News & Insights

William Morrow and Jonathan Little Win Summary Judgment in Cemetery Outrage Case

August 1, 2024

Lightfoot, Franklin & White LLC partners William H. Morrow and Jonathan R. Little recently won a motion for summary judgment on all claims made against a national cemetery property and services company in an outrage case in the Circuit Court of Jefferson County, Alabama. 

The plaintiff alleged the defendants failed to properly manage a graveside service when a burial vault company’s truck exploded and caught fire, requiring a response by the local fire department. She also claimed that she was in the danger zone of the explosion and her lawsuit sought damages for mental anguish, alleged outrage, wantonness and other claims from the defendant and its Alabama subsidiary.  

Morrow and Little filed a motion for summary judgment, arguing there was no legal duty or evidence that any act or omission by the defendant caused the plaintiff’s legal harm, nor was there evidence of any other kind of wrongdoing. After a briefing and oral argument, the Circuit Court of Jefferson County granted the motion for summary judgment and dismissed all claims. 

Morrow has practiced for more than 20 years, advocating for clients in a variety of venues across the state of Alabama and the Southeast. His practice primarily focuses on product liability, personal injury, toxic torts and employment. Morrow has first-chair jury trial experience in both commercial and personal injury cases, including representing companies sued under Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Family and Medical Leave Act. 

Little has secured appellate victories for his clients at the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals, the Alabama Supreme Court and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit. He maintains a varied litigation practice, which includes representing media and communications companies, journalists and broadcasters in defamation and First Amendment matters. He also routinely defends companies in product liability, fire and personal injury litigation, and represents clients in commercial and toxic tort litigation.