000 Awarded For Work Injury
Federal Judge Awards Accident Victim $2.25 Million
$1 Million Awarded In Car Accident Case
$750,000 Awarded In Auto Collision Case
$650,000 Awarded For Pedestrian Accident
$500,000 Awarded In Car Accident Case
$300,000 Awarded In Workplace Injury Case
$2.05 Million Verdict For Military Family
Attorneys Chad Roberts and were experienced with the types of diagnostic and surgical procedures Angela had undergone. After filing a federal tort claim, our attorneys began to notice subtle but troubling inconsistencies in Angela’s medical records.
At trial, the real story emerged through the defendant’s own testimony: Angela Burch never had “endometriosis” at all; the source of her chronic pelvic pain was a treatable disease of the bladder. Navy doctors actually knew this before Angela’s unnecessary hysterectomy but never told her. presented all of the damages testimony at trial, and a $2.05 million verdict was rendered for Angela Burch and her family.
$1.35 Million Awarded For Auto Accident
Federal Judge Finds In Our Clients’ Favor
The government, through the U.S. Attorney’s Office, vigorously defended the claim by focusing on our client’s pre-existing medical condition. The defense team required Mrs. Terry to endure a battery of exams with an orthopedic surgeon, neurologist, neuropsychologist and vocational rehabilitation specialist. They also hired a biomechanical engineer to testify that the force of the collision was not sufficient to cause Mrs. Terry’s injuries.
Working with Mrs. Terry’s treating doctors and a network of other experts, Steve gathered testimony that countered the defense’s barrage of negative evidence and proved causation of the injury. He presented his case in front of U.S. District Judge Timothy Corrigan who rendered a judgment in favor of our clients. “Judge Corrigan’s ruling awarding Julia and Ken Terry nearly $500,000 was fair and commensurate with the nature of the injuries sustained,” explained Steve Browning.
$3.25 Million Awarded In Pedestrian Accident
$13 Million Total Damage Verdict | Crawford v Hobart
For example, our microwave ovens automatically shut off when we open the door. Hairdryers have a fault interrupter that stops electrical current if it is accidentally dropped into a tub or sink. And our electric garage doors have a beam of light that prevents us from lowering the door on a bicycle, pet or child. Designers of commercial meat saws should design guards that automatically deploy when the operator is not using the saw.
Danny Crawford was a professional meat cutter for over 30 years without injury or accident. When his boss called him away from his saw, he was distracted and thought he had lowered the blade guard. But it was still operating and was unguarded. When he returned to his station and reached for a tool, the moving saw blade caught the sleeve of his smock and his right arm was amputated.
Matt and Bob Spohrer represented the Crawfords in a federal court trial in Jacksonville. The jury found both parties were responsible and awarded Danny full damages of over 13 million.
Product Liability Trial Summary Catastrophic Accident Case For Injured Van Passengers
The injured plaintiffs did not speak English and could not afford to secure legal representation. Other local firms turned them down, but our team at Spohrer Dodd decided to help. Despite the language barrier and our clients’ inability to pay, we were able to help them reach a settlement that allowed the injured parties to afford their medical bills and other accident-related expenses.
$3.38 Million Verdict Secured In Product Liability Claim
Over $17,000,000
Over $22 Million Recovered
Recoveries of Over $15 Million For Victims Of Negligent Post-Op Care
Recoveries For Victims Of Surgical Errors
Over $8.3 Million Recovered For Post-Operative Infection Claims
Over $8.6 Million Recovered For Birth Injury Victims
Emergency Room Negligence Cases Totaling Over $1.4 Million
Recoveries In Excess of $4.1 Million For Victims of Unnecessary Medical Care
Over $4 Million Secured
Over $6.6 Million Recovered For Veterans
The legal team at Spohrer Dodd has recovered over $6,600,000 for veterans that were victims of VA and Navy hospital negligence.
Confidential Settlement For Aviation Accident
Aviation accident attorneys from Spohrer Dodd and New Mexico attorney Jim Gilman agreed to represent Mr. Rodriguez and filed a claim against the USAF under the Military Claims Act on his behalf. Mr. Rodriguez also received proceeds for his injuries under the Defense Base Act (DBA) – a law that provides injured victims workers’ compensation-type benefits for injuries government contractors sustain abroad. Under the DBA, if Mr. Rodriguez subsequently received payments for his injuries from the at-fault party in connection with an obligation to pay him damages, he must reimburse the DBA insurer for his DBA proceeds from the subsequent damages payment.
Mr. Rodriguez’ MCA claim was denied on the basis that he already received compensation for his injuries under the DBA. Mr. Rodriguez appealed the MCA claim denial up the chain of command. USAF informed Mr. Rodriguez that they will not consider the MCA claim further without getting a full waiver from the DBA regarding its purported right to be reimbursed from the MCA claim.
Mr. Rodriguez filed a civil action for declaratory judgment in a federal court in New Mexico, asking the court to hold that the DBA insurer had no right to reimbursement from the MCA claim’s proceeds because it was not paid in connection with an obligation to pay damages. Instead, a payment under the MCA is strictly voluntary.
The federal court ruled in favor of Mr. Rodriguez, declaring that the DBA insurer had no right to reimbursement. Eventually, USAF agreed to pay Mr. Rodriguez under the MCA.