January 25, 2024 (Dallas, TX) – The Fifth Court of Appeals of Texas reversed a judgment against property management company Monticello Asset Management. Rob Gilbreath, chair of Hawkins Parnell's appellate group, was retained to appeal the judgment.

The case involves an electrocution that caused the death of one, and serious injuries to two other employees of a plumbing company servicing the water main at an apartment complex managed by Monticello. The workers were electrocuted when they attempted to move a flagpole and it tipped over onto adjacent power lines.

Rob argued that as a matter of law, Monticello was not liable for the death and injuries because the danger was open and obvious. The court of appeals ruled in favor of Hawkins Parnell's client, reversing the trial court's judgment and rendering judgment that the plaintiffs take nothing.

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Hawkins Parnell & Young is a national defense litigation firm that has represented many of the largest and most well-known companies in high-risk litigation and business disputes. The 250-strong litigation team works with clients to develop winning defense strategies and, if necessary, try cases to verdict in all 50 states.