James W. Turner
Member
Litigation
J.D. West Virginia University
B.A. Washington University
Biography
For more than 25 years Jim Turner has been a trial lawyer that corporations call when they have complex cases in difficult jurisdictions. Jim has tried over 60 cases in the state and federal courts of West Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio, and Maryland. He has obtained dozens of defense verdicts and numerous other “wins” in cases involving allegations of serious injury or death.
Much of Jim’s work relates to purported toxic exposures and the diseases they are alleged to cause. These cases always involve the potential risk of high damages awards and require comprehensive, detailed, and specific defenses. Jim works closely with his clients to discover, develop, and refine these defenses. He has become an advocate for evidence-based science in the courtroom and has devoted years to developing defenses based on good science supported by experts, company witnesses and documents.
While the development and persuasive presentation of a powerful defense is critical, it is equally vital that plaintiffs’ cases be aggressively challenged. Jim has been highly successful in cross examining plaintiffs’ lay and expert witnesses at trial and challenging expert opinions under Daubert.
Litigation is often a zero sum game with winners and losers chosen by juries composed of ordinary citizens. Through his many trials, and jury research projects including mock trials, Jim has honed the twin messages of “good science” and “good companies” to give corporate clients their best chance to prevail at trial.
In addition to toxic tort litigation, Jim has defended corporate clients in cases involving traumatic injury and death, hearing loss, alleged occupation-related orthopedic injuries, and damage to property.
Jim is the Managing Member of the Huntington, West Virginia office.
Memberships & Awards
Professional
Peer Review Rated AV by Martindale-HubbellThe Best Lawyers in America®Best Lawyers® 2021 Charleston, WV, Railroad Law, Lawyer of the YearBest Lawyers® 2018 Charleston, WV Railroad Law, Lawyer of the YearBest Lawyers® 2016 Charleston, WV, Railroad Law, Lawyer of the YearSuper Lawyers®Fourth Circuit Judicial ConferenceDefense Trial Counsel of West VirginiaDefense Research InstituteExecutive Committee Member, National Association of Railroad Trial CounselThe State Journal, West Virginia's Top Lawyers, 2010
Key Experience
Defended power company in action brought by multiple plaintiffs alleging exposure to coal waste containing coal combustion residuals caused development of more than 40 health conditions, including various cancers, to themselves and family members
Successfully defended railroad transportation company in claims brought under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act where plaintiff alleged injury while drilling on railroad bridge negligence by failing to provide safe workplace, and claimed he had inadequate tools, training and manpower to safely perform his job
Received defense verdict in matter involving representation of railroad transportation company where plaintiff alleged permanent disability due to knee injury due to railroad’s negligence and claims the railroad negligently failed to provide him with appropriate equipment, supervision, and manpower to safely perform his daily work duties which resulted in cumulative trauma to his lower extremities
Work Experience
2011 Steptoe & Johnson PLLC
2010-2011 Setliff Turner & Holland, P.C.
1989-2009 Huddleston Bolen, LLP
2010-2011 Setliff Turner & Holland, P.C.
1989-2009 Huddleston Bolen, LLP
Speaking Engagements
"On Gossamer Wings," DRI Publication Article on Daubert EffortSpeaker and program coordinator at numerous NARTC and other railroad-sponsored meetings over the past 20 years on topics such as toxic torts and trial techniques.