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Attorney Profile
Sarah B. Cole
Areas of Practice
Contact Info
Overview
Sarah is a member of the Casualty Department where she focuses her practice in the areas of general commercial liability, including premises liability and residential group home liability. As managing shareholder of the Wilmington office, Sarah oversees the day-to-day operations for the entire office, ensuring that client matters are handled promptly, professionally and effectively.
For the past decade, Sarah has defended hundreds of clients in the defense of personal injury litigation in the Delaware courts, with many cases tried successfully to verdict. In addition, she has defended clients in insurance coverage disputes as well as property damage litigation.
As a member of the Fraud/Special Investigative Unit (SIU) Litigation Practice Group, Sarah continues to develop her skills litigating and investigating claims of insurance fraud. She also has experience handling PIP disputes throughout the state of Delaware on behalf of our clients.
Sarah graduated from Bryn Mawr College in 2001 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. She received her juris doctorate from the University of Maryland in 2005. During law school, Sarah was an intern with the Delaware Court of Chancery. After graduation, Sarah served as a law clerk to the Honorable Arlene Minus Coppadge and the Honorable Robert B. Coonin.
After her clerkship, Sarah went into private practice at a civil defense litigation firm where she successfully defended individuals and businesses in many jury trials in the Delaware Superior Court.
Sarah is active with local animal welfare organizations in Delaware, including the Delaware Humane Association and Faithful Friends Animal Society.
Results
Defense verdict in Delaware Superior Court in a personal injury lawsuit arising out of a slip and fall at a commercial shopping center where liability and significant damages were in dispute.
Successful defense of a residential group home in relation to personal injury claims resulting in efficient and well-informed settlement of all claims prior to the filing of suit.
Defense verdict in Delaware Superior Court in a personal injury lawsuit arising out of a motor vehicle accident. Damages and liability were in dispute. The strategic defense theory presented at trial resulted in the jury awarding a sum that was vastly below the plaintiff's pre-trial demand. Thereafter, the defense successfully argued in opposition to motions for additur and for a new trial.
Defended a first-party lawsuit for underinsured motorist coverage before a jury in Delaware Superior Court. Received a defense verdict when the jury awarded damages that equated to less than what the plaintiff received from the underlying tortfeasor. Thereafter, the defense successfully argued in opposition to motions for additur and for a new trial.
Defended a hotel owner in a premises liability claim brought in Delaware Superior Court with alleged damages approaching nearly $1 million. Through the course of discovery, it was demonstrated that the hotel owner had significant defenses to the plaintiff's claims. Settled the case for a fraction of the original demand.
Defense verdict in Delaware Superior Court in a personal injury lawsuit arising out of a motor vehicle accident. After extensive expert and lay witness testimony, the jury found in favor of the defense on liability. Thereafter, the defense successfully argued in opposition to motions for additur and for a new trial. Jury's verdict upheld in both Delaware Superior Court and the Delaware Supreme Court.
Thought Leadership
New Jersey Contractual Indemnity and Additional Insured Issues, Zurich Insurance, April 2015
"What Del.'s Legal Leaders Are Keeping an Eye on For '24," Law360, January 4, 2024