News Brief
Transport Topics Quotes Del Gatto on Appeal of His $82 Million Verdict in Michigan
Brian Del Gatto (Partner-Phoenix, AZ) was quoted in “Canadian Carrier to Appeal Nuclear Verdict,” which appeared in the May 18, 2023, posting of Transport Topics. The case involves a Canadian motor carrier that plans to file an appeal of an $82 million jury verdict ( which should be reduced closer to $72 million after post-verdict motions) in a 2018 fatal crash in Michigan involving two deaths for which it had admitted fault, on grounds primarily related to the amount awarded and decisions made by the court during trial. Brian, the trucking company’s trial attorney, along with Bill Cook (Partner-Michigan) and Kate Beres (Associate-Michigan), co-tried the case. Brian explained that admitting responsibility was a “strategic decision” that will be “outlined in future court filings.” Brian said the appeal cannot be filed until after the state judge files a formal judgment. From there, the carrier can ask the judge to reduce the amount of the verdict or order a new trial. The process could take months. The plaintiff asked for $325 million in closing arguments and the settlement demand was never below $90 million at any time.