Mr. Cornelius is an associate at Lee Smart. His practice emphasis insurance defense litigation. Mr. Cornelius graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles (B.A. 1996) and from Seattle University School of Law (J.D. 1999). He is a member of the Washington State Bar and is admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court in both the Western and Eastern Districts of Washington.

Representative Cases

State Court

• Ip v. Westerlund Construction, King County, Cause No. 05-2-15442-0 SEA. Construction site personal injury action. Plaintiff severely injured after riding bicycle into construction site trench. Plaintiff suffered cervical fractures. Claimed medical specials and future medical specials were in excess of $200,000. Liability contested. Five week jury trial resulting in hung jury 7 to 5 in favor of defense.
• Berezovska v. Ramel, King County, Cause No. 04-2-40101-1 KNT. Defense in side swipe automobile accident. Contested liability trial de novo. Claimed medical specials for both plaintiffs totaled approximately $7,500 ($3,100 and $4,400). At arbitration defendant found 100% at fault, and plaintiffs awarded all medical specials and minimal general damages. At trial, defendant driver found only 47% at fault, and total jury verdict was less than previous arbitration award.
• Sourignachack v. Stout, Pierce County, Cause No. 06-2-11903-2.  Arbitration defense verdict of a side swipe motor vehicle accident improper lane change.
• McGoffin v. Dahl, Court of Appeals Division II, No. 27486-8-II. Defense in legal malpractice action appeal regarding representation during dissolution action. Trial court's dismissal affirmed. 

Motions

• Holder v. Garver, Clark County, Cause No. 06-2-02381-5. Summary judgment dismissal of motor vehicle accident personal injury action for improper alternative service of process.
• Lamb v. Smith, Island County, Cause No. 06-2-00169-3. Summary judgment dismissal of premises liability action on basis of trespass and lack of duty. Plaintiff severely injured on homeowner's premises when she fell through a sliding glass door. Claimed medical specials approximately $90,000.
• Pappas v. KC Builders, King County Cause No. 06-2-32486-2.  Dismissal of breach of contract and Consumer Protection Act action for improper filing of lawsuit. Claimed damages approximately $50,000. 
• Ginter v. Harbor House, King County, Cause No. 05-2-03119-1 SEA. Summary judgment dismissal on basis of collateral estoppel of condominium homeowner dispute with condominium association regarding maintenance of a limited common element appliance. Approximately $7,000 in attorney fees awarded.