September 30, 2021

Lewis and Metcalf Win Dismissal of State-Court Tort Claims Against Timberland Owner

Chelsea Lewis and Joshua Metcalf secured an early dismissal in Mississippi state court for a large timberland owner. The client regularly leases portions of its timberland for recreational hunting use. Plaintiff, an adjacent landowner, alleged that while members of a hunting club were hunting on timberland leased from the client, a hunting club member’s dog escaped the property and bit plaintiff. Relying on Mississippi Supreme Court precedent protecting landowners, as well as their knowledge and understanding of the client, its property, and its needs, Lewis and Metcalf were able to secure a dismissal before incurring the expense of discovery. The victory illustrates how a thorough understanding of the law, combined with an aggressive initial defense, can ultimately result in significant savings to the client.