A large portion of Christian's practice focuses on the defense of professionals, public entities, and public officials. As well, Christian also defends clients in commercial litigation matters, and has significant experience representing architects and engineers, construction contractors, home and code inspectors, and other professionals in the defense of professional and general negligence, construction defect and breach of contract claims.
Christian has handled numerous cases defending public entities and public officials in matters involving general negligence and intentional tort claims, land use and zoning issues including municipal statutory appeals, mandamus and inverse condemnation claims, and administrative regulatory issues. He also defends public entities, public officials and police officers in civil rights actions including land use and zoning denials, unlawful use of force, wrongful arrest and malicious prosecution claims, and also wrongful termination and discrimination claims.
Christian has tried and handled cases in both state and federal courts.
In 1995, Christian graduated from Saint Vincent College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics. In 1996, he graduated from the Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering. He then earned his Juris Doctor degree from the New England School of Law, Boston, Massachusetts, in 1999.
Significant Representative Matters
- After the completion of discovery, successfully obtained settlement of less than $42,000 on behalf of a police department and its officer arising out of a family dispute where seven family members filed Section 1983 civil rights claims alleging malicious and retaliatory prosecution where the initial demand was over $750,000.
- In a case where a plaintiff filed a Section 1983 civil rights claim based on alleged unlawful excessive use of force where a police canine, upon the command of its controlling officer, grabbed the plaintiff's abdomen, taking him to the ground and resulting in puncture wounds. Obtained a settlement of $20,000 where the plaintiff's demand was $250,000.
- Currently handling a case on behalf of a roofing contractor where the plaintiff school district is alleging against multiple parties that the roof was improperly constructed, resulting in roof leakage associated damages in excess of $600,000.
- Currently handling a case on behalf of a civil engineering and surveying firm resulting from an allegedly improperly designed storm water management system associated with a land development plan. Decedent's estate has raised claims against multiple parties that storm water drainage formed ice on a state road, causing decedent's accident.
- Obtained summary judgment in favor of a municipal authority wherein plaintiffs claimed damages in excess of $75,000 as a result of a landslide that impacted their property allegedly as a result of a defective sanitary sewer line and corresponding trenching.
- Obtained summary judgment in favor of a township wherein a plaintiff alleged that she sustained various personal injuries as a result of a motor vehicle versus tractor trailer accident that was allegedly caused by a defective traffic signal.
- Successfully obtained a favorable decision on appeal before the Commonwealth Court in a reported decision on behalf of a borough and its council on the basis of high public official immunity wherein a plaintiff sought damages as a result of being debarred during a public meeting by the council from bidding on public works contracts.
- Obtained a jury defense verdict on behalf of a township wherein a plaintiff alleged that he sustained a foot fracture after stepping into an uncovered utility trench.
- Obtained a non-jury defense verdict on behalf of a city wherein a plaintiff alleged that his rental property sustained damages as a result of a sanitary sewer back-up.
- Obtained a decision in favor of a home inspector after binding arbitration wherein a plaintiff alleged that the inspector was negligent for failing to discover the existence of mold during a home inspection.
- Obtained a non-jury defense verdict on behalf of a police officer wherein a plaintiff alleged unlawful use of force during the course of an arrest.
- Successfully negotiated a favorable settlement in the amount of $15,000 on behalf of a township wherein a police officer who demanded $75,000 alleged wrongful termination from the township police department in violation of his equal protection rights.
