Christopher C. Jeffries

Representative Matters

Successfully obtained a motion for summary judgment on behalf of an international transportation client in federal court. The case was unique because it involved the intersection of the Federal Employers' Liability Act and the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). The decedent had been an employee of the transportation company and alleged that he was exposed to asbestos during his employment. Two third-party complaints for contribution under the Federal Employers' Liability Act were filed against the client relating to the decedent's claim for his developing mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure. The defense team successfully argued that the third-party complaints were barred because the decedent's only remedy was pursuant to the LHWCA, which excludes all other liability against an employer. 

Successfully defended a police officer sued for negligence and intentional torts arising from a pursuit that ended in a motor vehicle collision that resulted in the death of a motorcyclist. The decedent's mother sued the police officer for compensatory and punitive damages. The firm successfully argued a motion for judgment at the close of the plaintiff's case that resulted in the trial court dismissing all intentional tort claims and the claims for punitive damages. 

Served on the appellate team that successfully argued on behalf of the defendant-landlord that an expert witness did not have a sufficient factual basis to opine that lead exposure caused the plaintiff's Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. At the conclusion of the trial in Rochkind v. Stevenson, a jury awarded the plaintiff $753,000 in economic damages and $700,000 in non-economic damages. On appeal, the Court of Special Appeals of Maryland affirmed the award. Maryland's highest court reversed the Court of Special Appeals, holding that the trial court erred in admitting the expert testimony. As a result, the Court of Appeals remanded the case back to the Court of Special Appeals for an order vacating the monetary judgment and remanding the case to the Circuit Court for a new trial on the issue of damages. On July 22, 2017, the Daily Record reported on the decision in an article titled Court of Appeals rejects expert testimony linking lead exposure, ADHD.