Blizzard Greenberg Firm’s $44M Court Win Nabs No. 1 Ranking on Texas Lawyer’s Top Verdicts List for 2021
Verdict against Hilton on behalf of sexual assault victim also recognized by National Law Journal
HOUSTON – A $44 million verdict secured by trial lawyers from Blizzard Greenberg PLLC against Hilton Hotels has been named to two prestigious lists of top verdicts for 2021.
Blizzard Greenberg attorneys partnered with Michelle Simpson Tuegel on behalf of rape survivor Kathleen Dawson in a lawsuit against Hilton Management LLC and her accused attacker. The legal team successfully argued that the hotel’s lax security practices and failure to follow standard operating procedures led to the sexual assault of Ms. Dawson. Jurors agreed that Hilton’s negligence played a significant role in the March 2017 attack and awarded Ms. Dawson $44 million for medical expenses, lost earning capacity and mental anguish.
Testimony in the case showed a passerby called 9-1-1 when she saw Ms. Dawson on the ground outside the hotel with a man who looked as if he was about to sexually assault her. Police and Hilton security responded, but the hotel then helped place Ms. Dawson in the attacker’s room, where he raped her. Evidence showed the hotel never bothered to check her identification, which would have shown Ms. Dawson was a paying guest of the Hilton with her own room.
Texas Lawyer listed the decision as No. 1 in the premises liability category in Texas and No. 16 overall. The National Law Journal reported the verdict as No. 43 in the nation.
“This verdict was important for many reasons,” said Blizzard Greenberg founder Ed Blizzard. “This case sends a message to all hotels about safety and respect, and a message to hotel guests about what to expect from these facilities. Securing this verdict was one of the highlights of my career, and I am thankful for the honor of being named to these lists.”
Video of Mr. Blizzard speaking about this case is available here.
“While these honors are truly inspiring, this case means so much more to us,” said trial lawyer Anna Greenberg. “This was an emotional and exhausting trial that paid off in the end. We hope this case sets a new standard for guest safety in the hotel industry.”
The case is Kathleen Ann Dawson vs. Hilton Management LLC, and Larry Joe Clowers, Jr. No. 2018-84453 in the 189th Judicial District Court in Harris County.
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Client Testimonials
I cannot say enough good things about my experience with Blizzard Greenberg! As an out-of-state client, I was skeptical about obtaining first-rate representation for my sexual assault case. After my first meeting with Anna and Ed I knew I was in the right hands; it didn’t take long before the entire team at Blizzard Greenberg knew me on a first name basis and treated me like family. Through the process, which resulted in a massive win at trial, I never doubted my representation. Anna was thorough, informative and made sure I understood and was comfortable with our approach every step of the way. Blizzard Greenberg turned a terrible experience into a success story, a victim into a survivor, and restored my faith in humanity. Anna, Ed, and the entire team at Blizzard Greenberg are the textbook example of professionalism and compassion. Thank you doesn’t do it justice…give them a call, you won’t be disappointed.
I am beyond grateful that Blizzard Greenberg represented me, and specifically Anna Greenberg who guided and supported me through my journey. My case was unique and involved multiple parties and needed innovative, meticulous, and empathetic minds. I am confident that there is not a better team that could have fought my case, or any type of sexual assault case. They provided legal, professional, and emotional support throughout my entire lawsuit. Anna empowered me to fight against the victim blaming mentality that is so often seen in these cases. Blizzard Greenberg settled my case with a huge win. I can now truly begin my healing process. Sincerely thank you to the Blizzard Greenberg team. I HIGHLY recommend.
I just wanted to thank Anna Greenberg so much for being such an amazing lawyer and doing her best since the first day we met. This positive outcome wouldn’t have been possible without Anna and the great team at Blizzard Greenberg! This is a big win for us. I am still in disbelief that I got such an outstanding result. Thank you!.
