Chicago Partner Obtains Defense Verdict in Baltimore Court for Traumatic Brain Injury Matter

Chicago Partner Thomas M. Crawford recently obtained a not guilty verdict in Baltimore City Circuit Court, Maryland for our contractor client that constructs and renovates residential, commercial and multifamily housing.

In this case, Plaintiff suffered serious injuries as a result of an automobile accident when their vehicle struck a pole gate that had swung into the street and into oncoming traffic. The gate was allegedly part of the renovation of two ball fields and a soccer field owned by the City of Baltimore (“City”) and Plaintiff alleged that our client’s subcontractor installed the gate and that the pole gate was located on property owned by Co-Defendant, City of Baltimore. The accident occurred two years and eight months after the City assumed responsibility for the gate.

As a result of the accident, Plaintiff suffered traumatic brain injury, left upper extremity weakness and spasticity. Plaintiff was hospitalized for approximately six weeks and underwent a craniotomy, duroplasty and other medical procedures.

After deliberations, a six-person jury returned a verdict finding that our contractor client was not liable because of an intervening event, i.e., the City failed to install a lock and/or otherwise failed to maintain the gate. The jury found the City guilty and returned a verdict in excess of $2.5 million against the City.

Tom is a litigator and a trial attorney. He regularly handles multi-million exposures in all types of commercial and civil litigation in state and federal courts across the country. He represents individuals and companies in a broad range of matters including business litigation, construction, insurance coverage, products liability and professional liability.