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Case Study 5

$1 Million Wrongful Death Case ($555,912.76 Net to Family)

Team Lead

Michael Volk

Michael Volk is recognized for his calm, strategic approach in the most complex and emotionally charged cases. He has guided families and businesses alike through high-stakes legal battles by breaking down complicated problems and building clear, powerful strategies. Whether in intellectual property or serious injury and wrongful death cases, Michael is known for staying steady under pressure and pursuing justice with precision.

The Challenge

 A family came to us after the drowning death of their middle-school-aged son at a hotel pool. They were devastated and searching for accountability. The immediate obstacle was daunting: the primary responsible party had qualified immunity, which meant they could not be sued directly. That forced us to find another path to justice. Our attorneys went to the scene in person, and what we saw was shocking—an absence of basic safety measures that should have been in place to prevent such a tragedy.

Warnings Posted. Safety Missing.

The Approach

  • Fiercely Contested Case
  • Defense relied on posted warnings like “swim at your own risk” to deny liability
  • Required overcoming strong legal defenses and presumptions of non-responsibility
  • Expert Involvement
  • Retained leading experts in water and pool safety immediately
  • Conducted thorough analysis of the hotel pool’s conditions and failures
  • Premises Liability Challenges
  • Proving negligence alone was not enough for recovery
  • Built the case around showing systemic safety failures that rose to legal responsibility
  • Strategic Focus
  • Centered arguments on preventable dangers and ignored safety standards
  • Established clear evidence that the property failed to protect its guests

The Conclusion & Results

  • Settlement Achieved
  • $555,912.76 net to the family
  • Marked the firm’s first seven-figure case
  • Family’s Story
  • Family came from modest means, and the son was on track to become the first to attend college
  • Settlement provided financial stability for his siblings despite the devastating loss
  • Justice in His Name
  • While no amount could replace their son, the case delivered accountability
  • Ensured the tragedy would not be ignored by those responsible
  • A Defining Case
  • One of the most emotionally difficult and meaningful cases the firm has ever handled
  • Stands as proof of the firm’s willingness to take on the hardest battles

Watch Michael Explain Strategy

Learn how Michael breaks down complex legal challenges, from intellectual property to injury claims, with calm, calculated precision.

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Immunity Claimed. Justice Won.

A grieving family was told no one could be held accountable, but we found a path forward and delivered justice in their son’s name.

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