Real Cases / Real Results
Explore real-life cases where we have fought tirelessly for accident victims and their families. From auto and truck accidents to wrongful death and catastrophic injuries, our proven track record reflects our commitment to securing justice and maximum compensation. Every case tells a story of resilience, advocacy, and meaningful change.
Commercial Trucking and 18-Wheeler Crashes and Wrecks:
Over the years, Dean has represented multiple people catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases arising out of 18-wheeler wrecks across the country.
In 2006, Dean represented the families of 10 people that were killed when an unqualified truck driver crossed the median of U.S. Highway 75 and plowed his 18-wheeler into a SUV and a pickup truck. The truck driver was sentenced to 10 years in prison last year after pleading guilty to 10 counts of manslaughter. At the time, it was the largest vehicular manslaughter case in Texas. Read more about the case here:
Truck Wreck: Manuel Esparza Case
On September 20, 2004, a tragic accident occurred near Sherman, Texas, when a tractor-trailer crossed the median on U.S. Highway 75 and collided with two vehicles traveling southbound. The collision resulted in the deaths of ten individuals, including five members of the Esparza family. The driver of the tractor-trailer, Miroslaw Janusz Jozwiak, was later sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to 10 counts of manslaughter.
Following the accident, the families of the victims, including members of the Esparza family, filed a lawsuit against Eagle Express Lines, Inc., KV Express, Inc., and other associated parties. The case, titled Esparza et al. v. Eagle Express Lines, Inc. et al., was filed in the Eastern District of Texas, Sherman Division (Case No. 4:05-CV-315). The plaintiffs alleged negligence on the part of the trucking companies and sought compensation for their losses. Attorney Dean Gresham represented the victims' families in legal proceedings against the responsible parties. Their efforts aimed to hold those accountable for the tragedy and seek justice for the affected families.
cabadvantage.com, cbsnews.com, Insider Exclusive Blog: Texas' Deadliest Tractor-Trailer Disaster.
Truck Wreck – Mullikin
https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/fatal-crash-closes-westbound-interstate-635/2090370/
Truck Wreck - Craddock
Truck Wreck - Kellum case
Summary of the Libby Kellum Litigation
On June 13, 2006, 22-year-old Elizabeth "Libby" Kellum was severely injured in a catastrophic truck accident on U.S. Highway 75. While attempting to evade a reckless tractor-trailer that swerved into her lane, she was struck by another 80,000-pound commercial truck, leaving her with a permanent brain injury. Despite the life-threatening injuries, Libby survived and underwent a remarkable medical recovery.
Her parents, on her behalf, filed a lawsuit (Kellum v. Allied Van Lines et al.) against the two truck drivers and their employers, alleging gross negligence. The lawsuit claimed that the trucking companies failed to conduct proper background checks, which would have revealed the drivers' history of reckless driving, DUIs, and speeding violations. Additionally, they accused the defendants of negligent hiring and retention, as well as failing to enforce critical safety policies and comply with state and federal trucking regulations.
Attorney Dean Gresham took on the case, challenging the powerful trucking and insurance companies in pursuit of justice for Libby. Their aggressive legal strategy exposed industry-wide safety failures and secured a substantial recovery for Libby and her family. Fineberg and Gresham, both highly regarded litigators, have built a reputation for handling high-stakes commercial and catastrophic injury cases, obtaining multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements for their clients.
Insider Exclusive Blog: Trailer Truck Nightmare Accidents.
Fires and Explosions:
San Marcos Apartment Fire
In July 2018, a devastating fire at the Iconic Village Apartments in San Marcos, Texas, resulted in the deaths of five individuals and severe injuries to several others, including 20-year-old Zachary Sutterfield. Zachary suffered third-degree burns over 70% of his body and was initially given a 50% chance of survival. Dean Gresham represented Zack and his family and filed a lawsuit against the apartment's owners and managers, alleging negligence due to unsafe conditions that contributed to the tragedy. The lawsuit claimed that the building's recently installed metal roof acted as a furnace, intensifying the fire. In November 2021, the apartment owners reached a settlement with the families affected by the fire.
San Marcos fire survivor fights for his life in San Antonio hospital
San Marcos Iconic Village apartments fire survivor 1 year later | kvue.com
On second anniversary, Iconic Village apartment fire investigation remains open
Natural Gas Explosions
After a natural gas leak in a home caused an explosion, the victims turned to Dean to investigate and take on Atmos Energy because the gas supplied by Atmos was unable to be smelled by the victims. You can read about case here: https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/investigates/we-never-smelled-gas-why-do-some-house-explosions-come-with-no-warning/287-565699468
https://dfw.cbslocal.com/2019/01/24/burn-survivor-speaks-gas-explosion/
Train Wrecks:
On Veteran’s Day 2012, a Union Pacific train collided into a flatbed trailer being used as a parade float carrying 26 passengers, 12 of which were veterans who had been wounded in action. The train wreck killed four veterans and injured 16 others. One of the veteran’s family retained Dean to bring justice for their loss of their son. You can read more about this tragic case here:
https://www.wsj.com/articles/before-fatal-midland-train-crash-a-litany-of-errors-1382743625
https://www.oaoa.com/news/crime_justice/courts/article_bb56e436-9da4-11e4-8ccb-078e8f65fddb.html
Oilfield Explosions and Accidents:
Shannon Kelley Case:
In June 2007, Shannon Kelley, a 36-year-old relief pumper, suffered severe burns over nearly 90% of her body due to a natural gas explosion at a well near Riverton, Wyoming. While working inside a small metal building housing a dehydrator—a device that separates "dry" natural gas from "wet" natural gas liquids—an explosion occurred, likely caused by a gas leak that ignited. Kelley managed to drive to a higher elevation to get cell service and call for help. She was subsequently treated at the University of Colorado Hospital's Burn Center.
Attorney Dean Gresham represented Kelley in a lawsuit against the lease operator and the manufacturer of the dehydrator that exploded. Following her recovery, Kelley became an advocate for burn survivors, offering support and sharing her experiences to help others facing similar challenges.
Nightmare ordeal spurs burn survivor to help others - UCHealth Today
Dean has represented many clients that were injured or killed in the oil field or offshore as the result of negligence and gross negligence of owners and operators in the oil industry.
Premises Liability and Workplace Injuries
Jim McNeil Professional Motocross Rider
In November 2011, professional freestyle motocross rider Jim McNeil tragically died during a practice session for an exhibition at the Texas Motor Speedway. While attempting a jump over a motorhome—a standard stunt in such exhibitions—McNeil's motorcycle malfunctioned, causing him to collide with the motorhome and suffer fatal injuries.
Following his death, McNeil's estate, wife, and parents filed a wrongful death lawsuit against FreestyleMX.com, Inc., the organizer of the event, and its owner, Marc Burnett. The plaintiffs, represented by attorney Dean Gresham, alleged negligence, claiming that the defendants failed to implement adequate safety measures, such as protective airbags and proper spacing between the motorhome and landing ramp, which could have prevented the fatal accident.
The defendants sought summary judgment, invoking the primary assumption of risk doctrine, which posits that participants in inherently dangerous sports accept the risks involved. However, the court denied this motion, stating that there were genuine issues of material fact regarding whether the defendants had increased the inherent risks of freestyle motocross by not providing appropriate safety equipment.
Ultimately, the parties reached a settlement in the wrongful death claim, concluding the litigation.
FMX rider Jim McNeil dies from injuries sustained at Texas Motor Speedway - ESPN
Motocross Star’s Wrongful Death Case Settled | Courthouse News Service
Near-Drowning in Community Pool
In 2018, three-year-old Noah Whittington nearly drowned in a Missouri City, Texas, pool while visiting family. A bystander, Gerard Wilcher, noticed Noah underwater and rescued him, performing CPR until paramedics arrived. Despite suffering severe brain trauma, Noah has undergone extensive hyperbaric oxygen treatments to aid his recovery. His mother, Cassandra Archey, shared his journey to raise awareness and inspire hope. The community has rallied around Noah, and fundraising efforts continue to support his ongoing medical needs. Read more here.
The family retained Dean to fight for justice for their son. You can read more about that case here:
https://abc13.com/society/3-year-old-who-nearly-drowned-meets-heroes-who-saved-his-life/5140384/
SUV Crashes Through SMU Student’s Apartment, almost killing her!
Dean represented a college student who was severely injured after a GMC Yukon driver by a drunk driver plowed through her apartment wall and almost killed her while she was sitting on her couch watching Judge Judy on a Friday afternoon.
In 2007, Chynna Stone, a Southern Methodist University (SMU) student, suffered severe injuries when an SUV driven by Bryan Michael Adams crashed into her ground-floor apartment, pinning her beneath the vehicle. The incident occurred at the University Gardens complex near the SMU campus. Stone sustained multiple fractures and internal injuries, leading to extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
In response, Stone and her family filed a lawsuit against Adams, alleging negligence and seeking compensation for her injuries. The legal action also targeted the apartment complex's management, Lion Venture, L.P., and related entities, claiming inadequate safety measures contributed to the severity of the incident. The lawsuit highlighted concerns about driver responsibility and residential safety standards.
The case underscored the importance of ensuring safe living environments and holding individuals accountable for negligent actions that endanger others. You can read more about this unbelievable case here: https://www.dallasobserver.com/news/two-years-after-smu-student-was-buried-by-suv-in-her-apartment-the-lawsuit-7113947
Read more about the case here:
https://smudailycampus.com/101529/news/prayer-service-held-for-smu-student/
https://www.courthousenews.com/buried-alive-by-drunk-driver-woman-says/
https://archives.starbulletin.com/2008/04/21/news/briefs.html
Dram Shop Liability:
Dean represented a man who was permanently injured when by a drunk driver who was over-served at ritzy Houston nightclub that provided an obscene and unlawful amount of alcohol to the drunk driver before giving him his keys and turning him loose on the streets of Houston.
As a community, we all have a responsibility to other members of our community. After all, a shared responsibility for one another’s health and well-being is the fabric which binds together any healthy community. And this expectation of responsibility and accountability does not just extend to individuals. It extends, as well, to companies, and even nightclubs that don’t follow the law. Dean was able to achieve a settlement that will provide for the future medical care needs of his client.
Workplace Negligence at DFW Airport:
In 2009, a tragic incident occurred at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) when a refueling contractor was fatally struck by lightning while servicing an American Airlines aircraft on the tarmac. The victim's family subsequently filed a lawsuit against American Airlines and DFW Airport, alleging negligence in failing to implement adequate safety protocols to protect ground personnel during severe weather conditions. The case underscored the critical importance of stringent safety measures and timely communication to ensure the well-being of airport workers during adverse weather events.
Dean represented the man who suffered a serious brain injury as the result of the lighting strike. Dean successfully resolved the case against American Airlines because it did not close the tarmac as it should have during the thunderstorm.
Negligence | Courthouse News Service
Medical Malpractice Cases:
Dean routinely represents victims of medical malpractice of doctors, nurses, hospitals, dentists, and other health care providers. In a more recent case, Dean represented the family of a young woman who presented to a hospital to give birth to her third child. The woman suffered from a known condition associated with pregnancy called pre-eclampsia. Unfortunately, her health care providers failed to properly diagnose, monitor, and provide appropriate treatment to prevent pre-eclampsia from progressing to eclampsia – an acute and life-threatening condition characterized by severe seizures. Because the nurses failed to tell her doctor that she developed signs and symptoms of eclampsia, the hospital sent her home where she had severe seizures and is not permanently and irreversibly brain damaged, incapable of taking care of herself or meaningfully interacting with her family or environment.
Dean and the team took on the hospital and were able to achieve a settlement for the family that, although it will not restore her, brings some solace and support for her family. Now, she will get all the health care she needs and her family will have the support they need to give her the best quality of life possible.
Carlos Rojas:
In October 2017, 27-year-old Carlos David Castro Rojas underwent surgery at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas to repair a fractured shin. During the procedure, he suffered a significant drop in blood pressure, leading to a lack of oxygen to his brain and resulting in a permanent vegetative state. A subsequent lawsuit filed by his family alleged negligence on the part of U.S. Anesthesia Partners, claiming that the supervising anesthesiologist was overseeing multiple procedures simultaneously, which compromised patient care. In October 2022, a Dallas County jury awarded the Rojas family over $21 million in damages. Dean Gresham, along with Charla Aldous, represented the Rojas family.
Edna Sanford – Nursing Home Abuse
In 2009, Edna Sanford, a 91-year-old resident of a Dallas nursing home, was attacked by ants while in her bed. Following this incident, her family filed a lawsuit against the nursing home, alleging negligence in maintaining a safe environment. The case was filed on behalf of the family by attorney Dean Gresham and reported by CBS 11 Dallas, highlighting concerns about the quality of care in nursing facilities.
Attorney Dean Gresham said that this case underscores the critical importance of maintaining safe and hygienic conditions in nursing homes to protect vulnerable residents.
Brazilian Butt Lift Gone Wrong:
In 2013, Irma LeCroy underwent a "Brazilian butt lift" procedure, expecting a straightforward surgery with a same-day discharge. However, post-operatively, she experienced severe complications, including difficulty breathing, necessitating emergency surgery at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas. Surgeons removed the injected fat and excised damaged muscle tissue from her thighs and buttocks. LeCroy endured 26 additional surgeries, resulting in chronic pain, mobility issues requiring leg braces, and an inability to work, leading to significant personal and financial losses. She filed a lawsuit against the performing physician and the company that supplied the surgical equipment, alleging negligence. Medical professionals emphasize the importance of selecting qualified, board-certified surgeons and thoroughly researching practitioners before undergoing cosmetic procedures.You can read more about this horrible incident here:
Woman paralyzed after Brazilian Butt Lift files lawsuit | wfaa.com
https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2012/12/10/cosmetic-surgery-laws-effect-debated/1759839/
https://www.ksat.com/news/2013/02/20/woman-shares-plastic-surgery-nightmare-2/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eK1RKG-TWGM
https://www.fox4news.com/news/north-texas-doctor-accused-of-bilking-medicare
https://www.foxnews.com/health/plastic-surgery-nightmare-for-a-texas-woman
Dangerous and Defective Product Cases:
Dean has sued many of the country’s largest companies for designing and marketing defective products that kill or injure his clients, including General Motors, Takata, Olympus America, Sunbeam Products, Atmos Energy, Monsanto, Glaxo Smith Kline, Nissan Motors, Mitsubishi Motors, American Airlines, NATCO Group, Solta Medical, Intuitive Surgical, and many others.
Consumer Product Defect Litigation
Consumers trust that the products they use every day are safe—but when defective products enter the market, they can cause serious injuries or even death. Whether due to poor design, manufacturing flaws, or inadequate warnings, dangerous consumer products put lives at risk.
Sunbeam Electric Blanket Fires:
In 2004, a class-action lawsuit was filed against Sunbeam Products, Inc. in Miller County, Arkansas, alleging that the safety circuits in their electric blankets and mattress pads were defective, increasing the risk of fire. Despite denying the allegations, Sunbeam agreed to a settlement and subsequently redesigned the products to enhance safety.
This case is part of a broader pattern of legal challenges faced by Sunbeam concerning the safety of their heated blankets. For instance, in March 2023, Sunbeam recalled approximately 43,000 queen-size heated blankets due to risks of overheating, which posed fire and burn hazards. The recall was initiated after 13 reports of the blankets overheating, though no injuries were reported at that time.
These incidents underscore the importance of rigorous safety standards and prompt action by manufacturers to address potential hazards in consumer products.
Sunbeam initiates heated blanket recall due to burn, fire hazards
https://www.uschamber.com/cases/class-actions-and-mass-actions/grammar-et-al-v-sunbeam-products-inc
Sperm Bank and Cryobank Cases:
Dean is one of the nation’s most well recognized lawyers in the area of sperm bank litigation. He has sued the nation’s largest sperm bank, California Cryobank, Manhattan Cryobank, Fairfax Cryobank, and New England Cryobank and has recovered substantial amounts for his clients after they purchased donor sperm that was not properly screened for genetic and other types of diseases, resulting in a child born with a disease.
After their son was born with cystic fibrosis, the family traced the disease back to donor sperm that they purchased from a sperm bank. The sperm bank did not properly screen the donor for genetic diseases, even though it represented to the family that the donor did not carry any genetic disease traits. The family turned to Dean in one of the first cases ever against a sperm bank for causing a child to be born with a genetic disease. You can read more about this novel and heartbreaking case here:
https://dfw.cbslocal.com/2012/02/16/parents-sue-cryogenic-center-over-childs-cystic-fibrosis/
You can read about other sperm bank cases that Dean has handled here:
https://nypost.com/2019/05/10/manhattan-sperm-bank-didnt-properly-screen-for-genetic-diseases-suit/
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/sperm-bank-industry-is-buyer-beware-expert-says/
Wrongful Adoption Case
Meeker Case:
In 2015, attorney Dean Gresham, on behalf of the Meeker Family, filed a lawsuit against Starfish Children's Services, alleging that the organization misrepresented the medical condition of their adopted daughter, Carys, from China. The Meekers were informed that Carys had spina bifida and developmental delays; however, upon her arrival in the U.S., they discovered she also suffered from blindness, deafness, cerebral palsy, hepatitis C, scoliosis, hydrocephalus, and severe epilepsy. The lawsuit claimed that Starfish deliberately withheld critical medical information, leading the Meekers to adopt a child whose needs exceeded their capacity to provide care. They sought damages to cover the extensive medical expenses required for Carys's care. Read more about the case here:
Couple says adoption agency lied about child’s severe health problems and CBS11 I-Team: Adoption Heartbreak - CBS Texas and Global Adoption News → Parents sue after adopting Chinese girl, 8, with spina bifida only to find she is also deaf, blind, has hepatitis C, epilepsy, and scoliosis
Construction Defect
LBJ Expressway Construction Damages over 200 Homes in Dallas:
Dean Gresham represented the Rodriguez family (and 220 other families) in a lawsuit against Trinity Infrastructure over construction defects related to the LBJ Express Tollway Project. A Dallas County jury awarded the family $248,723 in damages after evidence showed severe structural damage to their home caused by the construction. The case set a precedent, with over 220 additional plaintiffs filing similar lawsuits. Gresham highlighted the impact of construction on homes, demonstrating significant shifts in foundations. More details can be found here.
News links:
https://www.cbsnews.com/texas/news/couple-wins-lbj-express-damage-lawsuit-awarded-248k/
https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/nearly-25000-awarded-in-lbj-express-trial/50289/
https://www.cbsnews.com/texas/news/jury-to-decide-if-lbj-express-construction-damaged-homes/
https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/neighbors-feuding-over-lbj-express-project/168152/
https://www.courthousenews.com/class-fights-giant-highway-project/
https://cw33.com/news/homeowners-demand-10-million-from-lbj-express-contractors/
https://www.advocatecapital.com/blog/attorney-dean-gresham-gets-justice-for-homeowners/
Toxic Torts and Dangerous Drugs and Medical Devices:
Toxic tort cases arise when individuals suffer serious health consequences due to exposure to dangerous chemicals, environmental pollutants, or hazardous substances. These exposures can occur in the workplace, through contaminated water, defective products, or harmful pharmaceuticals. Victims may develop life-altering conditions such as cancer, respiratory diseases, or neurological disorders. At Gresham Law Group, we are dedicated to holding negligent corporations and entities accountable for the harm they cause. Our experienced attorneys fight for the compensation you deserve, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you’ve been harmed by toxic exposure, contact us today for a free consultation.
Jeremy Jackson v. Aircraft Tooling – lung disease caused by exposure to tungsten carbide cobalt – flame sprayer
In Dallas County, Texas, Jeremy Jackson filed a lawsuit against Aircraft Tooling, Inc., alleging that he suffered health issues due to workplace exposure to tungsten carbide cobalt. The lawsuit claimed that the company failed to provide adequate safety measures and protective equipment, leading to his exposure to hazardous substances. Jackson sought compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other related damages.
Da Vinci Robot Defect Litigation
The Da Vinci Surgical Robot litigation involves lawsuits against Intuitive Surgical, Inc., the manufacturer of the widely used robotic-assisted surgical system. Patients and medical professionals have raised concerns about defects in the device, including malfunctioning components, inadequate surgeon training, and a lack of proper safety warnings.
Many lawsuits allege that the Da Vinci robot’s defective design, such as improperly insulated surgical arms, led to unintended electrical burns, organ damage, and other severe complications during minimally invasive procedures. Plaintiffs claim that Intuitive Surgical failed to properly disclose risks, rushed the technology into widespread use, and did not provide sufficient training to surgeons, increasing the likelihood of surgical errors.
The litigation has resulted in settlements with patients seeking compensation for injuries caused by the device. Gresham represented multiple clients that were injured as a result of the alleged Da Vinci Robot defect.
Trust & Estate Litigation – Commercial Litigation
Hill v. Hunt
The Albert G. Hill III litigation was a high-profile legal battle involving the wealthy Hill family of Texas, heirs to the fortune of oil tycoon H.L. Hunt. Albert G. Hill III, the great-grandson of Hunt, sued his family members, alleging mismanagement and fraud in the handling of family trusts worth hundreds of millions of dollars. The legal dispute, which spanned several years, involved allegations of breaches of fiduciary duty, improper trust administration, and conflicts over inheritance rights.
Hill III’s lawsuit led to a contentious and highly publicized family feud, with counterclaims from his relatives accusing him of financial misconduct. The case ultimately resulted in a complex settlement, but not before exposing deep divisions within the powerful family. The litigation underscored the challenges of wealth management in multi-generational dynasties and the legal complexities of high-stakes trust disputes.
https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2008/06/hunt200806
https://www.dmagazine.com/publications/d-magazine/2010/may/the-hunt-family-court-battle/