May 1, 2024 (Dallas, TX) – The Fifth Court of Appeals of Texas has once again ruled in favor of Hawkins Parnell's client, Monticello Asset Management, by denying a motion for a rehearing brought by the plaintiffs in a previously reversed $15.6 million jury verdict.

In January 2024, the appeals court reversed the trial court judgment against Monticello. Rob Gilbreath, chair of Hawkins Parnell's appellate group, successfully argued that the circumstances surrounding the case—where workers were injured and one was fatally electrocuted after moving a flagpole into power lines—did not warrant liability for Monticello due to the open and obvious nature of the danger.

The majority of judges voted on Tuesday to reject the plaintiffs' motion for rehearing en banc by 9-4. The decisive ruling by the Texas Court of Appeals for the Fifth District in Dallas solidifies a significant victory for Monticello.

About Hawkins Parnell & Young

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.