Case Examples

Seltzer v. Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, et al. ~ Verdict of $21,350,000.00

Seltzer was an authenticator of O.C. Seltzer art and he received a call from the Coeur d'Alene Art Auction asking his opinion as to a painting that Morton had decided to sell. Morton contended the painting was by C.M. Russell. Seltzer was familiar with the painting, knew it to be an O.C. Seltzer painting and so advised the Coeur d'Alene Art Auction. Thereafter, Morton and his attorneys, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, wrote him two letters demanding that he recant his opinion or that he would be sued for $750,000.00, plus punitive damages. Seltzer was not about to give up his integrity as demanded by the defendants and stuck to his guns. The defendants then filed a six cause of action lawsuit accusing Seltzer of making false statements, intentionally defaming Morton, intentionally interfering with Morton's business relationship with the Coeur d'Alene Art Auction, and sought punitive damages, alleging that Seltzer was malicious and fraudulent.

Seltzer defended the Complaint and it was dismissed with prejudice by stipulation after six months, at which time Seltzer sued for his attorney's fees, mental distress, damage to reputation and punitive damages. The defendants claimed they had every right to sue Seltzer, that they had probable cause, and that they did not commit the tort of abuse of process. The jury found the Defendants liable for malicious prosecution and liable for abuse of process and awarded $1,100,000.00 in compensatory damages, which included attorney's fees, emotional distress, and loss of reputation. In addition, the jury found that punitive damages should be assessed against the owner, the individual attorney, and Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, LLP, the law firm. In a later proceeding, the jurors awarded $100,000.00 in punitive damages against Morton, $150,000.00 punitive damages against the attorney, and $20,000,000.00 punitive damages against Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, LLP.

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher is an 800-person law firm with headquarters in L.A., and offices throughout the United States and the world. The defendant attorney had been a partner in Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher for over 20 years and in 1999 retired from the practice of law to become a registered nurse. He was in nursing school at the time the claim was prosecuted against Seltzer.

Dorn v. Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Co. ~ Verdict of $6,655,000.00

This was a railroad crossing case in which Larry Michael Dorn was killed on December 2, 1999 as he attempted to cross a railroad crossing to reach an elevator. The railroad crossing was constructed at an angle of approximately 50% which obstructed his vision for trains approaching from his right. There had been two other identical collisions at this crossing. The railroad had an event recorder showing that the whistle was sounded from approximately 1,800 feet up to 250 feet of the crossing. In addition, there was a whistle witness who heard the whistle soon before impact. Mike Dorn was 23 years old at the time of his death and survived an appreciable time. He left a wife, Kristi Dorn, age 20, and a two-month old daughter. BNSF was found to be 65% at fault and Dorn 35%, with $5,000,000 in punitive damages for a total damage award of $6,655.000.

Redwolf v. Burlington Northern Railroad ~ $250,000,000.00

This was a railroad crossing case on the Crow Tribe Indian Reservation where three people were killed at a railroad crossing. The jury rendered a verdict of $250,000,000 against the Burlington Northern Railroad Company.

These are just a few examples of what Hoyt & Blewett can do when forced to defend their clients' rights. If you have been injured, do not allow your personal injury claim to go unpunished. Contact the firm today for a free consultation.