Selected outcomes

The record is the argument.

$24M

Reported total commercial resolution after a $15.6M jury verdict and interest.

Court-verifiable matters

Outcomes with a public record behind them.

The amount alone never tells the full story. These matters required trial work, appellate work, or both—and each is presented with the context needed to understand Michael’s role.

Total resolution$24M

Business litigation

A decade-long commercial dispute

The dispute began after an asphalt contractor invested in a planned joint venture and the other party withdrew, leaving the contractor facing the loss of its business.

The case survived dismissal, a first appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, a unanimous $15.6 million jury verdict, post-trial reversal, and a second appeal. The verdict was reinstated and interest was ordered, producing a reported $24 million total resolution.

Matter: Cranpark, Inc. v. Rogers Group, Inc.

Sixth Circuit opinion

Jury verdict$15M

Civil rights

The East Cleveland Three

Three teenagers were convicted of a 1995 murder and remained imprisoned until evidence supporting their innocence came to light. Their convictions were vacated in 2015.

Michael served as counsel for Eugene Johnson as part of the civil-rights trial team. In November 2018, the jury returned a combined $15 million verdict against two former East Cleveland detectives.

Matter: Wheatt, Glover & Johnson v. City of East Cleveland, et al.

Federal court order

Jury verdict$1.75M

Medical negligence

Five neurological surgeries after a failed cranial implant

A patient required part of his skull to be reconstructed after removal of a benign tumor. The material used in the procedure failed, and the published appellate decision records five invasive neurological surgeries and permanent injury.

Michael served on the plaintiff trial team. A unanimous jury returned a $1.75 million verdict, which the Ohio Eighth District Court of Appeals affirmed.

Matter: Zappola v. Leibinger

Ohio appellate opinion

Additional matters

Results reported by the firm.

No supporting public source is linked for the matters below. Each is identified as firm-reported so the source distinction remains clear.

Wrongful death · Firm-reported settlement$3.35M

Security for two children after the loss of their father

A firm-reported recovery for the family of a 28-year-old father killed in a head-on collision, including a trust for his children.

Nursing home neglect · Firm-reported recovery$1.2M

Accountability after an avoidable amputation

A reported $1.2 million recovery for a resident who lost his foot after nursing-home neglect.

Catastrophic injury · Firm-reported judgment$1M

Multiple fractures and six months away from work

A reported $1 million judgment for a single father seriously injured in a motor-vehicle collision.

Nursing home neglect · firm-reported settlement$800K

Fall resulting in a shattered leg

A recovery reported for an older resident injured after an aide disregarded chart restrictions.

Product negligence · firm-reported settlement$650K

Infant injured by contaminated oxygen equipment

A settlement reported after years of litigation and resolution on the day of trial.

Important context

Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every matter depends on its own facts and circumstances. Some results involved co-counsel, multiple clients, interest, or confidential terms. Amounts shown are gross recoveries before fees, costs, liens, or other deductions unless stated otherwise.

Every matter turns on its own record.

Start with a disciplined assessment of what the record supports.

Discuss a matter 216.360.8500