Partners Jim Griffin and Patrick Kuehl Successfully Defended WireCo WorldGroup, Inc.
Husch Blackwell won arbitration for client WireCo World Group, Inc., securing an award of $3,082,026 actual and $1 million in punitive damages, netting $2.1 million from San Francisco-based Systime Computer Corporation. Litigation Partners James D. Griffin and Patrick D. Kuehl Jr. represented Kansas City-based cable manufacturing company WireCo in the successful arbitration. Systime initially filed a claim against WireCo for unpaid invoices, and WireCo countered citing breach of contract and professional negligence, requesting actual and punitive damages after reductions for unpaid invoices.
In 2007, WireCo hired Systime to install a specialized software system for the running of its entire business. According to WireCo, the computer company went over budget and past its deadline, and the installed software did not function properly and crashed repeatedly. After WireCo cut ties with Systime and hired new software contractors, Systime sought $1,939,901 for unpaid invoices plus nearly $1 million in prejudgment interest. WireCo counterclaimed seeking more than $4 million. .
On Nov. 3, 2011, an arbitration award was granted in favor of WireCo. “Our client received the exact amount we asked for, to the dollar,” said lead attorney Griffin. After accounting for the amount owed Systime for outstanding bills, the net recovery for WireCo was $2,142,125. Systime has since filed a petition to stay and vacate the arbitration award and WireCo filed a cross-motion to confirm the award. The case is currently before the Hon. Howard Sachs of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri.
With more than 300 Litigation attorneys, Husch Blackwell has won verdicts and negotiated settlements resulting in the recovery of hundreds of millions of dollars for clients. The firm has handled cases in virtually all areas of litigation, including business and commercial disputes, class actions, products liability, professional liability, consumer litigation and toxic tort defense. In cases of Arbitration, Husch Blackwell’s trial attorneys have handled thousands disputes for business and commercial clients, and are adapt at selecting the best-qualified arbitrators for resolution of each client’s unique case.