GMR Partner Robert Stein led a team that secured a sizeable $620,000 settlement for our client, who was seriously burned when using the stovetop in her apartment. Despite the serious injuries, this case presented significant liability challenges due to our client’s actions in reaching over an open flame when her clothing caught fire. As such, the various defendants dug in on liability and were prepared to take the case to trial.
Robert’s team appreciated the liability challenges and immediately got to work on developing a “theory of the case.” Before litigation, Robert retained an engineering expert to develop a narrative about code violations and improper gas stove installation. This theory brought in an additional defendant, the stove installer, who ultimately contributed toward the settlement. Robert settled the matter at mediation during the designated trial month.
