Photo of Christopher T. Byrd

Christopher T. Byrd

Partner

Chris Byrd's practice focuses on civil litigation, representing clients in both state and federal courts in claims of wrongful death, product liability, premises liability, breach of contract, mass and complex torts, and construction law. Chris has represented clients in more than 10 states throughout the country.

Education

University of Georgia, B.S.,1994

Drake University Law School, J.D., cum laude, 1998
Order of the Coif
Drake Law Review

Bar & Court Admissions

  • State Bar of Georgia
  • State Bar of Nevada
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Georgia
  • U.S. District Court, District of Nevada
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Federal Claims

Representative Experience

Defended and obtained a successful settlement in a case involving a gang-style shooting at an Atlanta-area restaurant. 

Obtained summary judgment for a national security company providing patrols to a big-box retailer in a lawsuit arising out of an attack in the store’s parking lot where the plaintiff was left paralyzed.

Obtained favorable settlement immediately prior to trial in the defense of a premises owner in a wrongful death case involving a drive-by shooting inside a gated apartment community. 

Obtained summary judgment in favor of a high-rise office building owner/operator in a case involving a spree-style shooting by a third-party security guard.

Defended a parking lot company in a case involving a group assault, leaving the victim/plaintiff in a persistent vegetative state.

Obtained summary judgment on behalf of Atlanta-Area apartment complex owner in a negligent security case where a security guard shot and killed a trespasser in the defendant's parking garage. 

Defended a fire truck manufacturer in catastrophic injury litigation, resulting in a jury verdict millions less than plaintiff's pre-verdict demand.

Obtained defense verdict for a solid waste disposal management company in a personal injury case involving a garbage truck collision.

Obtained defense verdict for a houseboat manufacturer in an alleged carbon monoxide related wrongful death action.

Obtained summary judgment on numerous claims after an appearance in the case by a quadriplegic against a security company for purposes of re-trying the case after mistrial.  The sole remaining claim settled for tens of millions less than the original jury verdict.

Defended an apartment complex in a premises liability matter involving catastrophic injury, resulting in a jury verdict millions less than plaintiff's pre-verdict demand.

Defended resort hotel, generator manufacturer and boat manufacturers in carbon monoxide death cases.

Represents security companies and landowners in premises liability and third-party crime cases.

Successfully argued before the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals to extricate client from federal litigation.

Awards & Recognitions

Best Lawyers in America®, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants, 2021-2024

Best Lawyers in America®, Product Liability Litigation - Defendants, 2023-2024

Super Lawyers® Magazine, Georgia Super Lawyers List, Personal Injury - Products: Defense (2023-2024)

Super Lawyers® Magazine, Georgia Rising Stars List, Personal Injury - Products: Defense (2006-2007, 2011-2012)

American Jurisprudence Awards: Ethics, Criminal Practice & Procedure

Professional & Community Activities

Atlanta Bar Association

Events & Speaking Engagements

"Premises Liability: Third Party Crime," presentation