Phillip M. Sarnowski

Phil represents clients in the transportation, retail and insurance industries, focusing on the defense of complex litigation matters involving catastrophic injury, wrongful death, premises liability, product liability, insurance coverage disputes and toxic torts.

As a member of Roetzel’s Emergency Response Team, Phil provides immediate, around-the-clock legal support following trucking accidents and other catastrophic events. From the initial investigation through resolution, he leads each matter with skill and efficiency, guiding clients through every stage of the process including pre-suit evaluation, mediation, dispositive motions, trial and appeal.

Phil is recognized for his clear communication, responsiveness, and practical insight. He works closely with clients to develop tailored, cost-effective defense strategies that achieve favorable outcomes while protecting their long-term interests.

Experience

• Successfully defended individuals in defamation lawsuit, winning summary judgment on all claims
• Represented landlord in premises liability lawsuit arising out of an alleged dangerous condition on the property. Won motion for summary judgment on all claims asserted, which was affirmed on appeal
• Successfully defended retail operation in premises liability lawsuit with a $1,100,000 demand from Plaintiff, winning summary judgment on all claims asserted against our client
• Assisted freight broker with operating agreement and various business needs associated with new partnership
• Represented numerous employers in workers’ compensation disputes at Industrial Commission hearings throughout Ohio
• Successfully represented multiple motor carriers in personal injury, wrongful death, and survival actions throughout Ohio, favorably resolving matters for our clients
• Successfully defended large motor carrier and won summary judgment on all claims arising out of a wrongful death action involving $5,000,000 in alleged damages
• Successfully defended national retailer in premises liability action and won summary judgment on all claims asserted
• Obtained defense verdict in favor of large gas station chain in alleged defective fuel claim in small claims trial
• Won motion for summary judgment in favor of public transit company on all claims asserted involving sudden emergency doctrine
• Successfully defended public transit company against claims of personal injury arising out of the bus movement, winning summary judgment on all claims asserted
• Obtained dismissal of all claims asserted after filing motion for summary judgment
• Resolved a claim involving allegedly significant personal injuries incurred as a result of a hazardous condition on the premises of a large national retailer for a nominal amount after filing motion for summary judgment
• Secured dismissal with prejudice of all claims asserted against public transit company by leveraging a property damage counterclaim
• Won motion to dismiss for lack of personal jurisdiction that precluded further pursuit against national motor carrier
• Recovered a significant amount of damages in favor of global engineering and technology company pre-suit