Trial Group North

$4M

Products Liability

A 400,000 lb diesel blast-hole drill tipped over at a taconite mine on the Minnesota Iron Range wrecking the drill and causing the death of its operator. Our client was a supplier of bolts that connected hydraulic jacks to the frame of the drill. Four bolts from one jack were found broken in the vicinity of the tip over. Co-defendant drill manufacturer claimed that our client's bolts were defective due to hydrogen embrittlement. After a four week trial involving testimony of seven metallurgists and engineers, a ten person jury found that our client was not liable and attributed 100% of the fault to the drill manufacturer and awarded the mine approximately $4,000,000.00 from the drill manufacturer which also settled the wrongful death claim of the surviving widow for millions of dollars.

$500,000

Wrongful Death

Plaintiffs' (three minor children) brought wrongful death claims arising out of the deaths of their parents who died following a collision with a tractor-trailer, which went out of control and crossed over the highway. Case settled for a total of $500,000.

Construction

Fire occurred during construction. The cause of fire and insurance coverage disputed under builders risk policy. Jury returned favorable verdict to our client on causation issue, and the Minnesota Court of Appeals affirmed the favorable trial court rulings on the issues related to insurance coverages.

Commercial Real Estate

On the eve of trial our office was substituted as counsel to represent, a subtenant of a business establishment that closed due to a flood in the business. Plaintiff's claim against our client was over $1.9 million dollars. We successfully argued for a continuance of the trial, retained a new expert and conducted additional discovery. Based on the newly discovered evidence the Court granted summary judgment and dismissed plaintiff's case.

Corporate

Homewowner sued our client's construction company and the owner personally in violation of Minnesota law. Trial court awarded our client attorneys fees which led to the dismissal of all claims.

Defamation

Two local banks were involved in a dispute over statements made regarding the granting of a bank charter. After several motions before the trial court, all claims of defamation, restraint of trade and other negligent conduct were dismissed in favor of our client. The decision was affirmed by the Court of Appeals.