Steve Carter has handled hundreds of complex, multi-party litigation matters in state and federal courts throughout the country. Steve primarily focuses his practice on defending individuals, and local, national, and international business entities in civil litigation matters within the following areas: general negligence, premises liability, products liability, construction defects, catastrophic injury/wrongful death, dram shop, contractual disputes, property damage claims, and fraud/deceptive trade practices.
His practice has spanned a wide variety of industries, including, inter alia: retail, product manufacturing/design, transportation/trucking, oil & gas, hospitality (hotels, resorts, and country clubs), restaurants, property ownership and management, and construction.
Steve takes an individualized approach to each legal matter he handles – whether it is still in the pre-suit phase or several years into litigation – by: (1) getting to know his clients, (2) identifying and evaluating the various legal issues against the backdrop of his client’s business interests, (3) communicating reasonable expectations to his client, and (4) formulating and executing a realistic plan, with an eye towards a favorable resolution through summary judgment practice, settlement, or trial.
Representative Experience
On behalf of a national Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), successfully tendered multiple claims, based upon indemnity/additional insured provisions in applicable contracts.
In complex, multi-party construction defect case, obtained extremely favorable settlement (around 2% of the total multi-million-dollar settlement) on behalf of designer and installer of fire sprinkler system.
Appointed as National Defense Counsel for Germany-based products manufacturer. In that role, handled all phases of 30+ complex, multi-jurisdictional medical device litigation matters (collectively, the cases were filed in Texas, Kentucky, Wisconsin, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Florida, Missouri, Utah, and Alabama federal courts, as well as New Jersey state court).
Obtained summary judgment on behalf of products manufacturer in multi-party products liability case (El Paso County, Texas). No appeal was filed by the plaintiff.
Obtained summary judgment on behalf of car dealer client in negligent entrustment/personal injury case (Navarro County, Texas). The result was upheld on appeal.
Obtained partial summary judgment on behalf of hotel client in high-damages premises liability case (Dallas County).
Represented general contractor in complex multi-party case arising from fatal injuries sustained by independent subcontractor at construction site. Prepared and filed motion for summary judgment on behalf of client. Several days prior to summary judgment hearing, client settled its portion of claim for an amount equaling less than 5% of seven-figure global settlement.
In a complex products liability case involving catastrophic injuries and a nine-figure damages model, secured the voluntary dismissal of a global products manufacturer by proving the applicability of the 15-year statute of repose (United States District Court, Eastern District of Texas).
Represented major upscale department store in slip-and-fall case involving traumatic brain injury. Plaintiff made initial demand in low-seven figures. Based upon evidence developed through deposition testimony, successfully tendered defense to client’s vendor pursuant to indemnity provisions in contract between client retailer and the vendor.
Represented seller of multi-million-dollar home in complex multi-party litigation involving alleged construction defects and failure to disclose allegations. Defended several key defense expert • depositions and filed counterclaims against co-defendants in order to divert potential exposure away from client. Settled client’s claims for less than 10% of seven-figure global settlement.
Favorably settled propane explosion case on behalf of paving company. Following an unsuccessful mediation, elicited favorable deposition testimony that resulted in a negotiated settlement for 15% of initial demand.
Represented owner and manager of ultra-luxury hotels and resorts in federal case involving catastrophic injuries to resort guest. Plaintiff made initial demand in mid-seven figures. Several days after preparing and filing effective response brief to Plaintiff’s motion to strike client’s accident reconstruction expert, negotiated settlement for 15% of initial demand.
Represented Fortune 500 retailer in slip-and-fall case involving catastrophic injuries. Following seven-figure demand, prepared prevailing traditional and no-evidence motion for summary judgment (Tarrant County). The result was upheld on appeal.
Consistently advises corporate clients on wide array of non-litigation issues, such as risk management/mitigation, insurance coverages, employment matters, contractual matters, and confidentiality/privacy matters.
Related Services
Education, Admissions & Activities
Education
St. Mary’s University School of Law
J.D., 2009
Dean’s List (top 10% of class for one or more semesters)
Dean’s Scholarship
Texas Christian University (B.S. Psychology, cum laude)
B.S. Psychology, cum laude, 2005
Dean’s List seven out of eight semesters
Bar Admissions
Texas
2009
Court Admissions
United States District Court of Texas
Northern, Eastern, Southern, Western
United States District Court of Wisconsin
Eastern
Professional and Community Activities
Collin County College Paralegal Studies Advisory Board
Dallas Bar Association