Ortiz & Law, P.C. is very pleased and excited to announce the addition of Ms. Brenda Montoya as an associate attorney and member of the firm. Ms. Montoya has developed extensive experience in handling and litigating claims in the areas of insurance defense for major carriers in the State of Texas and in the area of construction litigation. Ms. Montoya also has experience in handling immigration-related matters, as well.

Ms. Montoya is fluent in Spanish and is a native of San Antonio. Ms. Montoya graduated from Texas Tech Law School and became licensed to practice law in Texas in 2016, establishing her practice in San Antonio and the Central/South Texas area.

Ms. Montoya is an active member of the SABA Immigration and Nationality Law Association, the San Antonio Young Lawyers Association and the Bexar County Women’s Bar Association.

Congratulations to Jonathan Law and Dylan McDonald for successfully representing State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company and securing another jury trial win in a recent underinsured motorist lawsuit pending in the 438^th Judicial District Court of Bexar County, Texas. Prior to the trial, the plaintiff settled her claim with the underlying tortfeasor for the policy limits of $50,000.00 and sought the limits of the applicable State Farm underinsured policy at trial.

Plaintiff claimed approximately $32,000.00 in past medical specials and produced expert testimony from a neurosurgeon who opined that the plaintiff required surgical intervention for an estimated cost of $211,295.00. Plaintiff also sought damages for pain and suffering in the past and future, mental anguish in the past and future, lost wages in the past and loss of earning capacity in the future.

After a 4-day trial with the honorable Judge Rosie Alvarado presiding, on June 15, 2018, the jury returned a verdict of $43,345.00, which resulted in a take nothing judgment on behalf of State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company.

The American Subcontractors Association has released two important recalls. To find out more about these important recalls, please see below:

Sala Evolution Horizontal Lifeline:

Please be aware that Sala advised of a global stop use recall of the ‘Evolution’ Horizontal Lifeline fall restraint system. Please refer to this important recall bulletin.

End Users and Building Owners are requested to stop use of any Evolution system installed between 2005 and 2015 and to lock out the system to prevent unauthorised use. Apparently field reports incidents have been received related to broken end posts. 

Sala will replace the systems free of charge and requests that Building Owners/Asset Managers contact 3M to arrange for this retrofit. Please refer to the aforementioned bulletin for more details.

MSA Harness 18003-03:

Please refer to this bulletin from MSA. This is a notice to stop use of the product.

On August 22, 2017, the City of Converse Economic Development Corporation unanimously voted to renew its contract with Ortiz & Law, P.C. The City of Converse Economic Development Corporation reviewed proposals from nine other law firms before ultimately selecting Ortiz & Batis, P.C. to serve as its corporate counsel. Ortiz & Law, P.C. has proudly served as corporate counsel for the City of Converse Economic Development Corporation since its inception in 2000 and is excited to continue to serve in that capacity.

On May 31, 2017, Ray Ortiz graciously sponsored Megin Koch for her swearing-in at the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, San Antonio, Texas.  The Honorable Fred Biery, who has known Megin’s parents for many years, performed the ceremony and administered the oath.  Megin reflected on the day, saying “As always, being admitted to practice in a federal court is an honor and a privilege.  Judge Biery made the proceedings entertaining, while also stressing the seriousness and importance of our Constitution and the citizenry’s access to the courts.   It was a pleasure to sign  the Attorney Roll Book, and to find Ray’s name signed in 1993”.

Ray Ortiz and Jonathan Law secured another jury trial win for their client, State Farm Lloyds, in a first-party insurance case including extra-contractual and breach of contract claims in Hidalgo County, Texas.   On January 26, 2016, the 389th Judicial District Court of Hidalgo County, Texas called the case, Cause No. C-3260-13-H; Ram Tolani et al v. State Farm Lloyds et al, for trial and on February 2, 2016, the jury returned a unanimous take nothing verdict in favor of State Farm.   Plaintiffs alleged that State Farm had improperly adjusted a hail claim.  Trial judge was the Honorable Letty Lopez.   Plaintiffs were represented by Brownsville attorney Trey Mendez and Austin attorney Pete Ferraro.