News & Events
Franden Woodard Included in 2012 List of Super Lawyers
Eight Franden Woodard lawyers are among Oklahoma’s Super Lawyers for 2012. “Super Lawyers” in Oklahoma are nominated by their peers, evaluated by researchers who review online databases and legal publications, and information supplied by lawyers. Candidates are grouped according to their practice areas, and a point system is used to determine the winning lawyers. Joe …
Why You Should Consider Hiring Franden | Woodard | Farris | Quillin + Goodnight
High caliber and intelligent lawyers, paralegals, and staff that have practical and common sense knowledge of best litigation practices; Well respected ethical lawyers with substantial experience in high profile and large loss matters; Services performed by lowest hourly rate personnel qualified for the task when appropriate; Technology such as video conferencing used to avoid …
Oklahoma Bar Association House of Delegates
Recently, Franden Woodard lawyers were elected as delegates and alternate delegates for the Oklahoma Bar Association House of Delegates. Congratulations to John R. Woodard, III and Steve Balman for being elected delegates and Michael O’Malley, Adam Montessi, Alex Sisemore, and Jeremy Ward for being elected as alternate delegates.
Oklahoma Supreme Court Revives Deep Pocket Rule for Many Negligence Cases that Accrued Between November 1, 2009 and November 1, 2011
When joint-and-several liability applies, each defendant is liable for the full amount of a plaintiff’s damages. By contrast, when liability is several only (and not joint), each defendant’s liability is limited to his or her percentage of fault. The distinction can make a tremendous difference when there are multiple tortfeasors, one or more of whom …
Significant Change to Prejudgment Interest in Oklahoma Personal Injury Cases
On June 4, 2013, the Oklahoma Supreme Court issued an opinion striking down H.B. 1603, commonly known as the Comprehensive Lawsuit Reform Act of 2009 (CLRA). See Douglas v. Cox Retirement Properties, Inc., 2013 OK 37. One of the most significant effects of the Douglas decision will be the change in how prejudgment interest is …
Jason Goodnight Earns Defense Verdict In Trucking Case
Jason Goodnight successfully defended a trucking company and its driver in a recent case tried to a jury in Arkansas. The company driver was traveling down the highway in heavy rain on a flooded portion of the road. Another tractor-trailer suddenly stopped and swerved in front of the company driver. The company driver was unable …
“Closing” Versus “Vacating” Public Ways and Easements
By Briana J. Ross I. Definition of a Public Way and Easement Perhaps the first order of business is to define a “public way” and an “easement.” A public way is defined as “a street, avenue, boulevard, alley, lane or thoroughfare open for public use.”[i] Note that the definition of a public way does not …
Paula Quillin’s Father Honored for WWII Sacrifice
Paula Quillin traveled to Lisse Holland with her brother’s family and her mother In September to participate in a ceremony for a B-17 bomber crew shot down over Holland in World War II. Paula’s father, John Paul Quillin (known as Paul), was co-pilot of the airplane. Paul landed in a lake and was rescued by …
Premises Liability in Oklahoma
Premises Liability in Oklahoma Landowner Premises Liability “Premises liability” refers to the “liability . . . of the owner/occupier of the premises where [an] injury occurs.” Thomas v. E-Z Mart Stores, Inc., 102 P.3d 133, 136 (Okla. 2004). An action against a landowner for premises liability sounds in tort for negligence whereby a plaintiff …
Setting up a Tax Exempt Nonprofit in Oklahoma
By Adam Montessi The government likes tax money. Consequently, setting up a tax-exempt nonprofit corporation takes significantly more time, effort, and paperwork than forming a for-profit business entity. The rewards that come from gaining tax-exempt status, however, are well worth the effort. Nonprofit corporations in Oklahoma provide assistance to the needy, educate our citizens, conduct …
Defamation of Private Individuals in Oklahoma
By Alex Sisemore An early decision by the Oklahoma Supreme Court announced, “A man’s good name and reputation is his most valuable personal and property right and one that no man may wrongfully injure or destroy without being held accountable for.” Dusabek v. Martz, 249 P. 145, 147 (Okla. 1926). Such a sentiment is the …