"We were the defendant in a series of very high-profile litigation cases. I sought the best defense firm to handle them and could not be more satisfied with my selection of WWHGD and the work Rick did. The legal research and analysis were excellent. They were organized and kept me informed every step of the way. They succeeded in achieving a settlement of all cases in one global mediation. Hershend and I are very happy and grateful for the outcome."
STEPHEN L. EARNEST, SENIOR VP, GENERAL COUNSEL & SECRETARY, HERSHEND ENTERPRISES | LITIGATION
Overview
Rick Hill’s civil litigation practice focuses on catastrophic injury, product liability, common carrier liability, aviation law and transportation related litigation. Rick has litigated and resolved cases involving serious injury and wrongful death in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.
Education & Admissions
Education
University of Georgia School of Law, J.D., 1995
- Order of the Barristers
University of Georgia, B.B.A., cum laude, 1992
- Phi Kappa Phi
Admissions
Georgia
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Georgia
U.S. District Court, Middle District of Georgia
U.S. District Court, Southern District of Georgia
Representative Experience
- Represents national and regional trucking companies and commercial fleet operators in wrongful death and personal injury cases arising from tractor trailer accidents, including serving as national trial counsel and national coordinating counsel.
- Serves as national, regional and/or local counsel for various product manufacturers, including industrial equipment manufacturers, agricultural equipment manufacturers, automobiles, automobile component parts, tires, consumer products, ATV's, motor coaches, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, food flavoring, food refineries and food processors.
- Represents automobile service centers in defense of personal injury and wrongful death cases arising from tire failures.
- Represents Fixed Base Operators ("FBOs") and aviation professionals in actions involving allegations of negligent operation and maintenance of fixed wing aircraft.
- Represented international agricultural conglomerate in defense of personal injury and wrongful death claims stemming from the largest industrial accident in Georgia history.
- Obtained defense verdict in a product liability trial in federal court where the plaintiff asked the jury to award $27 million. The verdict was upheld on appeal.
- Successfully defended a product manufacturer in the retrial of case, resulting in a jury verdict for $12 million less than the verdict in the initial trial.
Practices & Industries
Awards & Recognition
The Best Lawyers in America®, Personal Injury Litigation: Defendants, 2024 - 2025
Martindale-Hubbell®, AV Preeminent Rating, with "high ethical standing"
American Lawyer Media, Top Rated Lawyer, Transportation, 2013
Super Lawyers®, Georgia Rising Stars List, Personal Injury Defense: General, 2010
News & Publications
- The Transportation Lawyer
Events & Speaking Engagements
- 02.02.2013Orlando, FL"How to Prepare for and Give a Deposition."
- Athens, GA"How to Argue and Win an Appeal."
Professional & Community Activities
American Bar Association, Member
American Trucking Association, Member
Atlanta Bar Association, Member
Aviation Insurance Association, Member
Defense Research Institute, Member
Georgia Defense Lawyers Association, Member
Georgia Motor Trucking Association, Member
Transportation Lawyers Association, Member