Ryan Marlatt centers his practice on the construction industry. He has represented major national and international contractors in all manner of litigation, including construction defects, construction site personal injuries, and other contractual disputes. He is often consulted on matters before litigation and continues his representation should litigation ensue.
Ryan represents his clients in complex negotiations and business dealings to ensure they are afforded the best possible defense. With his in-depth examination and interpretation of the complex defense and indemnity obligations, Ryan routinely saves his clients significant sums.
Ryan also has a particular interest in products litigation and represents product manufacturers in catastrophic injury and death cases. This passion stems from the early years of his career as an employee of a major medical device manufacturer that almost went bankrupt due to product liability litigation. In this role, Ryan saw firsthand the repercussions of litigation on employees at all levels and fights not just for the companies but also for their employees.
Ryan has also defended railroads and other adjacent defendants in third-party liability and Federal Employer’s Liability Act cases. This representation has included all manner of defendants in these cases, from rail carriers to shippers, and even premises liability cases based on contracted overnight accommodations. This unique area of the law requires the kind of keen insight and focused defense his clients have come to expect from him.
In addition to these areas, Ryan has significant experience in a variety of maritime and commercial litigation issues.
Maritime
- Investigate and litigate injuries occurring on vessels in port and blue water including interactions with the US Coast Guard, OSHA, vessel owners, and vessel crew.
- Defend offshore platform injury cases.
- Investigate potential pollution matters.
- Investigate and litigate collision and allision matters.
Products Liability
Ryan investigates and defends products liability matters involving both consumer and commercial grade products.
Types/categories of products defended:
- Automotive and automotive parts manufacturers—design and manufacturing defects
- Industrial products—maintenance and use in various applications.
- Consumer kitchen appliances—issues relating to design and use in various applications.
Representative Experience
Maritime
Secured summary judgment for major US Navy Contractor in shipbuilding matter.
Assisted in the 2015 Carla Maersk/Conti Peridot collision and spill response.
Obtained directed verdict in trial for offshore platform owner in personal injury action.
Construction
Secured dismissal of all construction defect by claims by owner against Solar Power World Top 30 electrical subcontractor.
Secured summary judgment on defense and indemnity claims brought by refinery owner against general contractor in burn injury case.
Secured summary judgment against personal injury plaintiff due to construction site injury arguing borrowed servant rule.
Defended power generation and utilities companies in construction defect and personal injury claims.
Defended refinery general contractors and subcontractors in construction defect and personal injury claims.
Products Liability
Secured summary judgment on multiple issues for personal blender manufacturer in case involving contents explosion and burns.
Defended a wire rope manufacturer in a case involving the death of a wench operator.
Defended R/V manufacturer in explosion case resulting in multiple deaths and injuries.
Commercial Litigation
Secured TRO and permanent injunction in favor of petrochemical manufacturer.
Drafted employee confidentiality agreement for petrochemical manufacturer.
Defended casket seller/manufacturer against claims of breach of distribution agreement and trade dress/trademark claims.
Defended insurers against claims by insured’s for coverage in property loss claims involving hurricanes and hail storms.
Professional Recognition
Listed for Insurance Law
Related Resources
Related Services
Publications & Speaking Engagements
Education, Admissions & Activities
Education
South Texas College of Law Houston
J.D., 2001
Notes Editor-Currents, International Trade Law Journal
Competition Brief Writer
The University of Texas at Austin
B.A., 1998
Government
Bar Admissions
Texas
2001
Court Admissions
United States District Court of Texas
Northern, Southern, Eastern
United States Court of Appeals
Fifth Circuit