WPDN attorneys Kyle Ridgeway and Steve Emery recently won over $600,000 for their client in a week-long jury trial held in Campbell County, Wyoming. The significance of this case is that it was based solely on a handshake agreement between their client and the plaintiff.
The client in question had a background in electrical engineering from his days in the military, and he had developed a plan to repair component parts on mining trucks. This work would typically require days of work and travel, as well as a lot of money. However, the client found a way for the components to be shipped to him directly to be repaired. He would then recreate the electrical system of a haul truck, test the parts, fix them, and ship them back to the site. This created substantial efficiencies for the mining companies with trucks in need of repair.
The client entered into an agreement with the owner of an electrician shop, whereby he would provide training and the necessary materials to employees of the electrician, and the two companies would split the profits 50/50. This arrangement was beneficial to both parties as it would help them scale their businesses together.
However, the electrical company did not keep its end of the bargain and began hiding and taking money, without providing proper accounting to WPDN’s client. The case was taken to a jury trial. Our attorneys were required to prove a handshake agreement, with minimal paperwork as evidence. They did so, and our client was awarded more than $600,000 in compensation.