2008: Jonathan M. Adelman secured a dismissal with prejudice in favor of his insured client following an extremely effective cross-examination of the plaintiff in the presence of a Fulton County jury. The plaintiff claimed neck and back injuries and more than $13,000 in healthcare expenses as a result of a clear liability motor vehicle accident. As part of his diligent investigation of the plaintiff, Mr. Adelman obtained a deposition from another case in which the plaintiff denied, under oath, sustaining any real injuries in the motor vehicle collision with Mr. Adelman's client. When presented with that deposition testimony as part of Mr. Adelman's impeachment effort, the plaintiff actually asked to confer with his lawyer in the presence of the jury. The request was denied, and the impeachment was successful. After all of the evidence closed, the plaintiff's attorney chose to dismiss with prejudice in lieu of proceeding with closing arguments.
2008: James A. Neuberger successfully limited a verdict in favor of plaintiffs to $3,000.00 in a case involving property damage to a house. The plaintiffs contended that the 19 year old defendant, who admitted fault, destroyed the house after hitting it with his car. The plaintiffs sought compensation for repairs and diminished value exceeding $50,000.00. Prior to trial, the plaintiffs rejected an $8,000.00 settlement offer.
2007: Thomas D. Harper successfully defended a Cherokee County wrongful death action involving a nine (9) year old child who ran out in front of a car. The defense verdict was secured despite the police determination that the defendant driver was speeding at the time of the impact.
2007: J. Blair Craig and Russell D. Waldon represented a major insurance carrier and obtained a defense verdict in a wrongful death action arising from a car accident. The case presented unique challenges to the defense in that plaintiff's contended that the accident was caused by a John Doe driver of a phantom vehicle. Accordingly, there was no defendant sitting at counsel's table. Moreover, due to the nature of the allegations and alleged wrongdoing on the part of the phantom driver, the case was defended in the name of the insurance company. Notwithstanding the jury's knowledge that an insurance company was a defendant and that an alleged John Doe left the scene of the accident, the jury returned with a defense verdict following a week long jury trial.
2007: Jonathan M. Adelman successfully defended a national air express company in a personal injury claim involving special damages exceeding $3,000,000. Plaintiff was represented by Georgia's premier plaintiff's firm.
2007: Russell D. Waldon won a defense verdict in the State Court of DeKalb County. This was a personal injury action in which liability for an automobile accident was conceded. The issue was whether plaintiff's alleged herniated disc and resulting surgery were proximately caused by the collision.
2007: James A. Neuberger obtained a defense verdict in favor of State Farm as a UM carrier in a case of disputed liability. While the defendant's vehicle turned left in front of the plaintiff's vehicle, the minor plaintiff's father ran a red light. The minor plaintiff suffered a right leg fracture, which required surgical repair. She presented medical expenses in excess of $47,000.00.
2007: Jonathan M. Adelman successfully defended a national air express company in a wrongful death action. The defense involved several complex agency issues.
2007: Trevor G. Hiestand secured a defense verdict in the State Court of Paulding County in a personal injury claim involving special damages exceeding $130,000 and conceded liability for the accident. Plaintiff claimed disc herniation and total disability from his employment.
2007: Jonathan M. Adelman won a jury verdict in favor of an uninsured/underinsured motorist insurer in the Superior Court of Paulding County. The case arose from a significant impact which totaled both of the involved vehicles. Following the accident, the uninsured motorist was arrested for DUI. Still, Mr. Adelman made the strategic decision to defend in the name of the uninsured motorist at trial. The plaintiff took an ambulance from the scene of the accident to the hospital. Thereafter, the plaintiff followed-up with chiropractors and medical doctors for soft-tissue injuries to his neck and back. The plaintiff claimed that his injuries caused his moving business to sustain lost earnings in excess of $200,000. In support of the lost earnings claim, the plaintiff presented the testimony of three of his business associates and an accounting expert. On cross-examination, Mr. Adelman was able to discredit several aspects of the testimony of the plaintiff and his witnesses. In addition, Mr. Adelman argued that the plaintiff's injuries should not have prevented him from engaging in his business. Prior to trial, the plaintiff's lowest settlement demand was $250,000.
2007: James A. Neuberger obtained a very favorable verdict in a case of clear liability and significant property damage. The plaintiff was claiming aggravation of degenerative disc disease which required surgical repair. The plaintiff documented medical expenses in excess of $98,000.00 and sought $331,000 from the jury. Mr. Neuberger was able to limit the jury's verdict to $27,000.
2006: Thomas D. Harper secured a defense verdict in a case involving a rear-end collision, $25,000.00 in medical bills, and an immediate complaint of pain at the scene.
2006: Trevor G. Hiestand secured a defense verdict in the State Court of Fulton County in a personal injury claim involving disputed liability, a complex leg fracture with multiple surgeries, and special damages exceeding $87,000.
2006: James A. Neuberger obtained a defense verdict from a Fulton County jury in a case of clear liability. The defendant's vehicle struck the rear of the plaintiff's vehicle. The plaintiff was claiming soft-tissue injuries to her neck and back and in excess of $14,000 in medical specials. During discovery, Mr. Neuberger was able to locate and obtain evidence of six prior personal injury claims made by the plaintiff. The plaintiff and her husband were both repeatedly impeached at trial.
2006: Thomas D. Harper limited a plaintiff to a verdict of $10,000.00 in a Fulton County case involving $74,068.72 in confirmed medical expenses. The case was one of clear liability involving surgery, where the plaintiff's lowest demand was $150,000.00.
2006: Hilliard V. Castilla obtained a defense verdict in a clear liability case involving significant property damage and medical special damages in excess of $20,000.00. An offer of $37,000.00 was extended to the plaintiff, an offer which was rejected prior to trial. At trial, the plaintiff demanded $100,000.00 and refused further settlement negotiations. The case, which was tried in the State Court of Fulton County, lasted for three days. The jury returned with a defense verdict, prompting plaintiff's counsel to write Mr. Castilla advising that "you did an excellent, especially when you did not have much to work with. You should be paid double time for your work."
2006: Trevor G. Hiestand secured a defense verdict in the State Court of Fulton County in a personal injury claim involving disputed liability, shoulder surgery, and special damages exceeding $25,000.
2006: Russell D. Waldon and Jonathan M. Adelman successfully defended a national air express company and obtained a favorable verdict equal to less than one-half of plaintiff's lowest pre-trial demand. Plaintiff, whose special damages exceeded $130,000, was represented by Georgia's ex-Governor.
2006: Trevor G. Hiestand secured a defense verdict in the State Court of Cherokee County in a personal injury claim involving a complex leg fracture, special damages exceeding $82,000, and contested liability for the accident.
2006: Russell D. Waldon and Kimberly A. McNamara won a defense verdict in a catastrophic injury case. This week long jury trial was held in the State Court of DeKalb County. The plaintiff claimed damages in excess of $600,000.
2006: Trevor G. Hiestand secured a defense verdict in the State Court of Fulton County in a personal injury claim involving special damages exceeding $74,000 and contested liability for the accident. Plaintiff claimed an ankle fracture, dental injuries, and facial lacerations.
2006: Russell D. Waldon obtained a defense verdict from a Fulton County jury in a case of disputed liability. Plaintiff, who sustained two broken legs, underwent five separate surgeries. Plaintiff incurred $138,000 in medical expenses.
2005: Russell D. Waldon successfully defended a personal injury action in which the plaintiff claimed over $125,000 in medical expenses and lost wages. Prior to trial, the defendant's insurance carrier offered $100,000. Plaintiff's lowest demand was $225,000. The jury's verdict was $12,000.
2005: Jonathan M. Adelman obtained a favorable verdict in a personal injury action arising from a clear liability motor vehicle collision. Opposing counsel presented expert testimony that plaintiff suffered a traumatic brain injury. The verdict amount was less than the insurance company's pre-trial settlement offer.
2005: James A. Neuberger obtained a defense verdict from a Cobb County jury in a case where the defendant ran a red light and slammed into the plaintiff's car in a t-bone collision. Photographs of the plaintiff's vehicle showed that the impact was substantial. The plaintiff was claiming in excess of $14,000 in special damages. He alleged significant back pain following the collision. During discovery, Mr. Neuberger was able to locate documentation of prior similar injuries and significant impeachment evidence.
2005: On behalf of a large insurance company, Russell D. Waldon and Jonathan M. Adelman won a $2,625,000 judgment against a law firm, a healthcare facility, and three individuals in a Georgia lawsuit involving RICO violations and the fraudulent pursuit of frivolous personal injury claims.
2005: Jonathan M. Adelman obtained a verdict for thousands less than the insurance company's pre-trial settlement offer and tens of thousand less than the pre-trial settlement demand in a personal injury action arising from a clear liability motor vehicle collision. Plaintiff sustained multiple fractured teeth and presented evidence of healthcare expenses which exceeded the amount of the final verdict.
2005: Thomas D. Harper limited a plaintiff to an award of $26,398.30 in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. By the time of the trial, the plaintiff had incurred documented medical expenses of $129,977.64. She had not worked a single day since the date of the accident. Future medical treatment was (according to plaintiff's expert) anticipated to cost $1,600.00 per month for the rest of plaintiff's life. This was, once again, a case involving conceded fault, but questionable causation. The insurance carrier had failed to timely respond to a settlement demand for the policy limits of $50,000.00.
2005: Jonathan M. Adelman obtained a defense verdict in a disputed liability personal injury action arising from a motor vehicle-bicycle collision. Plaintiff sustained a severe laceration which required stitches, an eye injury which caused ongoing tearing, and a head injury which caused recurring dizziness. At the time of the collision, plaintiff was riding her bicycle in a marked crosswalk.
2005: Thomas D. Harper obtained a defense verdict in a Cobb County wrongful death action involving a motor vehicle-pedestrian accident. The decedent was crossing Cobb Parkway at a controlled intersection. The defendant fled the scene of the accident.
2004: Jonathan M. Adelman won a defense verdict in a motor vehicle-pedestrian collision where the defendant left the scene before the police arrived. At the time of the accident, the plaintiff was on-the-job with the Cobb County DOT. The plaintiff sustained a rotator cuff tear which required surgical repair. The plaintiff presented evidence of $30,000 in special damages. In addition, the plaintiff asserted a claim for punitive damages based upon the allegation that the defendant fled the scene. Prior to trial, the defendant's insurance company extended a settlement offer of $45,000. The plaintiff rejected that settlement offer and asked the jury to award $239,000 in compensatory damages. Of note, the jury's verdict was upheld by the Georgia Court of Appeals.
2004: James A. Neuberger obtained a defense verdict in a DeKalb County case involving clear liability. The defendant collided with the rear of the plaintiff's vehicle on I-75/85 southbound. The plaintiff claimed permanent migraine headaches, a herniated disc in her neck, and back injuries. She demanded $258,400.00 to compensate her for life-long pain and past medical expenses. Mr. Neuberger was able to show that the plaintiff had a prior history of neck injuries and claims.
2004: Thomas D. Harper secured a defense verdict in a Cobb County case involving conceded liability, documented specials in excess of $33,000.00, and a defendant who did not appear for trial.
2003: Thomas D. Harper secured a defense verdict for a defendant who admitted to have been driving in excess of eighty (80) miles per hour in a residential area with a posted speed limit of forty-five (45) miles per hour. It was alleged that the defendant was racing immediately preceding the death of plaintiff's son.
2003: James A. Neuberger obtained a defense verdict in DeKalb County. The defendant was proceeding straight when the plaintiffs turned left in front of him. Defendant received a citation for improper lane usage as he was proceeding straight in a right turn lane. Plaintiffs claimed soft-tissue injuries to their necks and backs. Plaintiffs demanded $40,000 prior to trial.
2003: Jonathan M. Adelman obtained a defense verdict in the State Court of Fulton County. This was a case of clear liability in which the defendant rear-ended the plaintiff's car. The plaintiff, who was an elderly woman, alleged that the accident caused a right hip injury, which required surgery, and a rapid deterioration of her health. Opposing counsel presented medical expert testimony in support of his client's contentions. Prior to trial, the plaintiff's lowest settlement demand was $100,000.
2003: Jonathan M. Adelman won a defense verdict in the State Court of Fulton County. The personal injury action arose from a serious t-bone type collision which occurred when the defendant's vehicle and the vehicle in which the plaintiff was a passenger entered a controlled intersection at the same time. As result of the collision, the plaintiff's vehicle rolled over. Both drivers claimed that they had green lights. The defendant received the citation for, and was eventually found guilty of, running a red light. The plaintiff, who was only 14 years old, claimed that the accident caused two herniated lumbar discs. Prior to trial, the defendant's insurance company made a $50,000 settlement offer, which was quickly rejected by opposing counsel.
2002: Thomas D. Harper successfully defended an aggravated liability case in the State Court of Cobb County. The defendant was drunk and fled the scene of the accident. There was surgery with medical expenses totaling $51,203.56. The jury verdict was for an amount less than the alleged special damages.
2002: James A. Neuberger obtained a defense verdict for State Farm as the plaintiff's UM carrier in Douglas County. The plaintiff alleged injuries to her back and demanded $34,450.00. The accident involved a left-turning vehicle driven by the defendant and significant damage to both vehicles.
2001: Russell D. Waldon successfully defended a personal injury case in which the defendant was DUI. The accident resulted in alleged injuries to the plaintiff, who claimed $12,000 in special damages and sought over $120,000 in punitive damages. The defense conceded drinking and driving as well as fault for the accident. The defense urged two points. First, the defendant had been punished enough for her wrongdoing (loss of driver's license, jail time, fine, and community service). Second, the plaintiff had not truly been injured in this case and was attempting to "cash in" on the DUI arrest and conviction. Following some six hours of deliberation, the jury returned with a verdict in favor of the defendant.
2001: Thomas D. Harper appeared for the defense in the State Court of Rockdale County. The case involved conceded liability, medical bills of $35,867.40, and unequivocal, unqualified testimony from the neurosurgeon who removed a disc that there was "no question" that the problems all arose from the motor vehicle accident. The jury returned a verdict for the defendant.
2001: Russell D. Waldon represented a defendant in a substantial personal injury case in the State Court of Fulton County. Prior to trial, the insurance carrier extended a settlement offer of $160,000. The plaintiff and her lawyer made a single "non-negotiable" demand of $500,000. After three days of trial, the jury returned with a verdict in the amount of $31,000.
2000: Hilliard V. Castilla obtained a defense verdict in a complicated wrongful death case. The decedent's representative claimed that an automobile accident caused a pulmonary embolus, a viewpoint shared by the decedent's treating physician. Mr. Castilla was able to mount a successful defense based on skilful cross-examination of the decedent's medical expert and the presentation of other experts who opined that the pulmonary embolus was caused by factors unrelated to the accident. After a hard fought four day trial in Rockdale State Court, the jury returned with a defense verdict.
2000: Hilliard V. Castilla successfully defended a clear liability case involving a client who caused substantial property damage in a rear-end collision. The plaintiff claimed neck and back injuries, as well as a rotator cuff injury for which she underwent surgery. In addition, the plaintiff claimed that she had to undergo breast reduction surgery to relieve back discomfort as a result of the accident. After a four day trial in DeKalb County State Court, the jury returned with a defense verdict.
1999: Russell D. Waldon and Jonathan M. Adelman won a defense verdict in favor of a nation air express company in the State Court of Fulton County. This week long jury trial involved several complex agency issues. As a result of a catastrophic motor vehicle collision, the plaintiff sustained a serious brain injury which left her in a persistent vegetative state. The plaintiff presented evidence of past and future special damages in an amount exceeding $13,000,000. In closing argument, opposing counsel asked the jury for a $20,000,000 verdict.
1999: Jonathan M. Adelman won a defense verdict on behalf of his client, who swerved off the road and hit the plaintiff-pedestrian, in the State Court of Cobb County. The impact knocked the plaintiff several feet into the air. The defendant maintained that she lost control of her vehicle after she was forced to take evasive action as a result of a car which turned into her path. The plaintiff sustained several superficial injuries and a serious right shoulder injury, which required surgery. Prior to trial, the plaintiff's lowest settlement demand was $75,000. The insurance company's pre-trial settlement offer was $25,000.
1995: Thomas D. Harper successfully defended a wrongful death case in the United State District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. The defendant struck and killed the plaintiff on Memorial Drive on Christmas Eve. A defense verdict was secured despite the fact that the defendant was determined to have been speeding at the time of the accident.
"I have had the pleasure of working with Russell Waldon for approximately three years and he has yet to disappoint me or the company. Russell has handled a variety of our cases ranging from minimal damages to extremely serious exposure and I can honestly say that he works hard to achieve the best results for this company. Not only that, Russell is timely when he responds to my calls or questions and the information that he provides to me is clear and well thought out. It is evident that Russell is devoted to his work and his clients, yet he maintains a sense of humor making an already stressful job, less intense and for that, I am grateful." Natalia Policelli, Grocers Insurance Company
"Jonathan -- It is a great pleasure working for you. Seeing lots of attorneys work gives me new insights on our profession. I can say without question you are one of the best lawyers I have worked with in mediation. Your attention to detail is unsurpassed. You have also learned and implement what I believe to be one of the keys to successful mediations: Prepare the mediator. I could not have argued the case toe to toe with the opposition if you had not given me the strong points of the case ahead of time. I will be happy to serve as a reference for you and your firm to attest to your skills, preparation and professionalism to any prospective client." Rex D. Smith, Esq., Henning Mediation
"There is no limit to the amount of positive things I can say about James Neuberger and the firm of Harper, Waldon & Craig: professional service, reasonable rates, reasonable billable hours and timely responsiveness. HWC involves you in case preparation. In preparing our cases, HWC involved me in strategic planning. They separate the legal arguments from the psychological ones. They stick firm on their legal judgment (which is what you pay them for) and are open to your thoughts on how to battle the opposition mentally. They then take your strategy and incorporate it into your entire defense." James Howe, Managing Officer, Signature Shutters
"Jonathan -- As always, I believe you did exceptional work on this matter. Thank you. I am glad we were able to get it resolved, in no small part due to all of your diligent preparation." Mark W. Dietz, Esq., Legal Counsel, DHL Express (USA), Inc.
"We started using the firm of Harper, Waldon & Craig after the first of the year and have had excellent results. Jonathan Adelman has been the primary attorney handling our cases and we have been very pleased with his performance." Debbie B. Probasco, Litigation Specialist, Direct General Insurance Company
"Tom -- You are a superb lawyer or shall I say advocate. Words are inadequate to express the thanks in my heart for your good work. You were speaking to one of the members present in the court when Judge Adams leaned over to me and said that he was very impressed with your work at the trial. He reminded me that I was well represented. I agree with him." Pastor Jim Crooks, Southside Baptist Church
"Tom -- Please accept gratitude for a job exceptionally well done. It was a true pleasure to watch your preparation and passion at work." Doug Hollis, Allstate Insurance Company
"Tom Harper is an absolutely brilliant attorney and it is because of his expert knowledge, intelligence and his outstanding performance in the courtroom that we received a favorable verdict in this case." Linda Mitchell, State Farm insured
