Landslides and Soil Subsidence

The firm represented 17 homeowners in Astoria, Oregon whose homes were damaged or destroyed in a landslide caused by improper excavation, negligent engineering and other errors during a construction project in the clients’ neighborhood. The homeowner clients received 98 cents on the dollar in settlement after four weeks of trial to a jury.

We represented five individuals whose homes were severely damaged due to soil subsidence as a result of improper excavation and engineering and other errors during construction of their homes. Our clients obtained settlements of about 90 cents on the dollar shortly before trial.

We represented a couple who had purchased property for the construction of their home. Shortly after construction was complete, their home was destroyed in a landslide. They brought claims of negligent misrepresentation and fraud against the developer and others for failure to disclose the condition of the property at the time of sale. The case was settled on terms very favorable to our clients.

Click to Read Julie Vacura's article on "What You Should Know If Your Home or Property is Involved in a Landslide"

Trespass and Strict Liability for Abnormally Dangerous Activity

The firm represented seven individuals whose homes were damaged or destroyed when a vintage jet fighter flying in an air show crashed into their homes. On summary judgment, the firm defeated the air show’s claims of federal preemption and won on its claim of strict liability, establishing for the first time in any U.S. court that an air show is an abnormally dangerous activity. The firm obtained a confidential settlement from the pilot’s estate and the air show.