Verdicts & Settlements

The Law Offices of Steve Gibbins represents plaintiffs throughout the state of Texas who have suffered personal injuries or whose rights have been harmed.  This page includes a sampling of successful cases and awards that firm principal Steve Gibbins has obtained.  For detailed information on these cases and the substantial press they received, visit our articles page.

Police Abuse Cases

• In an Austin, Texas abuse case, Mr. Gibbins won a $4.1 million jury verdict against a parole officer.  The officer was accused of sexually abusing Mr. Gibbins' clients, two formerly incarcerated women.  As a result, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice settled another case against an internal affairs officer for failing to protect the women.
  • Award #1:  $700,000.00 actual damages
    $1,500,000.00 punitive damages
  • Award #2:  $400,000.00 actual damages $1,500,000.00 punitive damages
  • Additional Settlement Award: $95,000.00

• A police captain brought suit against the City of Austin when they retaliated against him for requesting a federal investigation into the police department.  Mr. Gibbins argued that the police department wrongfully suspended his client indefinitely, and sought actual and punitive damages for his client's humiliation, embarrassment, emotional distress, and major depressive disorder that were brought on by the police department's actions, and for the harm caused to his reputation and employability.
  • Award Sought: $1,000,000.00 actual damages $2,000,000.00 punitive damages

Personal Injury from Negligent Balcony Collapse

• Mr. Gibbins' client was injured when a balcony collapsed; he suffered a fractured skull and nearly died while in the hospital.  Mr. Gibbins obtained an award of about $2.3 million against the City of Austin and a building contractor for gross negligence in failing to properly inspect buildings, order repairs, and notify owners.  Mr. Gibbins and his fellow attorney were especially proud of the message the verdict sent to city employees to protect the public.
  • Award: $2,100,000.00 actual damages
    $250,000.00 exemplary damages
    $500,000.00 settlement from insurance company

Defamation

• Mr. Gibbins represented controversial talk show host Rollye James against a radio station owner for libel and breach of contract.  The owners had fired Ms. James for an on-air political comment and refused to pay her on the remainder of her contract.
  • Award: $535,000.00 for defamation and harm to professional reputation
    $170,000.00 for lost wages

Violation of Constitutional Rights

• Mr. Gibbins represented Austin Community Television producers in their fight against city administrators to stop the commercialization of three public access channels.  The reclassification of the channels is believed to be an attempt to restrict and control the channels' contents, which may be an unconstitutional restriction of free speech.

Wrongful Death

• The family of an elderly, mentally ill woman who was beaten to death sued the Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation and Austin State Hospital.  Mr. Gibbins, on behalf of the family, alleged that the staff failed to monitor a violent patient.  More than monetary damages, which are limited to $250,000 in suits against government agencies, the goal of the suit was to change policies to protect elderly patients.
  • The hospital now requires violent patients to be roomed next to the nurses' station.