Doyle Dennis LLP Named for Top 50 Verdict with $7.86 Million Award in Gillies v. Valaris PLC

Firm News, News

Doyle Dennis LLP is proud to announce that our firm has been awarded a Top 50 Verdict for plaintiff’s jury verdicts obtained in the state of Texas for 2022, with a $7.86 million verdict awarded in Gillies v. Valaris PLC. This recognition is a testament to the unwavering commitment and expertise of our trial team, led by Mike Doyle, Patrick Dennis, Jeff Avery, and Emma Brockway. As a law firm that represents injured workers and their families, we are proud of our track record of delivering exceptional legal services and achieving favorable outcomes for our clients.

We are particularly proud to have achieved this recognition for our representation of Gordon Gillies, a drill ship operations adviser who suffered injuries while working on a vessel in the Gulf of Mexico. Our client deserved justice and fair compensation for the harm he suffered, and our team of experienced trial lawyers worked tirelessly to ensure that his rights were upheld. Through our unwavering advocacy, we were able to secure a $7.86 million verdict against Valaris PLC (formerly Ensco/Rowan Drilling) for their negligence and for the unseaworthiness of its vessel, the drillship DS-15. Our attorneys skillfully presented evidence of the employer’s negligence and convinced the jury of the validity of Mr. Gillies’ claims. This Jones Act case is a prime example of our firm’s dedication to delivering exceptional legal services and achieving favorable outcomes for our clients.

The case was brought under the Jones Act (46 U.S.C. § 688) and the general maritime law of the United States of America. On February 17, 2020, Gillies fell while touring Valaris PLC’s vessel, the Valaris Renaissance, due to a defective step lacking bullnose protection. The fall resulted in severe injuries to his tailbone, back, spine, and body generally. Despite reporting the incident immediately to the captain and seeing a doctor, Gillies continues to suffer serious injuries including sharp pain in his left leg, coccyx, spine, back, and body generally due to Valaris PLC’s negligence. As owner and operator of the Valaris Renaissance, Valaris PLC was responsible for the dangerous and unseaworthy conditions of the vessel, which was the legal cause of Gillies’ injuries. The jury found Valaris guilty of failing to maintain the staircase properly, which was the cause of Gillies’ fall and subsequent injuries.

The first cause of action in the case was negligence, in which Valaris PLC, by and through its employees and officers, was found to be negligent in creating the dangerous conditions that proximately resulted in the client’s injuries and in failing to provide adequate crew and equipment, failing to supervise and train the crew, and in other respects. The second cause of action in the case was unseaworthiness, in which the Valaris Renaissance was found to be a vessel for which Valaris PLC owed the client a duty of seaworthiness as a seaman. Valaris PLC breached that duty because the Valaris Renaissance was dangerous, not reasonably fit for its intended purposes, not reasonably safe, and unseaworthy. The unseaworthiness of the Valaris Renaissance was found to be a factual and legal cause of the client’s damages.

The jury’s decision in the 270th District Court of Harris County, after hearing four days of testimony and argument, is a resounding victory for the victim of Valaris PLC’s negligence. The jury found that Valaris was responsible for 90% of the negligence that caused the client’s injuries, while the client was only responsible for 10%. Moreover, the jury found that Valaris was responsible for 99% of the unseaworthiness of the vessel, while the client bore only 1% of the responsibility. These findings reflect the strength of the evidence presented by Doyle Dennis LLP and the skill of our trial team in convincing the jury of Valaris’ negligence and the unseaworthiness of its vessel.

The $7.86 million verdict awarded by the jury includes $1,821,000 in past damages and $6,040,000 in future damages. These damages reflect the significant impact that the injuries have had and will continue to have on the client’s life, including pain, mental anguish, loss of earning capacity, disfigurement, impairment, and medical care.

At Doyle Dennis LLP, we firmly believe that this verdict serves as a powerful reminder to the maritime industry that the safety and wellbeing of workers should always come first. Companies that disregard this fundamental principle and prioritize profits over the welfare of their employees will be held accountable for their actions. We take great pride in securing justice for our client and playing a role in promoting safety standards in the maritime industry.

Our commitment to fighting for the rights of workers remains unwavering, and we will continue to seek fair compensation for those who have been injured on the job. Our firm has a wealth of experience in representing maritime workers who have been injured due to their employer’s negligence, and we are dedicated to helping Jones Act employees understand their rights and receive the compensation they are entitled to.

The recognition and award we have received for this case are a testament to our attorneys’ dedication and expertise in helping maritime workers and their families navigate the legal system. If you are a maritime worker who has been injured on the job due to your employer’s negligence, we invite you to contact Doyle Dennis LLP today for a free consultation. Let us help you secure the compensation and justice you deserve.

The information provided pertains to the case of Gordon Gillies vs. Valaris PLC, Cause Number 2020-36729, litigated in the 270th Judicial District Court of Harris County, Texas.

Doyle Dennis LLP files Lawsuit against Chick-Fil-A Franchise

Firm News, News, Personal Injury

Doyle Dennis LLP has filed a lawsuit on behalf of our clients who sustained serious injuries after a vehicular collision with a car operated by 210 HOSPITALITY, INC. d/b/a Chick-Fil-A Summerwood (“Chick-Fil-A Summerwood”).  The general personal injury lawsuit seeks to collect damages for the injuries caused by the defendant’s negligent actions and omissions. Doyle Dennis LLP will now aggressively pursue the damages owed to our clients as a result of this vehicular collision accident. Our experienced team of trial lawyers is dedicated to fighting for the rights of our clients and securing the justice and compensation they are entitled to receive.

On or about February 9, 2021, our clients were driving when a vehicle operated by a Chick-Fil-A Summerwood driver struck their vehicle. As our clients were turning onto the road, traveling eastbound and had the right of way, the defendant failed to yield, thereby striking the vehicle. Our clients sustained injuries to their backs, necks, shoulders, ankles, and body generally. The negligent actions of Chick-Fil-A Summerwood was the direct cause of the accident and the injuries to our clients. Doyle Dennis LLP will aggressively pursue justice on behalf of our clients, seeking to hold the defendant accountable for their gross negligence and the harm they have caused. Furthermore, we will work tirelessly to secure the full and fair compensation that our clients are entitled to receive.

As a result of the defendants’ negligent actions and/or omissions, the clients are reasonably expected to sustain damages and in reasonable probability will continue to suffer physical pain and mental anguish for past and future medical care, loss of earnings in the past and future, and other legal injuries.  

Doyle Dennis LLP is a highly experienced team of trial lawyers who have achieved impressive results for their clients. With decades of collective experience, our attorneys have a proven track record of success. Take a look at our case results, client reviews and firm history to learn more about our reputation for excellence. We are dedicated to providing exceptional legal guidance and communication throughout the lawsuit process. If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, we invite you to contact Doyle Dennis LLP for a free case evaluation. Our attorneys and staff are committed to helping clients protect their livelihoods and wellbeing. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today to discuss your case.

Doyle Dennis LLP Files Suit on Behalf of Sexual Assault Survivor

Firm News, News, Personal Injury

Doyle Dennis LLP recently filed suit on behalf of a sexual assault survivor (“John Doe”). The lawsuit was filed against Defendants Bradley Cope, United Rentals, Inc., and Corwell Enterprises Inc. d/b/a WXYZ Lounge. John Doe worked at Aloft Hotel in Corpus Christi. The lawsuit alleges that John Doe was sexually assaulted multiple times because of the defendants’ acts and/or omissions. Specifically, the lawsuit alleges the following: 

In 2022, United Rentals instructed its employee, Bradley Cope, to travel from California to Corpus Christi, Texas for a work trip. During this period, United Rentals paid for Cope’s and other United Rentals employees’ lodging at Aloft Corpus Christi (the “Hotel”) for several days.   While staying at the Hotel on a work trip, Cope became belligerently drunk on multiple occasions, according to the lawsuit. On multiple occasions, Cope was unable to hold his head up while drinking at the bar. Over the course of days, Cope’s conduct became so aggressive and outrageous that several hotel guests complained about Bradley Cope to the Hotel staff, including to John Doe.  United Rentals, through its other agents and employees at the hotel, witnessed and saw Mr. Cope’s aggressive conduct prior to the assault. Despite Bradley Cope’s level of intoxication, Defendants United Rentals and WXYZ Lounge failed to take any action. Unfortunately, United Rentals and WXYZ Lounge’s failure to take any action against Bradley Cope resulted in Cope sexually harassing and sexually assaulting John Doe, who was employed at the Hotel as a Front Desk Associate.   

The lawsuit further alleges that while Bradley Cope was staying at the Hotel during the work trip, Cope was belligerently drunk and unruly in the Hotel lobby and in the dining area of the Hotel. Indeed, several hotel guests had complained to John Doe and other hotel staff about Bradley Cope. John Doe repeatedly asked Bradley Cope to return to his room. However, Cope refused. Moreover, Cope was also so intoxicated that he was unable to stand up. Although United Rentals’ other employees were present and observed Cope’s extreme level of intoxication, again Defendants took no action. United Rentals did not intervene. Put differently, United Rentals failed to supervise Bradley Cope while Cope was working in Corpus Christi on behalf of United Rentals.    

One night, while John Doe was trying to get Bradley Cope to leave the common areas of the Hotel, Bradley Cope sexually assaulted John Doe again. The lawsuit alleges that Cope sexually assaulted John Doe while in the middle of the hotel lobby and in the dining area. John Doe, a hard-working employee who was on the job and scared of losing his employment and further alarming any of the Hotel guests, again asked Bradley Cope to return to his room. But Bradley Cope again refused to leave. Although Bradley Cope had created a significant disturbance in the Hotel lobby and in the dining area of the Hotel, the Hotel’s other employees, including security personnel, did not intervene. Left with no other options, and in an attempt to protect the Hotel’s other guests, John Doe felt obliged to escort Bradley Cope to his room due to his extremely intoxicated state and apparent inability to physically walk to his room. The lawsuit alleges that when John Doe and Bradley Cope arrived in Bradley Cope’s room, Bradley Cope raped John Doe.

At the time of the occurrence in question, Defendant Corwell Enterprises Inc. d/b/a WXYZ Lounge was a provider of alcohol under the authority of a license or permit issued by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. John Doe has alleged that WXYZ Lounge had a statutory duty to refrain from serving alcohol to obviously intoxicated patrons. The lawsuit alleges that WXYZ Lounge violated Texas law by providing, under authority of a license, alcoholic beverages to Bradley Cope, who was WXYZ Lounge’s customer and guest, when it was apparent or should have been apparent to the WXYZ Lounge, that Cope was obviously intoxicated to the extent that he presented a clear danger to himself and others.   WXYZ Lounge was negligent because it sold and served alcoholic beverages to Bradley Cope when they knew or reasonably should have known that he was under the influence of intoxicating alcohol. WXYZ Lounge also failed to provide reasonable education, policies, and/or training to employees, agents, servants, and/or representatives regarding the serving of alcoholic beverages to patrons, including Bradley Cope; provided and/or encouraging policies and/or an atmosphere that caused, created, or contributed to a pattern and/or practice among employees, agents, servants, and/or representatives that unreasonably encouraged the excessive and unsafe serving of alcoholic beverages to patrons, including Bradley Cope.  

The lawsuit states that Defendant Bradley Cope is liable to John Doe for sexual assault and battery under the Texas penal code. Bradley Cope intentionally, knowingly, and/or recklessly caused bodily injury to John Doe when he sexually assaulted John Doe. According to the lawsuit, Defendant Bradley Cope is liable to John Doe for assault and battery because he intentionally, knowingly, and/or recklessly caused bodily injury to John Doe when he assaulted John Doe. 

John Doe has also sued United Rentals, Inc. negligence, negligent per se, and gross negligence for the following reasons: failing to properly train its employees and/or agents, including Bradley Cope; failing to supervise their employees and/or agents, including Bradley Cope; failing to hire qualified and adequately trained employees and/or agents its employees, including Bradley Cope; failing to properly screen and/or background check its employees, including Bradley Cope; failing to create and/or enforce adequate safety policies and procedures for employees; failing to take action to prevent the Incident; and other acts deemed negligent and grossly negligent. Bradley Cope was under the supervision and control of United Rentals. The lawsuit alleges that while Bradley Cope was conducting work on behalf of United Rentals, Cope sexually assaulted John Doe. In all, United Rentals is directly liable for its own negligence, which is separate and distinct from the causes of action against Bradley Cope.

John Doe has been forced to seek medical treatment to repair the damage Defendants’ conduct caused John Doe. John Doe suffered – and continues to suffer – irreparable mental anguish due to Defendants’ acts and omissions.

Doyle Dennis LLP is a nationally-recognized team of trial lawyers. Our firm is proud to hold negligent parties accountable. If you or a loved one have suffered due to a company’s negligence, Doyle Dennis LLP will provide a free evaluation of your legal claims.

Jury Finds Ace American and Gallagher Bassett Acted in Bad Faith

Firm News, Insurance Bad Faith, New Blog, News

On April 28, 2022, Doyle Dennis LLP secured a $500,000 (plus attorneys’ fees) verdict against Ace American Insurance Company and Gallagher Bassett Services, Inc. in Phoenix, Arizona. Specifically, the jury determined that Ace and Gallagher Bassett acted in bad faith by wrongfully denying payment of workers’ compensation benefits to an employee who worked for a mining company and awarded compensatory damages.
Doyle Dennis LLP’s client suffered an undisputed lumbar spine injury while working in a copper mine. Although three doctors confirmed that the client needed a fusion surgery, Gallagher Bassett’s adjuster refused to authorize the surgery and denied the client’s claim.
After hearing four days of testimony and argument in the Maricopa County Superior Court in Arizona, the jury found that Ace and Gallagher Bassett denied the plaintiff’s claim without a reasonable basis and refused to complete a reasonable investigation of the workers’ compensation claim. Specifically, the jury determined that Ace breached the duty of good faith and fair dealing owed to Doyle Dennis LLP’s client. The jury also determined that Gallagher Basset aided and abetted Ace in delaying and denying the claim without a reasonable basis.
Based upon these determinations, the jury found that Doyle Dennis LLP’s client was entitled to $500,000 in damages to compensate for past and future mental anguish, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. At the judgment stage of the case, Doyle Dennis LLP’s attorneys will be able to request an award of attorney’s fees and litigation costs, in addition to the $500,000 of compensatory damages.
The case was tried by Michael Patrick Doyle (lead counsel) and Jeffrey Avery (second chair). Following the case, Mr. Avery stated, “In reaching this verdict, the jury sent an important message to insurers throughout the state of Arizona that they will be held accountable for failing to measure up to their required standards.”
If you were harmed by the wrongful conduct of an Arizona workers’ compensation carrier, contact Doyle Dennis LLP for a free evaluation of your potential claims.

Doyle Dennis LLP Sues Travelers Indemnity Company of America

Firm News, Insurance Bad Faith, News

Doyle Dennis LLP filed a bad faith insurance lawsuit against Travelers Indemnity Company of America in Maricopa County, Arizona.
Doyle Dennis LLP’s client worked at a pizza restaurant and was injured on the job. When employers purchase workers’ compensation insurance to protect their injured employees, insurance companies must complete a reasonable investigation of the employee’s compensation claim. When they fail to do so, they can be held liable.
Following the client’s on-the-job injury, the client was diagnosed with articular cartilage lesion. As a result, the client’s doctor recommended surgery and supportive care. Unfortunately, Travelers Indemnity ignored the doctor’s requests for treatment. Rather than properly investigate and adjust the client’s workers’ compensation claim to ensure that the client would receive the medical, financial, and other benefits to which he was entitled as a beneficiary of the workers’ compensation promised to the employees of the pizza restaurant, the insurance company denied payment of benefits.
Doyle Dennis LLP has significant experience in holding insurance companies accountable. This year, Doyle Dennis LLP secured a $500,000 verdict in a bad faith lawsuit against Ace American Insurance Company and Gallagher Bassett Services, Inc. In that case, the Maricopa County jury found that Doyle Dennis LLP’s client was entitled to $500,000 in damages to compensate for past and future mental anguish, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.
If you are an injured worker who was harmed by the wrongful denial of workers’ compensation benefits, life insurance benefits, property damage benefits, or other insurance payments, you may have a claim for insurance bad faith. Doyle Dennis LLP will not charge you to complete an initial evaluation of your claim.

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