Chris Cotter Shareholder Akron 222 South Main Street Suite 400 Akron, OH 44308 P 330.819.1127 | F 330.376.4577 ccotter@ralaw.com | vCard Cleveland Lexington Columbus Cincinnati OVERVIEW EDUCATION CREDENTIALS RECOGNITIONS AFFILIATIONS INSIGHTS SERVICES Transportation & Logistics Transportation Regulatory Compliance Transportation Contract Review Emergency Response & Crisis Management Emerging Technologies & Law Transportation Litigation Liability Defense Complex Business & Commercial Litigation Employment Litigation Appellate Professional Liability Litigation INDUSTRIES Aviation Transportation & Logistics Manufacturing Retail & Hospitality Services Chris helps his clients navigate and solve legal problems. He primarily defends injury and business claims and advises on regulatory and compliance issues. Chris has the capability to address a wide array of claims and legal issues, including complex commercial motor vehicle accidents, products liability claims, professional liability claims, issues involving unmanned aircraft systems (drones), autonomous vehicles, transportation contract drafting and review, insurance coverage disputes, employer intentional tort claims, regulatory compliance under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, specialty insurance defense, premises liability, passenger claims against airlines, products liability, legal malpractice, claims against real estate agents, claims against insurance agents, Carmack Amendment claims, appeals, Federal Aviation Act compliance, maritime law, construction defects, oil and gas disputes, and real property tax valuation. His clients are primarily in the following industries: transportation, retail, aviation, oil & gas, energy, manufacturing and distribution, real estate, and emerging technologies. In addition, Chris serves on Roetzel's Emergency Response Team to immediately address issues that may arise as a result of catastrophic injury events, industrial accidents, fires, and other catastrophes. EXPERIENCE Obtained defense verdict at trial for manufacturing client in an employer intentional tort case Represented a motor carrier and insurance company at trial seeking to recover property damages arising out of a head-on collision between a sedan and a commercial truck. Obtained a jury verdict in favor of the motor carrier and insurance company for the full amount they were seeking Obtained summary judgment for retail client in a case involving a third-party assault on the premises and successfully defended on appeal as well Relying on the Montreal Convention, obtained partial summary judgment for a commercial airline in baggage damage claim After a three day Arbitration, obtaining a decision in favor of my client on a breach of warranty claim arising out of the sale of a commercial motor vehicle Succeeded in protecting a motor carrier's accident investigation materials from disclosure during the discovery phase of a lawsuit by implementing emergency response protocols immediately after the accident Reviewed transportation contracts and advised companies on suggested revisions Defended cargo claims lawsuits under the Carmack Amendment Obtained summary judgment on behalf of Department of Transportation employees in a wrongful death case based on qualified official immunity for governmental employees Successfully prevented plaintiffs from obtaining damages for "preimpact fear" in multiple lawsuits Obtained a declaratory judgment from the court limiting a $250,000 claim to $31,250 based on the correct application of the appropriate insurance policy Obtained a defense verdict at trial on behalf of a roof shingle manufacturer in defense of product liability claims Defended warranty claims asserted against the seller of a commercial vehicle in a three day arbitration hearing with the American Arbitration Association and obtained a decision in favor of my client on all claims Obtained a favorable ruling finding a state entity client immune from suit under the Eleventh Amendment to the U.S. Constitution SUBSCRIBE TO OUR MAILING LIST ©2021 Roetzel & Andress. All rights reserved. Advertising Material. Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Client Portal