Stewart Tilghman Fox Bianchi & Cain was recently featured in the Daily Business Review to recognize our 40 years of dedication to justice and impactful advocacy. This milestone reflects our longstanding philosophy of quality over quantity—carefully selecting cases and devoting the resources necessary to achieve meaningful results for our clients.
The Daily Business Review highlighted our deliberate and focused approach. “From the day we opened our doors 40 years ago, we believed that if we were very careful about the cases we took, did high-quality work, and did everything possible for our clients, good cases would find their way to us without having to actively promote ourselves,” said David Bianchi. “Looking back, that philosophy has proven true.”
A Legacy Rooted in Advocacy & Excellence
Our firm’s history is rooted in groundbreaking advocacy and a tireless commitment to our clients. From our humble beginnings in a modest office with rental furniture to securing one of the nation’s first major verdicts in the Dalkon Shield IUD litigation, we have always prioritized impactful work over rapid growth. Over the decades, we have taken on high-profile cases across a range of practice areas, including product liability, medical malpractice, workplace accidents, and wrongful death.
One of our proudest achievements came after 9/11 when founding partner Larry Stewart spearheaded Trial Lawyers Care, the largest pro bono project in U.S. history. The program provided free legal representation to families of victims, ensuring they received compensation under the federal assistance program. This initiative exemplifies our belief that the practice of law extends beyond the courtroom.
“Our commitment to our clients and to the practice of law generally has not been limited to just recovering money,” said Bianchi. “We have long believed in our obligation to do more.”
Leading the Fight Against Hazing Nationwide
Among the many areas where we have made an impact, our work on hazing cases stands out. David Bianchi has been recognized as “the country’s leading hazing lawyer” for his pioneering efforts in this field. He co-authored the Chad Meredith Act, Florida’s current felony hazing law, which increased penalties for hazing incidents resulting in injury or death. Bianchi also drafted and lobbied for the passage of Andrew’s Law, named after Andrew Coffey, a Florida State University student who died during a hazing event. This law provides immunity to the first person who calls 911 to seek help for a hazing victim, encouraging timely intervention and saving lives. Bianchi’s national lectures on hazing law and his ongoing advocacy have strengthened protections for students and their families.
Landmark Cases That Define Our Commitment to Justice
Over the years, our firm has achieved numerous precedent-setting victories:
- Chad Meredith Case: In 2001, University of Miami freshman Chad Meredith drowned during a hazing incident involving fraternity leaders. Representing Meredith’s family, our firm secured a historic $14 million verdict, the largest hazing award in U.S. history. This case not only brought justice to Meredith’s family but also spurred legislative changes in Florida, including the passage of the Chad Meredith Act, which strengthened penalties for hazing that led to injury or death.
- Kaplan v. Mercedes-Benz: In this automotive product liability case, our firm represented a client who suffered the traumatic amputation of his left arm due to a defective side airbag in a Mercedes-Benz S400. The airbag failed to deploy during a side-impact collision, a critical safety failure. Mercedes-Benz contested nearly every step of the case, from discovery objections to claiming the absence of basic documentation. We ultimately delivered the defective vehicle to the courthouse for the jury to examine firsthand. This effort led to a $2.4 million verdict against Mercedes-Benz for the defective airbag system. Combined with additional recoveries secured through related claims, the total compensation for our client reached $8 million.
- Terri Schiavo Case: In a pivotal medical malpractice lawsuit, our firm obtained a $6 million jury verdict for Terri Schiavo, whose case became a focal point in the national debate on end-of-life rights. The verdict arose from negligence related to Schiavo’s bulimia, which resulted in severe brain damage. This case underscored the critical need for accountability in medical care and remains a landmark in the field of medical malpractice.
- Estate of Tayon Tomlin v. Lincoln Marti Daycare: This case involved the heartbreaking death of 9-month-old Tayon Tomlin due to negligence at a daycare facility. Using surveillance footage, medical records, and testimony, we uncovered inadequate staffing, poor training, and systemic failures at the daycare. Despite the daycare’s claims that the death was due to an uncontrollable medical issue, we secured a $5 million settlement for the grieving family, which was $2 million over the facility’s insurance policy limits.
Our commitment to clients goes beyond verdicts and settlements. By improving legislation, mentoring young attorneys, and advocating for safety and accountability, we strive to make a lasting difference in the legal profession and the lives of those we serve.
Shaping the Future: Continuing Our Mission for Justice
As we celebrate 40 years of impactful advocacy, we remain dedicated to the values that have guided us from the beginning: integrity, excellence, and a relentless pursuit of justice. Recognized by the Daily Business Review as a model of boutique law firm success, we are excited to continue building on our legacy in the years to come. For four decades, our work has been about more than just winning cases—it’s about changing lives, shaping laws, and making a difference.