March 31, 2025

Texas Team Resolves Million-Dollar Premises Claim for Fraction of Exposure

Kelley Kronenberg Partner and Business Unit Leader Justin England and Attorney Garrett Bruner achieved an exceptional outcome in a high-exposure premises liability case, resolving it within just three months of engagement for a fraction of the potential exposure. 

This Texas case involved a plaintiff who allegedly fell into an open “manhole” in the client’s parking lot and sought damages up to $1 million. Upon receiving the case, Justin and Garrett immediately conducted a thorough assessment and identified that the central issue would be the adequacy of warnings around the hazard. 

Through careful consultation with the client, they uncovered a critical factual dispute – while the plaintiff claimed there were no warnings whatsoever, the client maintained that the area had been properly secured with cones and caution tape. After researching the legal standards for warning adequacy in Texas, the team determined that litigating this factual dispute would require substantial time and resources without guaranteeing a favorable outcome. 

Recognizing the opportunity for an efficient resolution, Justin and Garrett initiated early settlement discussions with opposing counsel, emphasizing the benefits of avoiding protracted litigation. Through skilled negotiation, they secured a settlement valued at just 14% of the realistic projected exposure, dramatically reducing the client’s financial risk. 

This exceptional result not only saved the client from potential significant liability but also eliminated months of litigation costs and business disruption. The case exemplifies Kelley Kronenberg’s commitment to practical, efficient resolutions that prioritize client business interests while effectively managing legal risk. 

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