2003 news

November 2003
Andrew Schirrmeister and Ruth Shapiro obtained a summary judgment for a California based real estate developer in a suit brought by a resident in one of the client’s apartment complexes claiming that exposure to mold in her apartment caused her to develop asthma, emphysema, Epstein Barr virus, Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Coxsackie Strain B (II) Virus, cirrhosis of the liver, kidney disorders, visual disturbances, balance problems, hearing loss, ringing in the ears, bladder incontinence, brain fog/memory loss, nose bleeds, headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hemorrhaging, emergency surgery for removal of fibroid tumors, candida, parasites, worms, anaphylactic shock, night sweats, hip/arm/joint pain, body aches, inflammation, eye irritation, multiple chemical sensitivity, sore throat, debilitating fatigue, low grade fever, chills, TMJ Syndrome, spine pain, dizziness, and heart palpitations. Judge Patricia Hancock of the 113th Judicial District Court in Houston dismissed all claims against our client. Plaintiffs are appealing the Court’s judgment where it is now pending before the First Houston Court of Appeals.

August 2003
Andrew Schirrmeister and George Diaz-Arrastia obtained a judgment for $1.2 million in lost profits, plus interest in a case involving breach of an exclusive distributorship contract. The case was tried in the 157th Judicial District Court of Harris County before Hon. Randy Wilson. A prior judge had dismissed the case on a choice of forum issue, but a unanimous panel of the First Houston Court of Appeals reversed and remanded for trial. After a one-week trial, the jury returned a verdict on June 19, 2003, and Judge Wilson signed the court’s judgment on August 15, 2003.

2003
E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company awarded the firm one of its National Challenge Awards. DuPont makes these Challenge Awards to reward its Primary Law Firms for significant accomplishments in serving DuPont’s legal interests and commitment to develop and maintain core programs of the DuPont Legal Model, such as Early Case Assessment and the advancement of minority attorneys. The award was presented to Andrew Schirrmeister at the 2003 annual meeting of DuPont Primary Law Firms in Wilmington, Delaware (http://www.dupontlegalmodel.com/files/ourinitiatives_2.asp)