Significant Victories

Autosource Dallas, LLC v. Addison Aeronautics, LLC, No. 05-16-00838-CV, 2017 WL 2492787 (Tex. App.—Dallas June 9, 2017, no pet.) (mem. op.)

Autosource Dallas, LLC v. Addison Aeronautics, LLC, No. 05-16-00838-CV, 2017 WL 2492787 (Tex. App.—Dallas June 9, 2017, no pet.) (mem. op.) Successfully defended summary judgment in favor of landlord for unpaid rent by commercial tenant who terminated lease early, but failed to pay full amount of rent owed.  Tenant argued that landlord did not sufficiently […]

Autosource Dallas, LLC v. Addison Aeronautics, LLC, No. 05-16-00838-CV, 2017 WL 2492787 (Tex. App.—Dallas June 9, 2017, no pet.) (mem. op.) Read More »

State v. T.S.N., 523 S.W.3d 171 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2017), aff’d, 547 S.W.3d 617 (Tex. 2018)

State v. T.S.N., 523 S.W.3d 171 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2017), aff’d, 547 S.W.3d 617 (Tex. 2018) In a case of first impression, the court of appeals affirmed an order granting the expunction of records relating to an arrest for felony aggravated assault for which T.S.N. was subsequently acquitted.  The State, claiming that the entire expunction statute

State v. T.S.N., 523 S.W.3d 171 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2017), aff’d, 547 S.W.3d 617 (Tex. 2018) Read More »

D.A. v. Texas Health Presbyterian Hosp. of Denton, 514 S.W.3d 431 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 2017, pet. filed)

D.A. v. Texas Health Presbyterian Hosp. of Denton, 514 S.W.3d 431 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 2017, pet. filed) Reversed and rendered judgment following permissive appeal, holding that section 74.153 of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code, which applies a lower “willful and wanton” standard of care to medical care provided in a hospital emergency room does

D.A. v. Texas Health Presbyterian Hosp. of Denton, 514 S.W.3d 431 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 2017, pet. filed) Read More »

In the Interest of P.M.K., No. 05-15-01181-CV, 2017 WL 462343 (Tex. App.—Dallas Jan. 30, 2017, no pet.)(mem. op.)

In the Interest of P.M.K., No. 05-15-01181-CV, 2017 WL 462343 (Tex. App.—Dallas Jan. 30, 2017, no pet.)(mem. op.) Successfully defended Texas and Louisiana courts’ determination that, while Texas court had jurisdiction as the child’s “home state” under the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act, Louisiana court was the more convenient forum and therefore could

In the Interest of P.M.K., No. 05-15-01181-CV, 2017 WL 462343 (Tex. App.—Dallas Jan. 30, 2017, no pet.)(mem. op.) Read More »

Hornbuckle v. Keller Williams Realty, No. 02-15-00398-CV, 2016 WL 7405807 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth Dec. 22, 2016, no pet. h.) (mem. op.)

Hornbuckle v. Keller Williams Realty, No. 02-15-00398-CV, 2016 WL 7405807 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth Dec. 22, 2016, no pet. h.) (mem. op.) Dismissing appeal pursuant to vexatious litigant statute, where Hornbuckle repeatedly filed lawsuits contesting the foreclosure on a specific piece of real property in Arlington, Texas, including this case.  The court of appeals concluded that

Hornbuckle v. Keller Williams Realty, No. 02-15-00398-CV, 2016 WL 7405807 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth Dec. 22, 2016, no pet. h.) (mem. op.) Read More »

Wright v. Menta, No. 05-15-00272-CV, 2016 WL 3141578 (Tex. App.—Dallas June 6, 2016, pet. denied) (mem. op.)

Wright v. Menta, No. 05-15-00272-CV, 2016 WL 3141578 (Tex. App.—Dallas June 6, 2016, pet. denied) (mem. op.) Affirming arbitration award and rejecting argument that arbitration award should be vacated based on manner in which attorney’s fees records were submitted, and rejecting argument that award regarding interest in patents was unenforceably vague. Leighton Durham, Partner

Wright v. Menta, No. 05-15-00272-CV, 2016 WL 3141578 (Tex. App.—Dallas June 6, 2016, pet. denied) (mem. op.) Read More »

Austin v. Coface Seguro de Credito Mexico, S.A. de C.V., 506 S.W.3d 707 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2016, pet. denied).

Austin v. Coface Seguro de Credito Mexico, S.A. de C.V., 506 S.W.3d 707 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2016, pet. denied). In appeal involving validity of abstract of judgment, court of appeals found that abstract filed under Hispanic judgment debtor’s maternal surname was sufficient to give notice of the judgment to the public.

Austin v. Coface Seguro de Credito Mexico, S.A. de C.V., 506 S.W.3d 707 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2016, pet. denied). Read More »

Young v. Pulte Homes of Tex., L.P., No. 02-14-00224-CV, 2016 WL 4491517 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth Aug. 26, 2016, no pet.) (mem. op.)

Young v. Pulte Homes of Tex., L.P., No. 02-14-00224-CV, 2016 WL 4491517 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth Aug. 26, 2016, no pet.) (mem. op.) In a personal injury case arising out of faulty construction of family’s new home, the court of appeals reversed the trial court’s judgment which dismissed the parents’ claims for failing to disclose the

Young v. Pulte Homes of Tex., L.P., No. 02-14-00224-CV, 2016 WL 4491517 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth Aug. 26, 2016, no pet.) (mem. op.) Read More »

Premier Pools Mgmt. Co. v. Premier Pools, Inc., No. 05-14-01388-CV, 2016 WL 4258830 (Tex. App.—Dallas Aug. 12, 2016, pet. denied) (mem. op.)

Premier Pools Mgmt. Co. v. Premier Pools, Inc., No. 05-14-01388-CV, 2016 WL 4258830 (Tex. App.—Dallas Aug. 12, 2016, pet. denied) (mem. op.) In common law trademark case, upholding jury’s findings of secondary meaning, trademark infringement, trademark dilution, and unfair competition, and award of lost profits, disgorged profits, and permanent injunctive relief. Thad D. Spalding, Partner

Premier Pools Mgmt. Co. v. Premier Pools, Inc., No. 05-14-01388-CV, 2016 WL 4258830 (Tex. App.—Dallas Aug. 12, 2016, pet. denied) (mem. op.) Read More »

Siddiqui v. Fancy Bites, LLC, 504 S.W.3d 349 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2016, pet. denied)

Siddiqui v. Fancy Bites, LLC, 504 S.W.3d 349 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2016, pet. denied) In a commercial fraud-by-nondisclosure case involving the development and operation a fried chicken franchise, Houston’s Fourteenth Court of Appeals upheld the award of nearly $600,000 in damages–including $100,000 in exemplary damages.

Siddiqui v. Fancy Bites, LLC, 504 S.W.3d 349 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2016, pet. denied) Read More »

In the Interest of H.S., a minor child, No. 02-15-00303-CV, 2016 WL 4040497 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth July 28, 2016, pet. granted) (mem. op.)

In the Interest of H.S., a minor child, No. 02-15-00303-CV, 2016 WL 4040497 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth July 28, 2016, pet. granted) (mem. op.) In suit affecting the parent-child relationship (SAPCR) in which grandparents sought managing conservatorship over the child, court of appeals concluded that the grandparents did not have standing to file the SAPCR because they

In the Interest of H.S., a minor child, No. 02-15-00303-CV, 2016 WL 4040497 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth July 28, 2016, pet. granted) (mem. op.) Read More »

City of Houston v. Roman, No. 01-15-01042-CV, 2016 WL 3748851 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] July 12, 2016, no pet.) (mem. op.)

City of Houston v. Roman, No. 01-15-01042-CV, 2016 WL 3748851 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] July 12, 2016, no pet.) (mem. op.) Affirming trial court’s denial of City’s plea to the jurisdiction arising out of injuries suffered when a City of Houston police dog attacked and injured a minor.  The court of appeals held that use

City of Houston v. Roman, No. 01-15-01042-CV, 2016 WL 3748851 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] July 12, 2016, no pet.) (mem. op.) Read More »

Poledore v. Poledore, No. 05-15-00619-CV, 2016 WL 2620648 (Tex. App.—Dallas May 6, 2016, pet. denied) (mem. op.)

Poledore v. Poledore, No. 05-15-00619-CV, 2016 WL 2620648 (Tex. App.—Dallas May 6, 2016, pet. denied) (mem. op.) Upholding a post-answer default judgment in a divorce proceeding, where the appellant attempted to challenge the judgment on due process grounds, but failed to file a motion for new trial or introduce evidence satisfying the Craddock factors.

Poledore v. Poledore, No. 05-15-00619-CV, 2016 WL 2620648 (Tex. App.—Dallas May 6, 2016, pet. denied) (mem. op.) Read More »

Harlingen Med. Ctr. Ltd. P’ship v. Andrade, No. 13-14-0700-CV, No. 13-15-0119-CV, 2016 WL 1613297 (Tex. App.—Corpus Christi April 21, 2016, pet. dismissed)

Harlingen Med. Ctr. Ltd. P’ship v. Andrade, No. 13-14-0700-CV, No. 13-15-0119-CV, 2016 WL 1613297 (Tex. App.—Corpus Christi April 21, 2016, pet. dismissed) Affirming trial court’s ruling refusing to dismiss medical malpractice case based on the defendants’ challenge to the Chapter 74 expert reports. Leighton Durham, Partner

Harlingen Med. Ctr. Ltd. P’ship v. Andrade, No. 13-14-0700-CV, No. 13-15-0119-CV, 2016 WL 1613297 (Tex. App.—Corpus Christi April 21, 2016, pet. dismissed) Read More »

Archer v. Tunnell, No. 05-15-00549-CV, 2016 WL 519632 (Tex. App.—Dallas Feb. 9, 2016, no pet.) (mem. op.)

Archer v. Tunnell, No. 05-15-00549-CV, 2016 WL 519632 (Tex. App.—Dallas Feb. 9, 2016, no pet.) (mem. op.) Dismissing interlocutory appeal, originating from claim that collision with cow owned by a former doctor was really a health care liability case that required a Chapter 74 expert report, and sanctioning doctor and his attorney for refusing to

Archer v. Tunnell, No. 05-15-00549-CV, 2016 WL 519632 (Tex. App.—Dallas Feb. 9, 2016, no pet.) (mem. op.) Read More »

William Marsh Rice Univ. v. Refaey, 459 S.W.3d 590 (Tex. 2015)

William Marsh Rice Univ. v. Refaey, 459 S.W.3d 590 (Tex. 2015) The Supreme Court concluded that the court of appeals erred in dismissing for want of jurisdiction Rice University’s appeal. Pursuant to Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code section 51.014, Rice University sought interlocutory review of the trial court’s denial of summary judgment based on

William Marsh Rice Univ. v. Refaey, 459 S.W.3d 590 (Tex. 2015) Read More »

Bay Area Healthcare Group, Ltd. v. Martinez, No. 13-15-00118-CV, 2015 WL 7352596 (Tex. App.—Corpus Christi Nov. 19, 2015, no pet.) (mem. op.)

Bay Area Healthcare Group, Ltd. v. Martinez, No. 13-15-00118-CV, 2015 WL 7352596 (Tex. App.—Corpus Christi Nov. 19, 2015, no pet.) (mem. op.) Successfully convinced court of appeals that housekeeper’s claim for injuries suffered when medical center employer required her to lift very heavy items was not a health care liability claim to which Chapter 74 of

Bay Area Healthcare Group, Ltd. v. Martinez, No. 13-15-00118-CV, 2015 WL 7352596 (Tex. App.—Corpus Christi Nov. 19, 2015, no pet.) (mem. op.) Read More »

In re State Farm Lloyds, No. 13-14-00616-CV, 2015 WL 6520998 (Tex. App.–Corpus Christi Oct. 28, 2015, orig. proceeding) (mem. op.)

In re State Farm Lloyds, No. 13-14-00616-CV, 2015 WL 6520998 (Tex. App.–Corpus Christi Oct. 28, 2015, orig. proceeding) (mem. op.) Denying mandamus relief and requiring the production of electronically stored information in native or near native format. Kirk L. Pittard, Partner

In re State Farm Lloyds, No. 13-14-00616-CV, 2015 WL 6520998 (Tex. App.–Corpus Christi Oct. 28, 2015, orig. proceeding) (mem. op.) Read More »

Katy Springs & Mfg. Inc. v. Favalora, 476 S.W.3d 579 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2015, pet. denied)

Katy Springs & Mfg. Inc. v. Favalora, 476 S.W.3d 579 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2015, pet. denied) Affirming almost the entirety of a judgment in excess of $800,000 in a nonsubscriber case against a negligent employer.  In addition to raising the usual factual and legal sufficiency arguments regarding the liability and damage findings, the defendant also raised

Katy Springs & Mfg. Inc. v. Favalora, 476 S.W.3d 579 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2015, pet. denied) Read More »

Okon v. Boldon, No. 02-14-00334-CV, 2015 WL 4652775 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth Aug. 6, 2015, no pet.) (mem. op.)

Okon v. Boldon, No. 02-14-00334-CV, 2015 WL 4652775 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth Aug. 6, 2015, no pet.) (mem. op.) Upholding a default judgment in favor of a personal injury plaintiff, where the defendant attempted to challenge the judgment through a bill of review more than four years after the judgment was entered, claiming extrinsic fraud in

Okon v. Boldon, No. 02-14-00334-CV, 2015 WL 4652775 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth Aug. 6, 2015, no pet.) (mem. op.) Read More »

Kroger Co. v. Milanes, 474 S.W.3d 321 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2015, no pet.)

Kroger Co. v. Milanes, 474 S.W.3d 321 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2015, no pet.) Affirming a $1.1 million judgment in favor of injured Kroger employee following an incident in which he lost four fingers on his dominant hand, and in the process rejecting Kroger’s arguments, among many others, that its duties should be limited to those owed by

Kroger Co. v. Milanes, 474 S.W.3d 321 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2015, no pet.) Read More »

Mitchell v. Satyu, No. 05-14-00479-CV, 2015 WL 3765771 (Tex. App.—Dallas June 17, 2015, no pet.) (mem. op.)

Mitchell v. Satyu, No. 05-14-00479-CV, 2015 WL 3765771 (Tex. App.—Dallas June 17, 2015, no pet.) (mem. op.) Reversing trial court’s dismissal of a medical malpractice case, concluding that trial court abused its discretion in doing so and that the Chapter 74 expert report sufficiently demonstrated a causal relationship between the physician’s negligence and the death

Mitchell v. Satyu, No. 05-14-00479-CV, 2015 WL 3765771 (Tex. App.—Dallas June 17, 2015, no pet.) (mem. op.) Read More »

Brazos Presbyterian Homes, Inc. v. Rodriguez, 468 S.W. 3d 175 (Tex. App.–Houston [14th Dist.] 2015, no pet.)

Brazos Presbyterian Homes, Inc. v. Rodriguez, 468 S.W. 3d 175 (Tex. App.–Houston [14th Dist.] 2015, no pet.) A custodian employed by a cleaning company was injured when an elevator malfunctioned in a nursing home facility where she was working; following the recent decision in Ross v. St. Luke’s, the court held there was no“substantive nexus”

Brazos Presbyterian Homes, Inc. v. Rodriguez, 468 S.W. 3d 175 (Tex. App.–Houston [14th Dist.] 2015, no pet.) Read More »

In re Memorial Herman Hosp. Sys., 464 S.W.3d 686 (Tex. 2015)

In re Memorial Herman Hosp. Sys., 464 S.W.3d 686 (Tex. 2015) Dr. Gomez brought suit against  Memorial Hermann, his former employer, seeking damages caused by the hospital’s defamatory “whisper campaign” against him.  The hospital claimed that all the relevant documents were protected by the medical peer review privilege; on mandamus, the Texas Supreme Court held that

In re Memorial Herman Hosp. Sys., 464 S.W.3d 686 (Tex. 2015) Read More »

Brown & Gay Eng’g, Inc. v. Olivares, 461 S.W.3d 117 (Tex. 2015)

Brown & Gay Eng’g, Inc. v. Olivares, 461 S.W.3d 117 (Tex. 2015) Private engineering firm retained by a governmental entity to design and build a toll road asserted “derivative sovereign immunity” protects it from liability for a three-fatality accident caused by negligent design.  The Supreme Court declined to expand the doctrine of governmental immunity to

Brown & Gay Eng’g, Inc. v. Olivares, 461 S.W.3d 117 (Tex. 2015) Read More »

Nabors Well Services, Ltd. v. Romero, 456 S.W.3d 553 (Tex. 2015)

Nabors Well Services, Ltd. v. Romero, 456 S.W.3d 553 (Tex. 2015) Though, as expected, the court modernized the law to allow evidence of non-use of seat belts, ensured that such evidence needs to be supported by expert testimony; case remanded to court of appeals, with judgment intact, to determine whether defense evidence met Daubert standards.

Nabors Well Services, Ltd. v. Romero, 456 S.W.3d 553 (Tex. 2015) Read More »

Navarro v. Washington, No. 14-0499 (Tex. Nov. 21, 2014)

Navarro v. Washington, No. 14-0499 (Tex. Nov. 21, 2014) Successfully defeated petition for review in a medical malpractice case in Navarro v. Washington, 10-13-00248-CV, 2014 WL 1882763 (Tex. App.—Waco May 8, 2014, pet. denied) (mem. op.), which upheld the sufficiency of the patient’s expert doctors’ reports under Chapter 74. Kirk L. Pittard, Partner and Leigh

Navarro v. Washington, No. 14-0499 (Tex. Nov. 21, 2014) Read More »

In re Fisher & Paykel Appliances, Inc., 420 S.W.3d 842 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2014, orig. proceeding)

In re Fisher & Paykel Appliances, Inc., 420 S.W.3d 842 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2014, orig. proceeding) Rejecting the self-critical analysis privilege and requiring the production of relevant reports in a products liability case. Kirk L. Pittard, Partner and Leigh Prichard Bradford, Of Counsel

In re Fisher & Paykel Appliances, Inc., 420 S.W.3d 842 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2014, orig. proceeding) Read More »

In re Equipment Depot, No. 02-14-00154-CV (Tex. App.—Fort Worth Sept. 8, 2014, orig. proceeding) (mem. op.)

In re Equipment Depot, No. 02-14-00154-CV (Tex. App.—Fort Worth Sept. 8, 2014, orig. proceeding) (mem. op.) Denial of petition for mandamus when the defendant challenged the trial court’s new trial order which was based on the jury’s verdict being against the great weight and preponderance of the evidence. Kirk L. Pittard, Partner

In re Equipment Depot, No. 02-14-00154-CV (Tex. App.—Fort Worth Sept. 8, 2014, orig. proceeding) (mem. op.) Read More »

Blaylock v. Holland, No. 05-13-01197-CV, 2014 WL 3736210 (Tex. App.— Dallas July 14, 2014, no pet.) (mem. op.)

Blaylock v. Holland, No. 05-13-01197-CV, 2014 WL 3736210 (Tex. App.— Dallas July 14, 2014, no pet.) (mem. op.) Reversing a trial court’s refusal to award clients trial court costs following successful appeal of adverse judgment. Thad D. Spalding, Partner

Blaylock v. Holland, No. 05-13-01197-CV, 2014 WL 3736210 (Tex. App.— Dallas July 14, 2014, no pet.) (mem. op.) Read More »

In re H.E. Trans, No. 05-14-00340-CV, 2014 WL 2937497 (Tex. App.–Dallas June 26, 2014, orig. proceeding) (mem. op.)

In re H.E. Trans, No. 05-14-00340-CV, 2014 WL 2937497 (Tex. App.–Dallas June 26, 2014, orig. proceeding) (mem. op.) Denial of petition for mandamus when the defendant challenged the trail court’s new trial order entered after the defendant asked the trial court to impose constitutional due process limitations to a punitive damages award. Kirk L. Pittard,

In re H.E. Trans, No. 05-14-00340-CV, 2014 WL 2937497 (Tex. App.–Dallas June 26, 2014, orig. proceeding) (mem. op.) Read More »

RJ Meridian Care of Alice, Ltd. v. Robledo, No. 04-14-00195-CV, 2014 WL 2917669 (Tex. App.–San Antonio, June 19, 2014, no pet.) (mem. op.)

RJ Meridian Care of Alice, Ltd. v. Robledo, No. 04-14-00195-CV, 2014 WL 2917669 (Tex. App.–San Antonio, June 19, 2014, no pet.) (mem. op.) Dismissal of interlocutory appeal challenging Chapter 74 expert report for want of jurisdiction in a medical malpractice case. Kirk L. Pittard, Partner and Leighton Durham, Partner

RJ Meridian Care of Alice, Ltd. v. Robledo, No. 04-14-00195-CV, 2014 WL 2917669 (Tex. App.–San Antonio, June 19, 2014, no pet.) (mem. op.) Read More »

Texas Dept. of Public Safety v. Randolph, No. 02–13–00025–CV, 2014 WL 1875826 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth May 8, 2014, pet. denied) (mem. op.)

Texas Dept. of Public Safety v. Randolph, No. 02–13–00025–CV, 2014 WL 1875826 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth May 8, 2014, pet. denied) (mem. op.) Successfully defended against petition for discretionary review in the Texas Supreme Court finding that the trial court correctly interpreted the State’s statutory conceal-carry requirements. Shelby J. White, Of Counsel

Texas Dept. of Public Safety v. Randolph, No. 02–13–00025–CV, 2014 WL 1875826 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth May 8, 2014, pet. denied) (mem. op.) Read More »

Del Carmen Canas v. Centerpoint Energy Res. Corp., 418 S.W.3d 312 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2013, no pet.)

Del Carmen Canas v. Centerpoint Energy Res. Corp., 418 S.W.3d 312 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2013, no pet.) Successfully reversing summary judgment in part in a wrongful-death action against a natural gas provider in which provider’s gas lines leaked, allowing odorless gas to accumulate in the decedent’s home, at which point it exploded, severely burning,

Del Carmen Canas v. Centerpoint Energy Res. Corp., 418 S.W.3d 312 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2013, no pet.) Read More »

Drury Southwest, Inc. v. Louie Ledeaux No. 1, Inc., No. 04-12-00837-CV, 2013 WL 5812989 (Tex. App.—San Antonio Oct. 30, 2013, opinion withdrawn pursuant to settlement) 

Drury Southwest, Inc. v. Louie Ledeaux No. 1, Inc., No. 04-12-00837-CV, 2013 WL 5812989 (Tex. App.—San Antonio Oct. 30, 2013, opinion withdrawn pursuant to settlement)  Affirmed $1.1 million dollar award, including $800,000 in punitive damages, in commercial fraud case involving a real estate lease.

Drury Southwest, Inc. v. Louie Ledeaux No. 1, Inc., No. 04-12-00837-CV, 2013 WL 5812989 (Tex. App.—San Antonio Oct. 30, 2013, opinion withdrawn pursuant to settlement)  Read More »

In re Loya Ins. Co., No. 01-13-00242-CV, 2013 WL 5637702 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] Oct. 15, 2013, orig. proceeding) (mem. op.)

In re Loya Ins. Co., No. 01-13-00242-CV, 2013 WL 5637702 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] Oct. 15, 2013, orig. proceeding) (mem. op.) Denial of mandamus of summary judgment in class action, where insurer attempted to “pick off” the class representative by settling with him

In re Loya Ins. Co., No. 01-13-00242-CV, 2013 WL 5637702 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] Oct. 15, 2013, orig. proceeding) (mem. op.) Read More »

CKH Family Ltd. P’ship v. MGD/CCP Acquisition, LLC, No. 05-12-00573-CV, 2013 WL 5614304 (Tex. App.—Dallas Oct. 14, 2013, no pet.) (mem. op.)

CKH Family Ltd. P’ship v. MGD/CCP Acquisition, LLC, No. 05-12-00573-CV, 2013 WL 5614304 (Tex. App.—Dallas Oct. 14, 2013, no pet.) (mem. op.) Successfully defended order dismissing claims based on parties’ contractual forum selection clause. Thad D. Spalding, Partner

CKH Family Ltd. P’ship v. MGD/CCP Acquisition, LLC, No. 05-12-00573-CV, 2013 WL 5614304 (Tex. App.—Dallas Oct. 14, 2013, no pet.) (mem. op.) Read More »

Blaylock v. Holland, 396 S.W.3d 720 (Tex. App.— Dallas 2013, no pet.)

Blaylock v. Holland, 396 S.W.3d 720 (Tex. App.— Dallas 2013, no pet.) Reversing a trial court’s award of a homeowner’s property to his neighbor by adverse possession, holding that neighbor’s assumption that homeowner’s property was part of neighbor’s backyard, and neighbor’s use of that property as part of her backyard, was legally insufficient to support the

Blaylock v. Holland, 396 S.W.3d 720 (Tex. App.— Dallas 2013, no pet.) Read More »

Richardson v. Richardson, No. 05-12-01123-CV, 2013 WL 3326870 (Tex. App.— Dallas June 27, 2013, no pet.) (mem. op.)

Richardson v. Richardson, No. 05-12-01123-CV, 2013 WL 3326870 (Tex. App.— Dallas June 27, 2013, no pet.) (mem. op.) Successfully defended judgment appointing client as sole managing conservator of his children following week-long child custody jury trial. Thad D. Spalding, Partner

Richardson v. Richardson, No. 05-12-01123-CV, 2013 WL 3326870 (Tex. App.— Dallas June 27, 2013, no pet.) (mem. op.) Read More »

Shafighi v. Texas Farmers Ins. Co., No. 14-12-00082-CV, 2013 WL 1803609 (Tex. App.— Houston [14th Dist.] April 30 2013, no pet.) (mem. op.)

Shafighi v. Texas Farmers Ins. Co., No. 14-12-00082-CV, 2013 WL 1803609 (Tex. App.— Houston [14th Dist.] April 30 2013, no pet.) (mem. op.) Reversed and remanded; policyholder client’s failures to sit for examination under oath and to submit proof of claim in proper form did not entitle insurer to summary judgment, but rather only abatement.

Shafighi v. Texas Farmers Ins. Co., No. 14-12-00082-CV, 2013 WL 1803609 (Tex. App.— Houston [14th Dist.] April 30 2013, no pet.) (mem. op.) Read More »

MBR & Associates, Inc. v. Lile, No. 02-11-00431-CV, 2012 WL 4661665 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth Oct. 4, 2012, pet. denied) (mem. op.)

MBR & Associates, Inc. v. Lile, No. 02-11-00431-CV, 2012 WL 4661665 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth Oct. 4, 2012, pet. denied) (mem. op.) Affirming a judgment for approximately $1 million based on findings of fraud, DTPA violations, and gross negligence, as well as a finding piercing the corporate veil, arising out of a contractor’s failed effort to repair

MBR & Associates, Inc. v. Lile, No. 02-11-00431-CV, 2012 WL 4661665 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth Oct. 4, 2012, pet. denied) (mem. op.) Read More »

Ashton Grove v. Jackson Walker, 366 S.W.3d 790 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2012, no pet.)

Ashton Grove v. Jackson Walker, 366 S.W.3d 790 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2012, no pet.) Reversing a summary judgment concluding that a law firm failed to prove that attorney’s fees of over $1 million for just over 2 months of work in representing a small business was reasonable and necessary under the Arthur Anderson factors. Kirk L. Pittard, Partner

Ashton Grove v. Jackson Walker, 366 S.W.3d 790 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2012, no pet.) Read More »

Schrapps v. Pham, No. 09-12-00080-CV, 2012 WL 4017768 (Tex. App.—Beaumont Sept. 13, 2012, pet. denied) (mem. op.) (briefed response to Petition for Review)

Schrapps v. Pham, No. 09-12-00080-CV, 2012 WL 4017768 (Tex. App.—Beaumont Sept. 13, 2012, pet. denied) (mem. op.) (briefed response to Petition for Review) Denial of petition for review in case challenging a Chapter 74 expert report in a medical malpractice case.  Kirk L. Pittard, Partner

Schrapps v. Pham, No. 09-12-00080-CV, 2012 WL 4017768 (Tex. App.—Beaumont Sept. 13, 2012, pet. denied) (mem. op.) (briefed response to Petition for Review) Read More »

In re Wright, No. 05-12-00370-CV, 2012 WL 1883069 (Tex. App.—Dallas May 23, 2012, orig. proceeding) (mem. op.)

In re Wright, No. 05-12-00370-CV, 2012 WL 1883069 (Tex. App.—Dallas May 23, 2012, orig. proceeding) (mem. op.) Denial of defendants’ petition for mandamus attempting to have 18 plaintiffs’ cases severed into 18 separate trials. Leighton Durham, Partner

In re Wright, No. 05-12-00370-CV, 2012 WL 1883069 (Tex. App.—Dallas May 23, 2012, orig. proceeding) (mem. op.) Read More »

Chatterjee v. King, 280 P.3d 283 (N.M. 2012)

Chatterjee v. King, 280 P.3d 283 (N.M. 2012) As a matter of first impression, holding that Uniform Parentage Act’s statutory presumption conferring status of father on a man applies equally to same-sex partner of child’s adoptive mother, noting that classifications based on gender are presumptively unconstitutional and that denying partner opportunity to establish parentage would

Chatterjee v. King, 280 P.3d 283 (N.M. 2012) Read More »

Escalante v. Rowan, 251 S.W.3d 720 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2008), rev’d on other grounds, 332 S.W.3d 365 (Tex. 2011) 

Escalante v. Rowan, 251 S.W.3d 720 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2008), rev’d on other grounds, 332 S.W.3d 365 (Tex. 2011)  In medical malpractice case, obtaining reversal of summary judgment granted on “loss of chance” doctrine. 

Escalante v. Rowan, 251 S.W.3d 720 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2008), rev’d on other grounds, 332 S.W.3d 365 (Tex. 2011)  Read More »

Salas v. Chris Christensen Sys., Inc., No. 10-11-00107-CV, 2011 WL 4089999 (Tex. App.—Waco Sept. 14, 2011, no pet.) (mem. op.)

Salas v. Chris Christensen Sys., Inc., No. 10-11-00107-CV, 2011 WL 4089999 (Tex. App.—Waco Sept. 14, 2011, no pet.) (mem. op.) Upholding default judgment after death penalty discovery sanctions, actual and punitive damages, and enforceability of a non-compete agreement. Kirk L. Pittard, Partner

Salas v. Chris Christensen Sys., Inc., No. 10-11-00107-CV, 2011 WL 4089999 (Tex. App.—Waco Sept. 14, 2011, no pet.) (mem. op.) Read More »

Thompson v. Ace American Ins. Co., No. 01-10-00810-CV, 2011 WL 3820889 (Tex. App.–Houston [1st Dist.] Aug. 25, 2011, pet. denied)

Thompson v. Ace American Ins. Co., No. 01-10-00810-CV, 2011 WL 3820889 (Tex. App.–Houston [1st Dist.] Aug. 25, 2011, pet. denied) Obtaining reversal and remand of judgment after jury verdict in workers compensation judicial review case.

Thompson v. Ace American Ins. Co., No. 01-10-00810-CV, 2011 WL 3820889 (Tex. App.–Houston [1st Dist.] Aug. 25, 2011, pet. denied) Read More »

In re Oncor Elec. Delivery Co., No. 05-11-00188-CV, 2011 WL 989071 (Tex. App.—Dallas Mar. 22, 2011, orig. proceeding) (mem. op.)

In re Oncor Elec. Delivery Co., No. 05-11-00188-CV, 2011 WL 989071 (Tex. App.—Dallas Mar. 22, 2011, orig. proceeding) (mem. op.) Denying petition for mandamus concerning trial court’s denial of a motion to designate a responsible third party. Leighton Durham, Partner and Kirk L. Pittard, Partner

In re Oncor Elec. Delivery Co., No. 05-11-00188-CV, 2011 WL 989071 (Tex. App.—Dallas Mar. 22, 2011, orig. proceeding) (mem. op.) Read More »

Greater Houston Transp. Co. v. Parks, No. 01-09-00543-CV, 2011 WL 941234 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] Mar. 17, 2011, no pet.) (mem. op.)

Greater Houston Transp. Co. v. Parks, No. 01-09-00543-CV, 2011 WL 941234 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] Mar. 17, 2011, no pet.) (mem. op.) In case involving taxi company’s liability for its driver’s criminal acts tried to a favorable jury verdict, settling immediately after oral argument.

Greater Houston Transp. Co. v. Parks, No. 01-09-00543-CV, 2011 WL 941234 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] Mar. 17, 2011, no pet.) (mem. op.) Read More »

In re Kobelt Mfg. Ltd., No. 07-11-0014-CV, 2011 WL 798199 (Tex. App.—Amarillo Mar. 8, 2011, orig. proceeding) (mem. op.)

In re Kobelt Mfg. Ltd., No. 07-11-0014-CV, 2011 WL 798199 (Tex. App.—Amarillo Mar. 8, 2011, orig. proceeding) (mem. op.) Denying petition for mandamus concluding that the parties may agree to alter the statutory deadlines for designating responsible third parties. Kirk L. Pittard, Partner and Leighton Durham, Partner

In re Kobelt Mfg. Ltd., No. 07-11-0014-CV, 2011 WL 798199 (Tex. App.—Amarillo Mar. 8, 2011, orig. proceeding) (mem. op.) Read More »

In re Taylor, No. 01-10-00893-CV, 2010 WL 4395873 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] Oct. 29, 2010, orig. proceeding) (mem. op.) 

In re Taylor, No. 01-10-00893-CV, 2010 WL 4395873 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] Oct. 29, 2010, orig. proceeding) (mem. op.)  Defeating state representative’s attempt to secure privileged TWIA documents under the Texas Public Information Act.

In re Taylor, No. 01-10-00893-CV, 2010 WL 4395873 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] Oct. 29, 2010, orig. proceeding) (mem. op.)  Read More »

Turull v. Ferguson, No. 01-09-00067-CV, 2010 WL 3833944 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] Sep. 30, 2010) (supp’l mem. op. on rehearing) 

Turull v. Ferguson, No. 01-09-00067-CV, 2010 WL 3833944 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] Sep. 30, 2010) (supp’l mem. op. on rehearing)  Obtaining reversal and modification in DTPA case in which trial court failed to award attorney’s fees to plaintiff.

Turull v. Ferguson, No. 01-09-00067-CV, 2010 WL 3833944 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] Sep. 30, 2010) (supp’l mem. op. on rehearing)  Read More »

In re Professional Pharmacy II, No. 02-10-163-CV, 2010 WL 3718946 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth Sept. 23, 2010, orig. proceeding) (mem. op.)

In re Professional Pharmacy II, No. 02-10-163-CV, 2010 WL 3718946 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth Sept. 23, 2010, orig. proceeding) (mem. op.) Issued mandamus requiring a jury trial rejecting argument that a signed arbitration provision constituted a jury waiver. Kirk L. Pittard, Partner and Leighton Durham, Partner

In re Professional Pharmacy II, No. 02-10-163-CV, 2010 WL 3718946 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth Sept. 23, 2010, orig. proceeding) (mem. op.) Read More »

Knapp v. Wilson N. Jones Mem’l Hosp., 281 S.W.3d 163 (Tex.  App.—Dallas 2009, no pet.)

Knapp v. Wilson N. Jones Mem’l Hosp., 281 S.W.3d 163 (Tex.  App.—Dallas 2009, no pet.) Reversing and remanding a $1,070,643 judgment based on a counterclaim asserted against the Plaintiff for claims of breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, and negligence. Kirk L. Pittard, Partner

Knapp v. Wilson N. Jones Mem’l Hosp., 281 S.W.3d 163 (Tex.  App.—Dallas 2009, no pet.) Read More »

In re Deere & Co., 299 S.W.3d 819 (Tex. 2009) (orig. proceeding) (per curiam)

In re Deere & Co., 299 S.W.3d 819 (Tex. 2009) (orig. proceeding) (per curiam) Rejecting John Deere’s argument that a discovery order covering multiple makes and models of equipment was overly broad and unduly burdensome and establishing that a defendant bears the burden of proving the bases for objections raised in discovery. Kirk L. Pittard, Partner

In re Deere & Co., 299 S.W.3d 819 (Tex. 2009) (orig. proceeding) (per curiam) Read More »

Benish v. Grottie,  281 S.W.3d 184 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 2009, pet. denied)

Benish v. Grottie,  281 S.W.3d 184 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 2009, pet. denied) Affirming denial of motion to dismiss based on challenge to an expert report in a medical malpractice case. Also holding that an expert need not opine as to willful and wanton negligence in a chapter 74 report despite argument that case is governed

Benish v. Grottie,  281 S.W.3d 184 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 2009, pet. denied) Read More »

Vestal v. Wright, No. 2-08-237-CV, 2009 WL 2751020 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth Aug. 31, 2009, pet. denied) (mem. op.) 

Vestal v. Wright, No. 2-08-237-CV, 2009 WL 2751020 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth Aug. 31, 2009, pet. denied) (mem. op.)  Affirming denial of a doctor and his urology group’s motion to dismiss based on a challenge to an expert report in a medical malpractice case. Kirk L. Pittard, Partner

Vestal v. Wright, No. 2-08-237-CV, 2009 WL 2751020 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth Aug. 31, 2009, pet. denied) (mem. op.)  Read More »

In re Brittingham-Sada, No. 04-09-00488-CV, 2009 WL 2568341 (Tex. App.—San Antonio Aug. 19, 2009, orig. proceeding) (mem. op.) 

In re Brittingham-Sada, No. 04-09-00488-CV, 2009 WL 2568341 (Tex. App.—San Antonio Aug. 19, 2009, orig. proceeding) (mem. op.)  Defeating attempt to dismiss case on personal and subject-matter jurisdictional grounds.

In re Brittingham-Sada, No. 04-09-00488-CV, 2009 WL 2568341 (Tex. App.—San Antonio Aug. 19, 2009, orig. proceeding) (mem. op.)  Read More »

In re Texas Best Staff Leasing, Inc., No. 01-08-00296-CV, 2008 WL 4531028 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] Oct. 9, 2008, orig. proceeding) 

In re Texas Best Staff Leasing, Inc., No. 01-08-00296-CV, 2008 WL 4531028 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] Oct. 9, 2008, orig. proceeding)  Successfully defending trial court order denying motion to compel arbitration.

In re Texas Best Staff Leasing, Inc., No. 01-08-00296-CV, 2008 WL 4531028 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] Oct. 9, 2008, orig. proceeding)  Read More »

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