In a per curiam opinion, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit has affirmed summary judgment in favor of Ware Jackson’s client, a chemical manufacturer, on premises liability claims asserted by an employee of an independent contractor who had sought over $10 million for injuries he sustained while working on the client’s premises. The Fifth Circuit agreed with the lower court that Ware Jackson’s client had no knowledge of any dangerous condition on its premises and that the client did not control the independent contractor’s activities. It also affirmed the exclusion of the plaintiff’s expert’s opinion regarding the premises owner’s knowledge.

Michelle Blair was lead appellate counsel and presented the oral argument. Paul Smith, Margaret Bryant, and Simone Dawson assisted with the appeal and helped secure the victory in the district court. The appellate opinion is: George v. SI Group, Inc., No. 25-40286, 2026 WL 1985321 (5th Cir. July 9, 2026).

A federal district court has granted summary judgment and dismissed a premises liability claim that sought over $10 million from a chemical manufacturer represented by Ware Jackson. The court held the plaintiff was injured because of decisions made by his employer, over which Ware Jackson’s client did not exercise control, and that the client had no knowledge of any dangerous condition on its premises. The court also granted Ware Jackson’s motion to exclude the plaintiff’s expert as unqualified to opine on the premises owner’s knowledge. The litigation team included Paul Smith, Michelle Blair, Margaret Bryant, and Simone Dawson.

Ware Jackson is pleased to welcome Simone Dawson, Matt Welsh, and Jordan Parker to the firm. Click on their names to read more about them.