Representative Experience
Represented the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation’s Self-Insured Guaranty Fund in courts across Ohio against hundreds of occupational disease claims alleging asbestosis and asbestos-related diseases by former employees of LTV Steel, resulting in the denial of benefits and/or the dismissal of claims in 90 percent of the actions defended.
Obtained summary judgment in numerous occupational disease claims for bankrupt self-insured involving claims of asbestos-related pleural disease, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), heavy metal, cancer, and occupational death claims.
Served as national coordinating counsel for Fortune 100 chemical manufacturing company overseeing all workers’ compensation litigation in Ohio. Coordinated litigation strategy and implemented cost control procedures among seven regional law firms handling worker’s compensation defense.
Successfully defended manufacturers and service clients against violations of specific safety requirement claims (VSSR) alleging violations of Ohio’s manufacturing and construction safety requirements. Claims included failure to guard, failure to tie-off, and failure to comply with specific height protection requirements.
Successfully defended local city in employment intentional tort action brought by widow of deceased employee, where employee was killed as a result of boiler explosion, resulting in complete dismissal.
Successfully defended local city in catastrophic falls, psychological claims and traumatic brain injury cases.
Successfully defended numerous private and public employers against occupational injury and occupational disease claims before the Ohio Industrial Commission and state courts.
Successfully defended local public school district in death claims and permanent total disability claims which progressed to writs of mandamus or claims in court.
Successfully defended Fortune 100 defense contractor administratively and in state court against intentional tort and toxic exposure death claims, involving exposure to heavy metals and solvents containing hydrocarbons. Similar claims currently being defended at the administrative level in anticipation of appeal to court.
Represented employers before the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation on various rating and classification issues involving premium challenges and collection issues arising out of employer noncompliance.