|
Firm Overview
The overriding goal of Smith & DeBonis
is to provide its clients with professional services of the highest
quality. Whether the task involves the representation of a client in
complex litigation or in giving advice on the development of a
client's business and/or personal affairs, Smith & DeBonis ensures that the client's
interest always comes first.
Smith & DeBonis is the only law firm in the United States to be
named both "National Trial Lawyers of the Year" by the Association of
Trial Lawyers of America (TLPJ Foundation) and "Indiana Trial Lawyer of
the Year" by the Indiana Trial Lawyer Association. Attorneys Terrance C.
Smith and David S. Gladish are Board Certified Civil Trial Specialists
through the National Board of Trial Advocacy.
Creative, resourceful, and cost-effective, Smith & DeBonis is a
leader in its areas of practice, community and the legal profession.
Smith & DeBonis has a staff which includes paralegals, law clerks
and investigators. Committed to excellence, Smith & DeBonis
continues its leadership in innovative services to its clients.
Founded in 1987, Smith & DeBonis is both an Indiana and Chicagoland law firm
specializing in civil cases. The attorneys and staff handle complex catastrophic personal injury,
medical malpractice, wrongful death, contract disputes, premise liability, appellate practice,
products liability and civil rights causes of action. Smith & DeBonis prides itself on a practice
of complex litigation where the firm has made a name for itself by maximizing damage awards
in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases. For example, Smith & DeBonis conducted a
class action lawsuit where the firm obtained its national recognition as "National Trial Lawyers
of the Year" by obtaining a jury verdict in the amount of twenty-seven million dollars
($27,000,000.00) against the State of Indiana.
The firm places special emphasis on obtaining the maximum damages for clients, while
at the same time seeking to initiate policy changes that result in greater safety for society.
Examples:
|
|
In the case of United Nat. Ins. Co. v. DePrizio, 705 N.E.2d 455 (Ind. 1999),
Smith & DeBonis was able to change how insurance companies provide coverage
to their insured in the State of Indiana. As a result of this litigation,
the Indiana Supreme Court held that the “Indiana underinsured motorist
statute requires an umbrella policy that covers excess third-party automobile
liability claims to also cover excess uninsured motorist claims.”
United Nat. Ins. Co., 705 N.E.2d at 456. In 1999, Attorney Smith was nominated again
for "Indiana Trial Lawyer of the Year" for bringing about this change in the law.
In the case of Hooks Superx, Inc. v. McLaughlin, 642 N.E.2d 514 (Ind. 1994), Smith &
DeBonis was able to establish that a pharmacist has a duty to their customers when
refilling prescriptions. As a result of this litigation, the Indiana Supreme Court set the
following standard: "where a pharmacy customer is having a prescription for a dangerous
drug refilled at an unreasonably faster rate than the rate prescribed, the pharmacist has a
duty to cease refilling the prescription pending direct and explicit directions from the
prescribing physician." Hooks Superx, Inc., 642 N.E.2d at 515.
|
Smith & DeBonis has distinguished itself from other
law firms by aggressively litigating its cases and proceeding to trial when necessary. By acting in such
a manner, Smith & DeBonis has repeatedly obtained some of the Country's largest verdicts and settlements.
Although a litigation firm, Smith & DeBonis
does not believe that every claim should be litigated. First and foremost, the firm´s attorneys
are problem solvers. Prompt and accurate evaluation of legal questions and claims are the hallmark
of Smith & DeBonis. This provides clients with the foundation necessary to determine whether
a dispute should be filed, settled, arbitrated, mediated or fully litigated to trial. When litigation
is necessary, Smith & DeBonis will approach each case in an aggressive and comprehensive fashion.
All of Smith & DeBonis´ cases are litigated or defended to the fullest extent of the law. The
firm has an array of state-of-the-art resources at its disposal thereby permitting client matters to
be handled efficiently, comprehensively, and economically.
Smith & DeBonis looks forward to continuing to maintain
its leadership by advancing a standard of excellence when it represents each and everyone of its clients.
If you do not see a menu at the top left of this page,
click here
|