What if $25 was the key to unlocking millions in punitive damages?

In this powerful episode of Trial War Stories, Andy Goldwasser sits down with veteran trial lawyer Chris Patno to break down one of the largest wrongful death verdicts in Ohio history arising from a fatal highway construction accident.

The case involved a husband and father who was killed in a poorly managed overnight paving project on I-271. The defendants chose to save money by failing to implement required safety protections. That decision cost a man his life — and ultimately exposed the company to punitive damages resulting in a $39 million verdict, including a rare and hard-fought $20 million punitive damages award.

Along the way, Chris shares unforgettable trial war stories, including:

- Preparing a critical cross-examination
- A closing argument strategy so unconventional it stunned the courtroom
- How a $25 property-damage claim unlocked punitive damages
- Why being yourself is the most important skill a trial lawyer can develop
 
You will learn why “protection” became the theme of both liability and damages. How courtroom demonstratives can physically immerse a jury in the scene. The psychological power of authentic cross-examination.      

This conversation is essential for trial lawyers handling catastrophic injury, wrongful death, highway construction accidents, and corporate negligence cases — especially those seeking to hold businesses accountable for conscious safety violations.

If you’re a younger lawyer trying to level up your courtroom strategy, this episode is a masterclass in theme development, jury trust, and punitive damages litigation.

Whether you’re a seasoned litigator, a young lawyer finding your footing, or someone fascinated by how real trials are actually won, this conversation goes far beyond transcripts and verdicts it dives into the pressure, the judgment calls, and the human moments that decide cases.

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00:00:00 – Introduction to Chris Patno & Ohio’s Largest Verdict
00:04:05 – The Fatal Highway Construction Accident on I-271
00:09:17 – Trial Strategy & Division of Roles
00:13:35 – Building a Wrongful Death Damages Model
00:19:11 – Courtroom Demonstratives & Animation Battles
00:23:28 – The Forgotten Trial Bag & Best Cross-Examination
00:28:59 – $19 Million Verdict: Breaking Down Compensatory Damages
00:29:57 – The $25 Strategy That Opened Punitive Damages
00:31:00 – Trusting the Jury Without Explaining Why