Abigail has a varied defense litigation practice with a particular focus on bad faith and general liability matters, as well as mass tort litigation. Abigail has handled pre-suit claims with bad faith exposure, including global mediation on behalf of national insurers. In her capacity as a litigator, she has defended national insurers in bad faith lawsuits. She has also provided a defense to gasket manufacturers, joint compound manufacturers, evaporator manufacturers and manufacturers of rocket ships in complex asbestos litigation.
Abigail has served as national coordinating counsel for a chemical company in defense of thimerosal claims nationwide. In this capacity Abigail handled all Florida cases and participated in fact and expert witness discovery throughout the country. Ultimately through her efforts, her client was able to join the National Defense Strategy Group.
In 1986 Abigail earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Florida, and subsequently in 1993, she earned her juris doctor from Nova Southeastern University graduating magna cum laude. Abigail has been a member of the Florida Bar since 1993 and is admitted to practice before all Florida and California state courts, as well as the United States District Court for the Southern and Middle Districts of Florida.
Significant Representative Matters
· Marley v. Elliot Turbomachinery Co. Inc., 545 F. Supp. 2nd 1266 (So. Dist. FL 2008). Successfully removed two asbestos cases to federal court under the federal officer statute by demonstrating that the defendant acted only under the direction of the government. Cases were subsequently transferred to the asbestos MDL, one of which was a reported decision, the first in Florida.
· Successfully defended a national car rental company, obtaining final summary judgment on issue of vicarious liability under the Graves Amendment.
· Served as National Coordinating Counsel for a chemical company in thimerosal litigation. In this capacity she was able secure dismissals in multiple jurisdictions based upon lack of product identification.
Classes/Seminars Taught
· Conducted various client seminars on topics including bad faith, asbestos & silica litigation.
Associations & Memberships
· Defense Research Institute
· Florida Bar Association
Honors & Awards
· AV® Preeminent™ by LexisNexis Martindale-Hubbell
Year Joined Organization: 2008