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Defense Digest

On the Pulse…Catastrophic Claims Litigation Practice Group

Defense Digest, Vol. 29, No. 3, September 2023

September 1, 2023

by John J. Delany, III

When the stakes are high, clients rely on Marshall Dennehey’s experienced team of litigators, counselors, and trial attorneys to defend their interests in state and federal courts across the country and internationally. Kristen L. Worley and I are honored to share that experience with you as the co-chairs of the Catastrophic Claims Litigation Practice Group. The breadth of our practice extends past the geographical footprint of our offices because of our network of resources and relationships. Accordingly, the reach of our protective umbrella is international, consisting of a network of counsel, experts, and litigation crisis management organizations based on our memberships, alliance, and role as National Coordinating Counsel for numerous product manufacturers, and chairs in key committees of the Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel (Trial Masters, Evolve), the International Association of Defense Counsel, the Defense Research Institute, American Trial Lawyers, industrial/commercial/product organization and associations, and specialty product practice groups.

Experience
We have a proven track record of successfully defending clients in cases involving catastrophic events, such as large-scale accidents, environmental disasters, construction collapse, high-rise fires, product liability claims, mass shootings, and other high-exposure claims. Our attorneys have extensive knowledge representing clients in a wide range of industries, including but not limited to manufacturing, construction, hospitality, trucking and transportation, energy, and insurance.

Our Attorneys
As chair of the Catastrophic Claims Litigation Practice Group, I have over 30 years' experience defending catastrophic, high-profile, high-exposure cases against some of the country’s most formidable plaintiff firms and have taken to conclusion more than 60 jury trials, as well as hundreds of bench trials, arbitrations, and mediations. It has been my privilege to represent many Fortune 500 companies directly and as insureds in complex litigation matters at the federal and state levels, and before administrative agencies and alternate dispute resolution forums. 

Kristin Worley is co-chair of our practice group. She has two decades of litigation and trial experience, representing clients in Pennsylvania and New Jersey in matters involving catastrophic litigation, product liability, personal injury, and commercial auto litigation.

Tom Wagner, in our Philadelphia office, is a litigation and trial lawyer with more than 40 years' experience. He concentrates his practice on the defense of casualty, product liability, and transportation industry cases. He has tried numerous cases to verdict in both state and federal courts. His clients have included well-known national retailers and product manufacturers, the largest operator of school buses in the world, and one of the largest transit authorities in the U.S.

Our group consists of nearly 40 attorneys firmwide, all of whom are dedicated to defending clients facing complex and high-exposure litigation arising from catastrophic events. With decades of experience handling these complex claims, we are well equipped to handle the most challenging and sensitive cases, working with clients to tailor our approach based on their needs. 

Comprehensive Defense Strategy
We understand the unique challenges that catastrophic and high-exposure claims present, and we work closely with our clients to develop a comprehensive defense strategy tailored to their specific needs. Our approach includes a thorough investigation of the facts and circumstances surrounding the claim, in-depth legal analyses, and strategic planning to effectively protect our clients’ interests. We employ a proactive and results-driven approach to litigation, with the goal of achieving favorable outcomes through settlement, alternative dispute resolution, or trial. We implement our resolution strategies after a prompt and comprehensive liability assessment is completed.

Collaborative and Client-Centric Approach
At Marshall Dennehey, we value close collaboration with our clients. We believe that a strong attorney-client relationship is essential to achieving success in high-stakes litigation. Our attorneys work directly with clients to understand their goals, concerns, and risk tolerance, and we keep our clients informed and involved at every stage of the litigation process. We strive to provide prompt and responsive communication and are committed to delivering exceptional service and achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients.

Cutting-Edge Resources and Technology
Our firm is at the forefront of using cutting-edge resources and technology to support our practice group’s efforts in defending catastrophic and high-exposure claims. We leverage advanced legal research tools, industry-leading experts and consultants, data analytics, and other state-of-the-art technologies to conduct thorough investigations, analyze complex data, and develop compelling legal arguments. This enables us to effectively manage large volumes of information and handle complex cases with efficiency and accuracy. At the end of the day, our trial attorneys are persuasive storytellers. As the dust settles from a catastrophic event, we are there to shape and tell your persuasive story.

Our Emergency Response Team is available 24/7 to respond to any catastrophic or high-exposure emergency (https://marshalldennehey.com) and is prepared to develop, coordinate, and execute an effective plan to protect our clients.
 

 

Defense Digest, Vol. 29, No. 3, September 2023, is prepared by Marshall Dennehey to provide information on recent legal developments of interest to our readers. This publication is not intended to provide legal advice for a specific situation or to create an attorney-client relationship. ATTORNEY ADVERTISING pursuant to New York RPC 7.1. © 2023 Marshall Dennehey. All Rights Reserved. This article may not be reprinted without the express written permission of our firm. For reprints, contact tamontemuro@mdwcg.com.

Firm Highlights

Event

29th Annual FDLA Florida Liability Claims Conference

Jim and Erica will team up to present, "Supporting the Next Generation: Connecting with Associates." This panel-style presentation will explore communication best practices from the perspective of a senior shareholder and newer associate. The discussion will focus on the communication styles of different generations and effective strategies to avoid communication breakdowns. Topics to be discussed include the hiring process, perceptions of defense work among newer lawyers, work-life balance issues after hiring, and mentoring.

Thought Leadership

PA Middle District Dismisses Claims Against School District and its Superintendent, Principal, Special Education Director, and Classroom Teacher

A five-year-old special education student was enrolled in the Wyoming Valley West School District and attended the State Street Elementary School during the 2024-2025 school year. The student refused to clean up classroom toys at dismissal. When his teacher allegedly grabbed him by the wrist to walk him back to his seat, the student dropped to the floor and began crying. The teacher then allegedly grabbed the student by the ankle and dragged him across the floor. Following an investigation, criminal charges were not advanced by the county DA, and the school permitted the teacher to return to the classroom. The student’s parents sued, lodging thirteen legal counts under both state and federal law, which sought monetary damages from the teacher, the school district, the superintendent, the principal, and the director of special education. The plaintiff’s 42 USC 1983 claims were dismissed as to the school district for failure to allege a policy or custom violation, and the failure to alleged deliberate indifference in the failure-to-train context. As to the superintendent, building principal, and special education director, the Section 1983 claims were also dismissed for failure to allege personal involvement on the part of the individuals. Regarding an equal protection claim asserted against all defendants, the motion to dismiss was also granted for a failure to advance a plausible equal protection claim, holding that “plaintiffs' single-act allegations do not include a factual basis to even infer that the act was motivated by discriminatory animus rather than some other non-discriminatory impulse.” The court further dismissed the plaintiff’s negligence-based claims including negligence against the teacher and district administrators, NIED, and vicarious liability under the Political Subdivision Tort Claims Act (PSTCA). The federal claims under the IDEA, Section 504, and the ADA were also dismissed in various respects. The IDEA claim was dismissed against all defendants with prejudice for failure to exhaust administrative remedies. The Section 504 claims against the individual defendants were also dismissed with prejudice, as districts, not individuals, are the recipients of federal funds under Section 504. However, the Section 504 and ADA claims were dismissed without prejudice as to defendant Wyoming Valley West, and the plaintiff was permitted leave to amend.

News

Christina Gonzales To Speak at the Women of Color Roundtable at DRI’s Diversity and Inclusion Seminar

graphic with Maria Granaudo photo text announces she has joined the firm as a shareholder in the Health Care Dept.

News

Maria R. Granaudo Joins Marshall Dennehey’s Wilmington Office As a Shareholder in the Health Care Department

Result

Summary Judgment Secured, Preserving $750,000 in Coverage for Insured in Major Trucking Liability Dispute

Ray Freudiger and Michael A. Roberts (both of Cincinnati) successfully obtained summary judgment on behalf of their client in a coverage dispute arising from a May 19, 2022, motor vehicle accident. A permissive driver operated a box truck for an interstate trucking company and caused severe injuries to two tort victims. Prior to the accident, the insured had procured a commercial auto policy for the trucking company with stated limits of $1,000,000. Following the accident, the insurer initiated a declaratory judgment action asserting that only reduced bodily injury limits of $25,000/$50,000 applied and later counterclaimed, alleging it would not have insured the driver had he been properly submitted for approval under the policy. After extensive discovery, briefing, and oral argument, the court rejected the insurer’s attempt to shift responsibility for the $750,000 in coverage it was legally required to provide for permissive drivers under Ohio law, granting summary judgment in favor of the insured and preserving $750,000 in liability exposure.

blue facade of a hospital sign against blue sky

Result

Defense Verdict in Complex Medical Malpractice Trial

News

Marshall Dennehey Again Earns Recognition in Distinguished Chambers USA

Thought Leadership

U.S. Supreme Court Decides Key Issue Regarding Interstate Freight Broker Liability

Freight brokers are intermediaries.  They connect shippers of goods with trucking companies that transport those goods.  Freight brokers match a load of freight with a trucking company and oversee the logistics of the transportation. For a number of years there has been a division among the Federal Circuits regarding the potential liability of freight brokers when the trucking companies that they retain for interstate loads are involved in accidents.  At the center of this division was the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act of 1994 (FAAAA).  Some Federal Circuit Courts have held that state law negligent hiring claims against freight brokers were preempted by the FAAAA .  Other Federal Circuits Courts have held that even if preemption applied, the “safety exception” in the FAAAA saved state law negligent hiring claims from federal preemption.  On May 14, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court addressed the conflict in Montgomery v. Caribe Transport II, LLC, et al, No24-1238. In that case freight broker C.H. Robinson selected Caribe Transport to haul an interstate load. The commercial truck driver employed by Caribe Transport allegedly caused an accident and the plaintiff, Montgomery, was seriously injured. Montgomery brought an action against the driver, Caribe Transport and C.H. Robinson. The allegation against C.H. Robinson was that it negligently retained Caribe Transport when it knew, or should have known, that it was an unsafe company. The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals held that Montgomery’s claims against C.H. Robinson were preempted by the FAAAA. The plaintiff appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court.  The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision focused primarily on the safety exception in the FAAAA.  That provision provides that the FAAAA preemption “…shall not restrict the safety regulatory authority of a State with respect to motor vehicles.” C.H. Robinson argued, as freight brokers historically have, that their function was not “with respect to motor vehicles” because they do not own trucks or employ drivers. They are merely intermediaries, connecting entities who need freight moved with entities who can do that job. Therefore, C.H. Robinson argued that preemption applied, not the safety exception. The U.S. Supreme Court did not accept that argument. The Court focused on the meaning of the phrase “with respect to” in the safety exception. The Court held that it means “referring to”, “concerning” or “regarding”. Therefore, writing for a unanimous Court, Justice Barrett concluded that “[r]equiring C.H. Robinson to exercise ordinary care in selecting a carrier therefore “concerns” motor vehicles—most obviously, the trucks that will transport the goods. So, Montgomery’s negligent-hiring claim falls within the FAAAA’s safety exception, which saves it from preemption.” Justice Kavanaugh, in his concurring opinion, noted the effect this ruling may have on freight brokers and their insurers throughout the country: Importantly, the Court's decision today should not be read to mean that brokers will routinely be subject to state tort liability in the wake of truck accidents. As even plaintiff's counsel stressed, brokers should be able to successfully defend against state tort suits if the brokers have acted reasonably and arranged transportation with reputable trucking companies. Tr. of Oral Arg. 27-29. In plaintiff's counsel's words, the brokers "just have to hire carriers that actually have a reasonable policy," and "the broker is not going to have a problem if it's asking the hard questions of the carrier." Id., at 42, 45. In addition, the proximate-cause requirement in typical state tort law should help protect brokers from excessive liability. Id., at 25. That said, the brokers rightly caution against naivete. In the real world, as the brokers forcefully respond, state tort law can be unpredictable, and the costs to brokers of litigation and insurance may be significant even when brokers prevail in lawsuits. Moreover, the costs of litigation and insurance, as well as the costs of brokers' conducting more substantial inquiries into trucking companies, will cascade through the economy and be paid in part by American consumers in the form of higher prices. The concerns expressed by the brokers are legitimate and weighty. The key point here is that freight brokers can no longer claim they are protected from negligent retention claims by the FAAAA (in cases involving interstate transportation). The challenge will be to determine what is considered ”reasonable efforts” used by brokers when retaining transportation companies. 

Result

No-Cause Jury Verdict Secured in Wrongful Death Trial

We successfully obtained a no-cause jury verdict in a 13-day wrongful death trial. The decedent, a 59-year-old man, was admitted to the emergency room on February 15, 2019, with complaints of abdominal pain, decreased appetite, and constipation, despite the use of laxatives. The patient did not complain of any nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. He had a significant medical history including diabetes, hypertension, prior coronary artery stenting, morbid obesity (with past gastric bypass surgery), longstanding ventral hernia, and back pain. A CT scan revealed multiple hernias and a potential closed-loop bowel obstruction, leading to a surgery consultation. Our client, an emergency general surgeon, interpreted that the patient did not have a closed loop or any significant obstruction and recommended non-surgical management. The patient was approved to have clear liquids, and had a vomiting incident shortly after, but our client was not notified. The patient was returned to NPO status, and after improving overnight, he was returned to “clears” and additional medical and renal consults were ordered. Our client did not receive any communications from the residents/nurses of any changes in the patient’s condition. On February 18, 2019, two rapid responses were called due to increased heart rate and vomiting. It is believed that the vomiting resulted in aspiration, causing sepsis, ultimately leading to the patient’s death. During the trial, the plaintiff’s sole medical expert highlighted imaging on the wrong hernia, which called into question all of his opinions in the case. We made key objections related to the expert testimony, limiting what the allegations were, and preventing new allegations from being made. After approximately two and a half hours of deliberating, the jury returned a no-cause verdict. 

Thought Leadership

Marijuana Legalization and Workplace Risk: What New Jersey Employers Need to Know

While the legalization of recreational marijuana usage poses a risk of increased work-related accidents for younger workers, employers can work to curb this increase by investing in education, effective drug policies, and employee assistance programs.