Managing Partner, Chris Hamilton of Hamilton Wingo, LLP has been named in the Southwest Verdicts Hall of Fame for the verdict obtained in the 2014 Crisp v. McDonald’s Corp, regarding an incredible act of negligence by a multibillion-dollar corporation.

The case initially began as an insurance claim in an auto accident, but when Chris Hamilton was contacted by the attorney representing the Crisp Family, whose 19-year-old daughter was killed in the accident, he knew that what had happened that night was much bigger than a traffic accident, and so he began his work against the franchise giant, McDonald’s.

The legendary case was more than a fight for a family but protection for a community. McDonald’s was aware that police were being called repeatedly to break up fights on their property. Hiring off-duty police officers for security—which McDonald’s had done before at this location—would have kept this from happening. Still, McDonald’s Corporation chose to cancel security after they repurchased this high-traffic location from a franchisee.

Lasting for nearly two weeks, jurors reached a verdict in under four hours and awarded $27,000,000, all non-economic compensatory damages. The amount McDonald’s was ordered to pay to the victim’s families was the largest premises liability verdict in the history of the state. The case settled for a confidential amount on appeal. The real victory was the corporate level change of McDonald’s policy to now hire off-duty police officers for security and to protect the public.

“We hoped that this verdict would send a powerful message to companies that protecting customers is more important than protecting its profits,” says Named Partner Chris Hamilton of Hamilton Wingo, LLP. “This recognition is an honor, but more importantly it shows the impact of this verdict and the justice won for this family.”

The case continues to receive national coverage from media outlets such as CBSN, Bloomberg, Law.com, and The Eagle. It is also a featured 90-minute episode on The Great Trials Podcast.

ABOUT HAMILTON WINGO, LLP

Hamilton Wingo, LLP, is a nationally recognized plaintiff’s trial firm based in Dallas, Texas. Our trial lawyers specialize in representing people and companies in high-stakes complex litigation. Our clients are more than cases; we strive to provide top-rated customer service and the best experience for our clients. We have obtained hundreds of millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements across the country.

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