William J. Clay is a versatile trial attorney with a solid track record of litigation success in various facets of the law. William has extensive trial experience in both state and federal courts having tried more than 100 cases to a jury verdict. Employing a unique approach to litigation matters, William tailors his representation to his clients’ needs and goals. At the inception of representation, William conducts a case assessment. During this assessment, he works with the client to define goals and prepare a case strategy, so that those goals may be successfully met whether through ADR, summary judgment or trial on the merits of the case. William’s experience includes litigating cases in aviation, transportation, construction, products liability and personal injury practice areas.
Representative Clients
- AIG
- American Eagle
- Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.
- Dillard’s
- Farmers Insurance
- IT Corporation
- Liberty Mutual
- Ogden Ground Services
- Otis Elevator
- Residential Warranty Corporation
- The McArthur Foundation
- Hellas Construction
- Musco Lighting
Environmental Litigation:
Successfully prosecuted and obtained a jury verdict of $84 million in a breach of contract action against a party who refused to pay for equipment ordered for an environmental clean up site.
Construction:
Effectively defended a construction company in a wrongful death action on behalf of a family of a deceased employee who died when trench walls collapsed on him. Mr. Clay was also lead counsel in the defense of numerous claims against a major homebuilder warranty company resulting in favorable verdicts for the defendant. He also received a take nothing judgement on a case in which plaintiff had a TBI, lumbar fusions and a cervical discectomy after a collision with our insured. Damages requested was in excess of $64,000,000.
Aviation:
Represented and a helicopter manufacturer in a wrongful death action brought on behalf of the estate of decedent who died when the helicopter crashed. Mr. Clay has also defended a major regional airline against claims from passengers who alleged pilot error and caused turbulent landing, which resulted in significant injuries.
Insurance Defense:
Senior trial counsel for major commercial and personal lines insurance companies and was responsible for defending against claims of high exposure. He has been lead counsel for the defense of numerous claims against major insurance companies that routinely resulted in favorable verdicts for defendants.
Medical Malpractice:
Headed a team of attorneys on a wrongful death medical malpractice case against an orthopedic surgeon. The damages requested exceeded $10,000,000. After a two-week trial the jury returned a take nothing judgment.
Product Liability:
Represented a major sports lighting manufacturer in a multiple electrocution case involving two severely and permanently injured girls. Damages requested was in excess of $100,000,000. After a three week trial the jury returned a take nothing judgment.
