I’ve had a lot of cases over the years, mostly good and some that turned out not so good. When I take a case I am committed 100% and ready, willing and able to take it to trial—and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle know it. Having built a reputation for tenacity and even ferocity, I put it to work for the benefit of my clients.
Very few cases are so cut and dry that either party or their counsel can coast through the litigation or ride an early assessment regarding liability to an inexpensive and early disposition. Practically speaking cases are not resolved based solely on their merit. Many factors weigh in including the parties involved and their counsel, as well as the jurisdiction where the case is filed, some are less friendly than others.
Defense attorneys and those who pay their hourly bills (usually insurance companies) assess cases based also on the reputation of plaintiff’s counsel, i.e. his success rate at trial or in garnering large settlements, or her willingness to see the case through to trial or even to appeal an adverse decision when warranted. These qualities make an opponent formidable which sets the stage to negotiate favorable settlements.
A formidable opponent tips the scales in the plaintiff’s favor when the defendant conducts a cost benefit analysis. Does the defendant want to incur the significant expense of going to trial and risk losing, or even if they win, slogging through a costly appeal? In many cases, faced with such strident and vigorous opposition, the defense will value the case at a higher amount and manage the expectations of the defendant party in anticipation of an unfavorable result.
Maintaining a rigorous and unyielding posture throughout the litigation consistent with a tenacious reputation puts the plaintiff in the best posture for settlement. I have often advanced creative and strenuous legal arguments to overcome motions to dismiss or for summary judgment and convinced the judge to allow the jury to decide the case.
Once we’ve overcome such obstacles to getting a trial, we are now in a position to negotiate an advantageous settlement. And if not, then that’s what trials are for and that’s why I’m a trial lawyer.
Attorney Laird M. Ozmon