Representative Cases
Airline Safety
Stewart v. Horizon Air, State of Oregon, Multnomah County Circuit Court Case No. 0102-01506: Captain Richard “Buddy” Stewart refused to fly a Horizon Air jet that had repeated vibration problems. For acting to protect Horizon passengers, his crew and the company, Horizon management suspended and demoted Captain Stewart. The CEO of Horizon Air then made false statements about Captain Stewart to the media. David Sugerman represented Captain Stewart against Horizon Air and George Bagley, the former CEO. The matter settled shortly before trial with a payment of a confidential amount.
Child Abuse
John Does v. O.K. Boys Ranch, State of Washington Pierce County Superior Court Case Nos. 93-2-01811-5; 93-2-00224-3; 96-2-02997-9: David Paul joined forces with lawyers in Washington on a series of cases that changed juvenile care in Washington. By the end of the series of cases, Paul & Sugerman, PC clients from Oregon and Washington had collected over $30 million in settlements against the State, a boys home operator, and their insurers. As a result of these cases, the offending group home was closed, and the State made extensive changes in handling child placements to group homes.
Class Actions
Shea v. Chicago Pneumatic, State of Oregon Multnomah County Circuit Court Case No. 9509-06261. As lead counsel, David Sugerman achieved settlement for Oregon autoglass workers injured by the Chicago Pneumatic’s CP 838 pneumatic cutting tool. Under the settlement, the Oregon workers received $2.65 million. Reported opinion: Shea v. Chicago Pneumatic, 164 Or. App. 198, 990 P.2d 912 (1999).
Consumer Protection
Martin v. Comcast, State of Oregon, Multnomah County Circuit Court Case No. 0407-07245. As lead counsel, David Sugerman obtained a ruling that mandatory arbitration clauses in cable subscriber service agreements cannot be enforced. The clause stripped Oregon consumers of their rights under Oregon law. The case is ongoing, as David now seeks refunds of illegally billed cable late fee charges. Reported opinion: Martin v. Comcast, 209 Or. App. 82, 146 P.3d 380 (2006)
Dangerous Products
Bradley v. Chicago Pneumatic Tool Co., U.S. District Court Case No. CV 01-1162-KI.
As lead counsel, David Sugerman obtained a $2.3 million dollar verdict for five workers who suffered disabling vibration injuries to their hands caused by a dangerous product manufactured by Chicago Pneumatic Tool Company. The case settled on appeal.
Employment Discrimination
Frison v. Interstate Heavy Hauling, U.S. District Court Case No. CV 00-1097-JO, Frison v. In this race discrimination case, David Paul represented a trucker who was subjected to workplace race discriminate. The case settled, with entry of a judgment of $150,000.
Environmental Protection
25 Residents v. Monaco Coach Corporation: State of Oregon, Lane County Circuit Court Case No. CV 91-6100-KI. The manufacturer’s unregulated toxic fumes caused major problems in the neighborhood. David Paul represented the neighbors and obtained a confidential settlement that included a 95 percent reduction in plant emissions.
Medical Negligence
Bui v. SOS and Lucent Technologies, U.S. District Court Case No. CV 99-1127-MO: In this wrongful death claim, David Sugerman served as lead counsel for the family of Huong Dung. While employed in Saudi Arabia, Mr. Duong suffered a heart attack while posted in Saudi Arabia. His employer kept his passport, preventing him from leaving the Kingdom. SOS provided medical advice and a referral to a substandard medical facility where Mr. Duong died for lack of adequate medical care. The case settled.
Motor Vehicle Collisions
Daoudi v. Stanich, State of Oregon Multnomah County Circuit Court Case No. 98-04-02364: State Farm Insurance offered Mr. Daoudi $5,000 to settle his case, which involved a disabling permanent back injury. David Paul tried the case to a jury, obtaining a verdict in excess of $175,000.
Wage and Hour
Daggett, et al. v. Blind Enterprises of Oregon, U.S. District Court Case No. CV 95-421-ST David Sugerman represented visually impaired workers in this class action under both the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. The class claimed that the employer paid visually-impaired workers less than sighted workers and failed to pay for all hours worked. Settlement for $450,000. Certification opinion: 1996 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 22465 (D. Or. Apr. 18, 1996).