Insights

Publications

Ohio Supreme Court Limits Physical Defect Exception to Municipal Immunity in Pool Drowning Case

April 9, 2026
On Wednesday April 8, 2026, the Supreme Court of Ohio revisited a key exception to statutory immunity afforded to municipalities for injuries and deaths that occur at their recreational facilities. See Hoskins v. City of Cleveland, 2026-Ohio-1225. A swimmer drowned while swimming at a city-owned pool. A lifeguard was overseeing activities in the pool but […]

Supreme Court of Ohio Clarifies Attorney-Client Privilege in Insurance Bad Faith Claims

February 26, 2026
In Eddy v. Farmers Property Cas. Ins. Co., Slip Opinion No. 2026-Ohio-626, the Supreme Court held that Boone v. Vanliner Ins. Co., 2001-Ohio-27, which created an exception to the attorney-client privilege where bad faith is alleged against an insurer has been “completely abrogated” by statute. Specifically, R.C. 2317.02(A)(2) now controls and requires: (1) a prima […]

Supreme Court Sets Time Limit to Ax Judgments, Ending 11-1 Split

January 20, 2026
The requirement under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 60(c)(1) that a motion for relief from judgment be filed within a “reasonable time” applies with equal force to motions seeking to vacate a judgment as void under FRCP 60(b)(4). The U.S. Supreme Court’s recent ruling ends an 11-1 split in the Circuit Courts going the other […]

A Potential Shift Toward Case-by-Case Competitive Access in Rail Freight as Surface Transportation Board Unanimously Proposes Repeal of Part 1144

The Surface Transportation Board (“STB”) has issued a unanimous proposal to repeal 49 C.F.R. Part 1144, a regulation first adopted in 1985 that governs when the STB may prescribe reciprocal switching, through routes, and through rates. The STB cites significant changes in the statutory framework, rail industry structure, and stakeholder views as justification for the […]

News

Jennifer L. Gardner and Liz R. Phillips Elected Partner

We are pleased to announce that Jennifer Gardner and Liz Phillips have been elected partners at the firm. Jennifer L. Gardner brings extensive experience in general litigation and insurance defense, representing businesses, carriers, and individuals in matters involving breach of contract, construction defects, personal injury, and wrongful death. Admitted to practice in Ohio, Michigan, Colorado, […]

Twelve Gallagher Sharp Attorneys Recognized in the 2026 Edition of Best Lawyers®

August 22, 2025
Gallagher Sharp is proud to announce that twelve of our attorneys have been recognized in the 2026 edition of Best Lawyers®. We would like to especially congratulate Monica Sansalone on receiving this year’s “Lawyer of the Year” award for Legal Malpractice Law. The “Lawyer of the Year” accolades are reserved for one individual per practice […]

Gallagher Sharp Welcomes New Associate

June 11, 2025
We are pleased to welcome Tyler Speer to our Cleveland office! Cleveland Office Tyler R. Speer joins our Professional Liability, Transportation and General Liability Practice Groups with experience in various aspects of civil litigation, including medical malpractice, personal injury, wrongful death, and business litigation matters.

Gallagher Sharp Welcomes New Partner

May 27, 2025
We are pleased to welcome Patrick S. Vrobel to our Cleveland office as our newest Partner! Cleveland Office Patrick joins the firms Business and Employment, and General Litigation practice groups, where he brings extensive employment litigation experience defending clients in discrimination and civil rights cases before administrative agencies and courts at all levels. He previously […]

Resources

2025 Year in Review Report

March 16, 2026
2025 was a year of consequential legal developments that will reshape how cases are litigated, defended, and won. Our 2025 Year in Review examines the developments that will shape litigation defense for years to come, from the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark decisions on universal injunctions and freight broker liability, to the growing threat of nuclear […]

Watch: Michigan No-Fault Law

November 20, 2025
Enter your email below to view the webinar: Join Partner Sarah Beaubien as she provides essential guidance on Michigan’s unique liability system, which features some of the nation’s highest insurance rates and most complex litigation procedures. The 2021 amendments fundamentally changed the landscape by introducing tiered coverage options and allowing plaintiffs to pursue economic damages […]

Watch: Great Lakes Maritime Legacy: 50 Years After the Edmund Fitzgerald Presented by Gallagher Sharp and the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association 

November 19, 2025
Enter your email address to receive link to the presentation. Experience a unique maritime symposium commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Edmund Fitzgerald tragedy. Hear from the retired Coast Guard Commander who investigated the disaster, admiralty attorneys involved in the legal aftermath, and industry leaders who discussed how maritime safety has evolved and where it’s […]

Watch: No Catastrophic Injury, No Cap: An Update on the Application of Ohio’s Cap on Non-Economic Damages

May 13, 2025
Enter your email below to view the webinar: What to Expect: The one-hour presentation will explore Ohio law (2315.18) that limits non-economic (“pain and suffering”) damages to $250,000-$350,000 unless specific catastrophic injury criteria are met. Particular focus will be on interpreting what constitutes a “permanent and substantial physical deformity” – the most contested exception used […]

Watch: Ohio Unfair Claims Practices: Essential Guide for Claims Adjusters

March 5, 2025
Enter your email below to view the webinar: In the ever-evolving landscape of insurance regulation, staying informed is not just beneficial—it’s essential. Partner Richard Rezie presents a comprehensive overview of Ohio’s Unfair Claims Practices regulations, including recent legal developments, compliance requirements, and best practices for claims adjusters handling various types of insurance claims. What’s Covered:

2024 Year in Review Report

February 20, 2025
In a year marked by transformative legal decisions and industry shifts, this report provides strategic insights on the developments reshaping Professional Liability, Transportation, General Litigation and other key practice areas. From the rise in legal malpractice claims and disciplinary trends, to the transformative NAR settlement in real estate, the landmark Chevron decision’s impact on transportation […]
Unanimous Supreme Court Decision for Marine Contracts

Watch: Navigating the Limitation of Liability Act Webinar

June 18, 2024
A Comprehensive Guide for Maritime Professionals Our Admiralty/Maritime practice group presents this 45 minute in-depth look at the Limitation of Liability Act, its implications for vessel owners, claims adjusters, and insurance professionals, and offer practical insights and strategies to help you effectively handle limitation cases and protect your clients’ interests. What’s covered: Enter your email below […]