COMMERCIAL LITIGATION
At Zabel Freeman, we possess extensive experience representing both individuals and companies in a broad range of commercial disputes, whether as plaintiffs or defendants. Our team has the expertise to represent our clients' interests in state and federal courts, before arbitral panels, and in front of governmental agencies and authorities.
Here is a representative sample of the types of matters we handle:
FRAUD AND RICO CLAIMS
Successfully defended clients in a complex $100 million commercial fraud and RICO case that involved multiple parties and spanned several continents. Dismissed all RICO and fraud claims against clients and secured sanctions on the remaining claims.
In a separate case, obtained summary judgment for the sole owner of a Texas company who was accused of fraud and alter ego liability by the plaintiff. The court dismissed all of the plaintiff's claims and granted the owner his attorneys' fees due to the frivolous nature of the case. The plaintiff's insurance carrier settled the case by paying the defendants the sanction award.
BREACH OF CONTRACT
The plaintiff in a breach of contract case alleged that a manufacturing company had failed to meet the terms of a property purchase note and had also failed to release the vendor's lien. However, we successfully obtained summary judgment in favor of our client, resulting in a declaratory judgment that the note had been fully satisfied. Additionally, our client was awarded $65,000 in attorney fees. Despite the plaintiff's appeal to the Houston Court of Appeals, their appeal was eventually dismissed.
INJUNCTIONS
Successfully obtained a preliminary injunction against multiple corporate entities in a complex lawsuit involving breach of contract and fraud. This resulted in those same corporate defendants being placed into receivership. Furthermore, we were able to secure a final judgment worth millions of dollars against an individual principal of one of the defendant corporations.
TOXIC TORT CLAIM
Successfully secured a favorable settlement in a toxic tort lawsuit involving 49 plaintiffs who alleged exposure to Methylenedianiline. The plaintiffs initially demanded damages exceeding $24 million and a settlement demand of policy limits of $2 million. Through the successful argumentation for the entry of a Lone Pine Order and obtaining an order sanctioning plaintiff’s counsel for $2,000 for discovery abuse, the case was settled for around 1.5% of the plaintiff’s initial claim for damages.