Smith & Alspaugh, P.C.
Attorneys at Law
M. Clay Alspaugh
We have represented innocent victims for over 35 years. The attorneys and staff at Smith & Alspaugh, P.C. are deeply committed to protecting the rights of those who have been severely and/or catastrophically injured as a result of the actions of others. Our firm is listed in the 2007 Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers and has the highest peer review rating (AV) given by Martindale-Hubbell. Clay Alspaugh is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers. Bill Smith and Clay Alspaugh have been listed for many years in Best Lawyers in America. Donna Dixon is a licensed dentist and teaches dental students at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Our firm has been involved in landmark opinions including the case of Norton Co. v. Harrelson, 176 So.2d 18 (Ala. 1965) which established the elements required to prove a products liability cause of action and became the cornerstone of the Alabama Extended Manufacturer's Liability Doctrine which was adopted by the Supreme Court of Alabama in 1980.
In another landmark case, our firm, on behalf of our client, persuaded the Supreme Court of Alabama to recognize a cause of action for an unborn child who suffered prenatal injuries in Wolf v. Isbell, 280 So.2d 758 (Ala. 1973).
The firm litigated the nation's first automobile airbag case in 1984, Burgess v. Ford Motor Company, which after two weeks of trial, settled for just under $2 million. The case was covered by all three national television networks in addition to "60 Minutes, "The Today Show" and "Good Morning America."
The firm also represented our client in a case decided by the United States Supreme Court, Westfall v. Erwin, 484 U.S. 292 (1988). That case involved a federal civilian employee who was injured at the Army Depot and suffered chemical burns after exposure to toxic soda ash which was improperly stored at the depot. The United States Supreme Court held that federal officials do not enjoy absolute immunity from lawsuits litigated in state courts.
Firm members have held offices in various professional and bar association organizations, including presidency of Alabama Trial Lawyers Association, Birmingham Bar Association, Alabama Board of Trial Advocacy and American College of Trial Lawyers.
Our firm has been involved in landmark opinions including the case of Norton Co. v. Harrelson, 176 So.2d 18 (Ala. 1965) which established the elements required to prove a products liability cause of action and became the cornerstone of the Alabama Extended Manufacturer's Liability Doctrine which was adopted by the Supreme Court of Alabama in 1980.
In another landmark case, our firm, on behalf of our client, persuaded the Supreme Court of Alabama to recognize a cause of action for an unborn child who suffered prenatal injuries in Wolf v. Isbell, 280 So.2d 758 (Ala. 1973).
The firm litigated the nation's first automobile airbag case in 1984, Burgess v. Ford Motor Company, which after two weeks of trial, settled for just under $2 million. The case was covered by all three national television networks in addition to "60 Minutes, "The Today Show" and "Good Morning America."
The firm also represented our client in a case decided by the United States Supreme Court, Westfall v. Erwin, 484 U.S. 292 (1988). That case involved a federal civilian employee who was injured at the Army Depot and suffered chemical burns after exposure to toxic soda ash which was improperly stored at the depot. The United States Supreme Court held that federal officials do not enjoy absolute immunity from lawsuits litigated in state courts.
Firm members have held offices in various professional and bar association organizations, including presidency of Alabama Trial Lawyers Association, Birmingham Bar Association, Alabama Board of Trial Advocacy and American College of Trial Lawyers.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS:
American Association for Justice
Alabama Association for Justice (Previously Alabama Trial Lawyers Association)(Past President)
American Bar Association
Alabama State Bar
Birmingham Bar Association (Past President)
Cumberland School of Law Advisory Board
Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers
Listed in Best Lawyers in America
American Association for Justice
Alabama Association for Justice (Previously Alabama Trial Lawyers Association)(Past President)
American Bar Association
Alabama State Bar
Birmingham Bar Association (Past President)
Cumberland School of Law Advisory Board
Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers
Listed in Best Lawyers in America
