Galloway Johnson Tompkins Burr & Smith attorneys in Houston, Texas, persisted in their vigorous construction litigation defense and earned another victory in a case where the Plaintiff sought monetary relief of over $1,000,000. Andy Krone and Les Pickett led the team’s efforts, with Dallas attorney Jordan White providing crucial support in preparing highly effective legal briefs.
As the matter bounced between trial court, appeal, and mediation, Andy, Les, and Jordan remained committed to delivering exceptional client service and representation that protects business interests.
Construction Litigation Case Background
In this construction litigation case, Galloway represented a family-owned, Fort Worth, Texas residential homebuilder. The Plaintiff was walking across an undeveloped lot owned by our client, stepped into an open water meter lid on an undeveloped lot, and proceeded to break their ankle.
Under Texas law, the duty owed by a landowner depends on the status of the entrant. Andy, Les, and Jordan argued that the Plaintiff was trespassing with no permission to enter the premises. In the alternative, they argued that even if the Court accepted the Plaintiff’s argument that she was not a trespasser and was, in fact, a licensee, the Plaintiff still needed to show that Galloway’s client had actual knowledge of the condition.
The Galloway team in Houston mediated the case twice, and the Plaintiff was seeking monetary relief of over $1,000,000. Summary judgment for our client was originally granted in January 2024 before the Plaintiff appealed. After being sent back to the trial court on specific, limited grounds, Galloway won on summary judgment again a month before a jury trial was set to begin.
Galloway’s Construction Defense
For decades, Galloway Johnson Tompkins Burr & Smith has partnered with homebuilders, general contractors, developers, and owners in numerous construction litigation matters. Our construction attorneys build an effective defense strategy on the foundation of facts, case law, experience and expertise.
In complex construction cases, Galloway attorneys like Andy, Les, and Jordan are determined to see favorable results through mediation, dispositive motions, trial, or settlement. Our team is focused in the boardroom and courtroom so their construction clients can focus on their business objectives and the jobsite.
Andy Krone’s clients depend on his extensive trial and alternative dispute resolution experience, providing them with accurate, early case assessments and relentlessly pursuing a successful outcome at trial or in mediation.
With more than three decades of experience, Les Pickett knows how to quickly and efficiently evaluate claims and lawsuits to assist his clients in deciding whether the matter should be resolved early or taken through trial.
Jordan White provides responsive representation along with a detailed strategy for every step of the legal process throughout the life of the client’s case.
Galloway maintains a keen eye on timely resolutions through their result-driven representation in Houston, Dallas, and across Texas.
