GTP CLASSIC: John Duff & Alex Hilliard │Denise Marez and Juan Perez v. Isaac G. Rodriguez, Sr. d/b/a I & R Trucking and Rodriguez Trucking│$18 Million Verdict

This week we’re replaying a classic episode where Steve and Yvonne interview John Duff and Alex Hilliard of Hilliard Martinez Gonzalez LLP (https://www.hmglawfirm.com/).   Remember to rate and review GTP in iTunes: Click Here to Rate and Review   View/Download Trial Documents   Case Details: Texas trial attorneys John Duff and Alex Hilliard of Hilliard Martinez Gonzales LLP share how they secured justice for the family of 60-year-old truck driver Juan Perez, who died after falling through Rodriguez Trucking’s rotted roof onto a cement floor 12 feet below. Juan was a dedicated employee of Rodriguez Trucking for 17 years, contrary to the defense’s claims that he was not employed by the company at the time of the incident, and was asked to help repair the roof without a safety harness or training of any kind, both of which resulted in a serious Office of Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) violation. A San Patricio County, Texas jury found Rodriguez Trucking owner Isaac G. Rodriguez, Sr. negligent and returned a verdict of $18 million, including $10 million in punitive damages.    Guest Bios: Alex Hilliard Alex Hilliard is a dedicated advocate for those who have been injured or have lost a loved one due to another party’s negligence. Alex is committed to championing his clients’ interests, understanding the challenges they face, and helping them secure compensation for their losses. Alex’s top priority is achieving the most just case resolution for his clients, be it trial or settlement, which is seen in his tireless investigation and persistence. He has distinguished himself with the loyalty and support he shows to his clients in his determination to ensure that their voices are heard. His kindhearted nature makes him perfect for his position in personal injury and wrongful death cases – he handles clients with the sensitivity that is required yet is committed to researching and crafting a strategy that strengthens each case. He brings passion on behalf of those he serves and shares empathy with those victims of tragedy at all times. Having clerked at HMG for three years while attending St. Mary’s Law School, Alex worked on many aspects of personal injury and wrongful death litigation, including the high-profile ignition-switch litigation against General Motors. HMG represented injury victims and families of those killed in accidents caused by GM’s defective ignition switch and their concealment of safety defects. This multi-district litigation is considered the single largest product liability litigation in US history, resulting in a $575 million settlement. In September 2018, Alex was appointed to the Plaintiffs’ Litigation Committee for the MSU/Nassar Class-Action in the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan. Currently, Alex is part of a class action litigation team that represents diesel truck owners fighting against U.S. auto manufacturers — Ford, General Motors, FCA (Chrysler) — for allegedly selling millions of diesel trucks equipped with defective CP4 fuel injection pumps that disintegrate and destroy the truck’s engine, leaving consumers with repair bills that range from $8,000.00 to $20,000.00 per vehicle. Alex is a sought-after speaker, and he regularly presents on cutting-edge legal topics. This year, Alex will address audiences across the country about how law firms can improve results by conducting in-house mock trials. In the past year, Alex has lectured at the Advanced Personal Injury Law Conference in Dallas on the latest tactics in the financial aspect of budgeting a personal injury lawsuit and was a featured speaker at the Texas ALP 2018 Fall Education Conference. Alex regularly speaks