Attorney Mike Pierce

When injured seamen look for a lawyer who will fight to defend their legal rights, they need not look further than Attorney Mike Pierce. As a dedicated personal injury attorney, Mike has displayed an uncanny ability over the years to protect his clients who are involved in even the most difficult of litigation. While he is able to handle personal injury claims of all kinds (such as medical malpractice, product liability and workers' compensation), he remains dedicated above all to the unique nuances that are involved in offshore personal injury claims.

About the Attorney – Mike Pierce

Mike is actually not a native Texan. In fact, he was born and raised outside the Shreveport area in the state of Louisiana. Sticking close to home, Mike attended the Louisiana State University where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. After graduation, however, Mike left his home state to attend the Baylor University School of Law in Waco, TX. While pursuing his law degree – which he received with honors – he was able to serve on the Baylor Law Review as an associate editor and was also an active member of the Baylor Moot Court Team.

Upon graduation, Mike went to work at Fulbright & Jaworski LLP, one of nation's most recognized and distinguished firms. During his time there, he gained considerable knowledge in litigation practices. He not only represented healthcare providers, but insurance companies as well. This, while challenging and interesting, was not where his passion lay and he eventually left to accept a position at Arnold & Itkin.

Now, Mike is able to spend his time working to protect the legal rights of the injured in cases throughout the nation. As one of the "Top 100 Trial Lawyers" by the American Trial Lawyers Association (2010, 2011) and as a two year "Rising Star" by Thomson Reuters (2010, 2011), he has set himself apart from his peers and works tirelessly to ensure that his clients have the dynamic and comprehensive representation that they truly deserve. Over the years, he has established a reputation for providing dynamic answers and has proven that he is not afraid to think outside of the box.

Mike's Verdicts & Settlements

Jones Act Seaman Case Settled for $14 Million

Arnold & Itkin LLP represented a seaman who suffered a head injury on the Hercules 15 inland barge. Kurt Arnold, Jason Itkin and Mike Pierce were able to resolve the Jones Act claim by settling for $14 million two days before the trial was to commence.

The Hercules 15 was located in Lake Washington, Louisiana at the time of the incident, which involved a pipe that was jarred loose and hit the plaintiff (Arnold & Itkin's client) in the head. Hercules employees tack welded the three-foot pipe to the derrick but forgot to remove it before drilling operations started. The case was filed in Galveston County Court in March 2008 and was set for trial on February 2, 2009.

Attorney's fees and expenses totaled $6,024,236.00.

Defective Tiller Handle Case Results in $2.5 Million Verdict for Plaintiff

Attorneys Kurt Arnold and Mike Pierce took on a case in which the plaintiff was using a tiller handle steering mechanism. The outboard motor struck a submerged object, which caused the defective handle to break – resulting in the boat spinning out of control. The injuries to the arm of the plaintiff were severe enough that amputation was required. Shortly after the accident, the defective handle in question was thrown out – which caused many firms to turn down the case. Arnold & Itkin, however, jumped in and despite the fact that there was no offer to settle, the firm was successful in obtaining a $2.5 million verdict. The case was tried in the 16th Judicial Court of Cameron Parish Louisiana.

BP Worker Injured in Crane Accident Receives a $1.72 Million Jury Verdict

Arnold & Itkin LLP secured a $1.72 million jury verdict on behalf of a client who was seriously injured in a crane accident at the BP refinery in Texas City, Texas. Attorneys Cory Itkin and Michael Pierce represented Ernesto Tamez, who was injured in the accident on January 18, 2005.

A negligent Maxim Crane Works crane operator swung a heavy oil burner into Mr. Tamez, causing serious injuries to his neck, back and shoulder when he was pinned between the burner and a nearby handrail. Maxim Crane Works initially made no settlement offer prior to the trial, arguing that the accident was Mr. Tamez's fault. The company claimed that 60-year-old Tamez could have sustained some of the injuries as a result of "wear and tear". An issue that added complexity to the case was that Mr. Tamez and his wife do not speak English and therefore had to testify with the help of a translator.

The jury ruled in favor of Mr. Tamez after the week-long trial. They found that Maxim Crane Works was 100% at fault for the accident and awarded Mr. Tamez and his wife $1.72 million. Through the four years that this case lasted, Arnold & Itkin LLP stood by Mr. Tamez and helped him get the medical attention and financial compensation he needed. The case was pending in Galveston County, Texas. The Honorable Judge David E. Garner presided.

Attorney's fees and expenses totaled $736,778.00.

* Client’s portion of total recovery may be subject to Medicare / Medicaid reimbursement claims, Medicare / Medicaid liens or other third-party claims or liens. These verdicts and settlements are intended to be representative of cases handled by Arnold & Itkin LLP. These listings are not a guarantee or prediction of the outcome of any other claims.

Looking to pursue an offshore personal injury claim? Contact Arnold & Itkin today to schedule your free initial case review.