Michael is a member of the Casualty Department where he has successfully defended matters in jurisdictions throughout Pennsylvania. Michael's past and present clients include homeowners associations (HOAs), planned communities, residential real estate agents and brokers, residential leasing agents, residential property managers, commercial real estate agents and brokers, commercial leasing agents, commercial property managers, construction companies, tour operators, travel agents, resorts, local municipalities, governmental transportation agencies, medical device manufacturers, and numerous other individuals and entities. He has also successfully defended entities and individuals in commercial and breach of contract disputes. Michael has successfully navigated complicated homeowners' association and planned community association disputes concerning property and related assessment disputes by successfully brokering compromises and settlement agreements between the defendant-communities and unit owners in order to achieve cost-effective results for communities and carriers and has successfully defended these matters at trial when necessary.
In his career, Michael has obtained numerous defense verdicts and summary judgments in the state and federal courts of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. His extensive experience with both professional liability and casualty matters provide an invaluable advantage in representing clients in those matters which require a firm grasp of both practice backgrounds.
Prior to joining Marshall Dennehey, Michael was Assistant City Solicitor with the City of Philadelphia Law Department for two years. He defended police officers, corrections officers and various City of Philadelphia employees and agencies in civil lawsuits.
Michael graduated magna cum laude from Dickinson College in 1998 and from Boston College Law School in 2002. He is licensed to practice in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Results
Successful Trial Result Achieved in a Philadelphia Premises Liability Matter
We received a successful trial result in a premises liability matter in Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas. The plaintiff’s expert projected future surgeries and extensive life-long medical care costs of $1.25 million. Much of our defense centered on damages and demonstrating that the projected future medical care was not supported by the actual medical treatment provided. Additionally, video of the incident was used to demonstrate that the plaintiff had actual/constructive knowledge of spilled water in the premises but proceeded to walk in that area anyway. Forty percent comparative negligence was assigned to the plaintiff, and despite the plaintiff’s introduction of the medical cost projection described above, only $50,000 in future medical care was awarded by the jury. The total award, after a molded verdict, was $118,800, which our client viewed as a victory in this venue.
Real estate agency dismissed from litigation.
The defense prevailed on a motion to dismiss our real estate agency client. The plaintiff filed counts of fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, conspiracy, conversion, invasion of privacy-false light, breach of contract, and promissory estoppel against the agency regarding an allegedly fraudulent transfer of a private residence by the co-defendant seller of the property. We filed preliminary objections, arguing that the plaintiff's claims lacked sufficient specificity and that the plaintiff failed to state a claim upon which relief may be granted. The court dismissed all claims against our client.
