Notable Cases

Obtained a jury verdict of $7.5 Million for client on a fraud claim against bank for wrongful conversion of heavy equipment, which at the time was one of the largest verdicts rendered by a Guam jury in a tort case.

Defended the structural engineer in the Royal Palm Hotel lawsuit, in which the owner sued the structural engineer, the contractor, the construction manager, and insurance companies for damages resulting from the collapse of a hotel during an earthquake.  Tom obtained the dismissal of his client from the lawsuit.  The jury exonerated the structural engineer but returned a verdict against other defendants for $150 Million.  It became the longest and most costly civil suit in Guam history.

Represented the family of an infant girl suffering from cerebral palsy (hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy) in a medical malpractice claim which settled out of court at the conclusion of a discovery for more than $4 million.  Tom had a similar claim for other clients which settled for the full statutory amount available.

Successfully foreclosed a mechanic lien on behalf of a contractor client owed millions for the construction of the Holiday Inn Hotel in Tumon, Guam, whereby Tom sold the hotel at public auction (purchased by the client on a credit bid).

Obtained nearly $5 Million on behalf of a subcontractor on a claim against the prime contractor and surety company for work performed on the new Guam airport.

 

Successfully defended a structural engineer in an indemnification action in federal court brought by an Insurer for typhoon damage to a commercial pier (defense verdict rendered by jury).

Recently defended a surety company in arbitration on a $3.5 Million claim brought by a hotel owner.  Client was instead given a net award of more than $3 Million on its counterclaim, plus attorney fees.

Obtained a jury verdict of $1.6 Million after approximately 2 hours of deliberation following a 14 day trial on a mechanic lien claim on behalf of a steel supplier and erector of a hotel.