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In this gripping episode of the Dirty Verdict Podcast, hosts Peter Taaffe and Kyle Herbert dive into a landmark legal case with returning guest Ryan Pigg of the Buzbee Law Firm. With co-host Bill absent, Peter and Kyle unpack the details of a massive verdict in a crane collapse case at Texas A&M San Antonio, where a tragic accident led to the death of David Loree. Ryan, who played a pivotal role in the trial, shares an insider’s perspective on the case, from legal strategy and courtroom dynamics to the emotional weight of securing justice for the Loree family. The episode covers the complexities of the case, the defense’s missteps, and the jury’s resounding $640 million verdict, including $480 million in punitive damages. Tune in for an engaging discussion on liability, trial tactics, and the value of human life in Harris County.
Episode Highlights:
• 00:00:14:39 – 00:00:56:06: Peter and Kyle kick off the episode with lighthearted banter about their absent co-host Bill, humorously noting his absence creates a “vacuum of noise” and joking about his “hydrogenated oil and fat” persona in post-production.
• 00:01:18:51 – 00:01:45:03: The hosts celebrate producer Amanda’s birthday month with a massive cake, playfully speculating about her “top secret” age and keeping the mood festive.
• 00:02:04:37 – 00:03:33:52: Ryan Pigg joins the show and discusses his role in the crane collapse case, detailing how he was brought in to assist with legal briefing and witness prep after an overwhelming number of defense motions.
• 00:06:07:15 – 00:08:24:04: Ryan provides a vivid overview of the case: a 5,000-pound, top-heavy HVAC unit collapsed due to improper rigging by TNT Crane, killing David Loree and injuring another worker.
• 00:10:31:50 – 00:12:26:34: The discussion reveals the defense’s surprising decision to lower their settlement offer just before trial, a move Ryan interprets as a misguided attempt to assert dominance, and the last-minute switch in their legal team, signaling desperation.
• 00:16:51:15 – 00:19:21:38: Ryan highlights critical evidence, including text messages from TNT managers acknowledging the unit’s instability 40 minutes before the fatal incident, underscoring their negligence in failing to halt the lift.
• 00:20:17:35 – 00:23:15:51: A turning point in the trial is discussed, where the defense’s opening claim that wind played no role was immediately contradicted by a witness, setting the stage for Tony Buzbee’s powerful courtroom moments.
• 00:23:57:07 – 00:26:04:59: Ryan explains Tony’s strategic closing arguments, framing the $160 million compensatory and $480 million punitive damages to emphasize the high value of human life and the need to punish TNT’s gross negligence.
• 00:26:28:30 – 00:28:49:56: The hosts explore the voir dire process, where Tony focused on jurors’ willingness to award significant damages, priming them for the case’s high stakes and overcoming biases against large verdicts.
• 00:29:17:30 – 00:31:30:13: Ryan critiques the defense’s inconsistent strategy of flip-flopping between blaming David Loree and his employer, Way Engineering, which confused the jury and weakened their case.
• 00:35:37:07 – 00:36:48:36: The emotional impact of the verdict is shared, with Ryan describing the relief and pride felt by the team as the jury affirmed their case and recognized the gross negligence involved.
• 00:41:41:19 – 00:44:29:21: The hosts discuss a last-ditch defense motion for sanctions over Tony’s social media posts, which was swiftly denied after Tony expertly framed it as an attempt to allege juror misconduct, reinforcing the jury’s integrity.
Where to Listen: Catch this episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and other platforms. Follow the Dirty Verdict Podcast for more insightful legal discussions, and visit Ryan Pigg at ryanpigglaw.com or the Buzbee Law Firm at txattorneys.com for more on this case.

Join hosts Peter Taaffe, Kyle Herbert, and Bill Ogden on The Dirty Verdict podcast as they dive into the gritty world of private investigation with special guests Scott Cervenka and Todd Fibich from Delta Intel. In this engaging episode, the team explores how private investigators play a pivotal role in legal cases, from tracking down elusive witnesses to uncovering critical evidence that can make or break a case. With decades of law enforcement experience, Scott and Todd share captivating stories, insider tips, and the cutting-edge techniques they use to assist attorneys in civil, criminal, and family law matters. Whether you’re a lawyer looking to sharpen your case strategy or simply curious about the investigative process, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of PI work.
Show Highlights:
• Law Enforcement Roots: Scott Cervenka discusses his transition from HPD’s Major Offenders Division and FBI Cyber Crimes Task Force to founding Delta Intel, while Todd Fibich shares his journey from Bellaire and League City Police Departments to private investigation.
• Art Heist Recovery: Scott recounts a seven-month investigation to recover stolen artwork, revealing how informants and persistence led to finding million-dollar paintings in an unlikely Houston home.
• High-Stakes Stakeout: Todd details a harrowing 2021 ambush by a gunman in League City, earning him the Police Combat Cross for neutralizing the threat with accurate return fire.
• Surveillance Success: Todd shares a recent case where surveillance footage of an 18-wheeler disproved a company’s claims, leading to a swift settlement after trial testimony.
• Mold Cover-Up Exposed: Scott describes a case where an Instagram post led to uncovering a cover-up of mold in an apartment, securing key witnesses for a plaintiff’s attorney.
• Tech-Savvy Investigations: The guests reveal how they leverage social media, deep web searches, and location data to track witnesses and verify testimony.
Topics Discussed:
• The role of private investigators in legal cases, including locating hard-to-find individuals, conducting surveillance, and gathering evidence.
• Common errors in police crash reports and how Delta Intel corrects them to strengthen cases.
• The importance of early investigator involvement to preserve critical evidence, such as surveillance footage that may be overwritten within 10–30 days.
• Techniques for background checks and open-source intelligence reports to prepare clients and counter opposing witnesses.
• Challenges of serving legal documents and locating clients for mass tort settlements.
• The psychological toll of police work and Todd’s decision to transition to a less stressful career in private investigation.
• Tips for disappearing off the grid, including avoiding trackable vehicles and abandoning smartphones.
Where to Listen: Catch this episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn. Like and subscribe to stay updated on future episodes of The Dirty Verdict.
Contact Delta Intel: Learn more about Scott and Todd’s services at DeltaWins.com.
Note: This episode includes humorous banter and a special birthday shoutout to Todd’s brother, Greg, complete with a celebratory cake!

In this gripping true crime edition of The Dirty Verdict, hosts Peter Taaffe, Kyle Herbert, and Bill Ogden are joined by criminal law expert Anthony Osso to dissect one of the most disturbing cases Houston has seen in years—the murder of Cameron Smith by his own son, Ryan Mitchell Smith. From a shocking crime spree to an insanity defense, the episode unpacks the legal twists, mental health implications, and courtroom drama surrounding this tragic and violent case.
Was justice served? Could this crime have been prevented? And what happens when someone who stabs a police dog gets released—only to escalate to murder?
Show Highlights:
• 00:01:00 – Introduction of guest expert Anthony Osso
• 00:02:22 – Breakdown of the timeline leading up to the murder
• 00:03:45 – Dog stabbing and legal implications for harming police K-9s
• 00:04:52 – Bail, bonding out, and the magistrate process explained
• 00:06:13 – Ryan Smith evades police twice, raising questions about public safety
• 00:07:02 – Discovery of the body and the brutal method of murder
• 00:08:30 – Discussion on whether bond was appropriate given the charges
• 00:09:12 – Legal explanation of entitlement to bail under Texas law
• 00:10:55 – Insanity as a legal defense: what qualifies, and why it’s rarely successful
• 00:12:23 – Signs of premeditation and efforts to cover up the crime
• 00:13:02 – Lack of motive and its role in jury deliberation
• 00:14:01 – The deer meat ruse and how it factored into proving premeditation
• 00:15:03 – How Ryan fled to Bellville and how police eventually caught him
• 00:16:16 – Choosing between insanity and alternative defenses
• 00:17:12 – Expert testimony on drug-induced insanity
• 00:18:18 – Why the case wasn’t streamed, but could have been
• 00:19:22 – Competency vs. insanity: legal distinctions explained
• 00:21:16 – Prosecutor strategy and potential use of the injured police dog in sentencing
• 00:22:20 – Life sentence in Texas and parole eligibility
• 00:24:01 – Prison logistics: what life behind bars looks like in Texas
• 00:25:17 – Forensic details: dumbbell as murder weapon, cause of death
• 00:26:26 – Prosecutors Kim and Lindsey praised for navigating an emotional trial
• 00:28:25 – Possible appeal issues: suppressed evidence, insanity plea, ineffective counsel
• 00:29:34 – Appeal process and what happens to Smith during it
Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream—and don’t forget to like and subscribe.

This week on The Dirty Verdict, Peter Taaffe and Kyle Herbert (filling in while Bill Ogden mourns the loss of his grandfather—our condolences, Bill) dive into the world of court-appointed receiverships—where judgments get enforced, zebras get seized, and helicopters in backyards are fair game.

Peter and Kyle are joined by two of the most notorious (and effective) receivers in Texas: Robert Berleth and Derek Loetzerich. These legal bounty hunters share jaw-dropping stories of chasing down debtors, collecting everything from luxury cars to exotic animals, and navigating the wild west of fraudulent transfers and business divorces.

Whether you’ve got a judgment to enforce or just want to hear how someone found nearly $1 million in cash in a closet—this one’s for you.

🔍 Show Notes:

00:00–01:12 – Opening tributes to Bill Ogden’s grandfather and legendary lawyer Darryl Barger
01:12–02:46 – What is a court-appointed receiver? Legal context and real-world impact
02:46–06:13 – Meet Robert and Derek: how they got into receivership work
06:13–10:34 – From paramedic to collections attorney and the case of the zebras 🦓
10:34–14:11 – How they get paid: contingency fees, judgment stacking, and more
14:11–18:20 – When should lawyers call a receiver? (Spoiler: before it’s too late)
18:20–22:28 – Chapter 64 receiverships explained (aka legal hitmen with court orders)
22:28–27:05 – Powers of a receiver and why they’re way better than garnishment
27:05–30:00 – Yes, they’ve been shot at. Here’s what not to do when you owe money
30:00–34:35 – Famous debtors: Vince Young, Moses Malone Jr., and Adrian Peterson
34:35–38:09 – Liquidating jewelry, boats, and classic cars (some worth far less than expected)
38:09–42:00 – Offshore asset chases and international enforcement
42:00–46:00 – Cold hard cash: $983,000 in a duffel bag + COVID fraud
46:00–50:00 – Why receivers don’t publish addresses and how they protect themselves
50:00–55:00 – The psychology of judgment enforcement: fear, fraud, and fast settlements
55:00–57:12 – Acting as unofficial mediators to help resolve impossible cases
57:12–End – Final thoughts, shoutouts to Suriname, and why you don’t want these guys showing up at your door

💼 Takeaway: If you’re a lawyer with a tough judgment to collect, skip the paperwork and call a receiver. These guys get it done.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts. And if you’re in Suriname… we’re sorry.

In what might be the most unfiltered and entertaining episode yet, The Dirty Verdict crew welcomes their most requested guest: Houston trial lawyer Jason Webster. From calling out inflated verdict marketing to breaking down how hedge funds are quietly reshaping the plaintiff’s bar, Jason pulls no punches.
You’ll hear why Jason is every plaintiff lawyer’s favorite Facebook truth-teller, what really went down in the Sutherland Springs litigation, and how a train explosion in a small Canadian town became the biggest personal injury settlement in Canadian history—all thanks to Jason’s hustle and a little local TV.
Along the way: bear hunting in Russia, deposition warfare, FLSA cases, Texas football, and an all-time great plane favor story involving a bear-hugger expert and the Jewish holidays.
Show Notes:
• 00:00:38 – Peter promotes Bill to full-time host and teases their “greatest guest yet”
• 00:01:15 – Enter Jason Webster: internet legend and Facebook flamethrower
• 00:02:33 – Unfiltered lawyer talk and why “posting checks” isn’t the flex people think
• 00:04:46 – Inside the Sutherland Springs verdict drama
• 00:06:01 – The VC invasion: how hedge funds are distorting plaintiff law
• 00:09:32 – From Vioxx to mass tort marketing: how the game has changed
• 00:15:39 – Jason breaks down his current mass tort focus: Depo-Provera brain tumors
• 00:20:19 – A hard pivot: Jason’s other passion—big game hunting (including Russia stories)
• 00:26:11 – Jason’s Texas roots, Friday night lights, and Tarleton State football
• 00:30:09 – Falling into law: the moment Jason knew he was built to be a trial lawyer
• 00:31:03 – What it’s like taking depositions for abused children and fighting for real victims
• 00:43:57 – Advanced depo strategies, cross-notices, and using taxes to rattle a witness
• 00:51:05 – Jason’s proudest case: Lac-Mégantic train disaster and rewriting Canadian legal history
• 01:00:00 – Taking on the most powerful railroad companies in America—and winning
• 01:04:01 – Who Jason respects (and who he doesn’t) in the defense bar
• 01:05:35 – Wrapping it up and teasing Jason’s next visit to roast more plaintiff lawyers
Subscribe & Follow:Don’t miss the next episode of The Dirty Verdict—follow us on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

In this riveting episode of the Dirty Verdict Podcast, hosts Peter Taaffe, Kyle Herbert and Bill Ogden are joined by special guest attorney Anna Greenberg for an in-depth discussion of high-stakes sexual assault litigation. The conversation spans groundbreaking cases—from the evolving legal battles against Massage Envy following recent changes in binding arbitration clauses, to a harrowing Hilton hotel case that culminated in a multi‐million dollar verdict, and a disturbing rideshare assault involving a Lyft driver. With frank insights into trial strategy, jury selection, and the challenges of holding powerful corporations accountable, this episode lays bare the systemic issues and safety failures that have left survivors fighting for justice. Whether you’re a legal professional or simply curious about the intersection of corporate policy and personal safety, this episode offers a compelling look at the evolving landscape of sexual assault litigation.
Topics Discussed
• Massage Therapy Industry Cases: Litigation against Massage Envy and issues arising from previously enforced binding arbitration clauses.
• Federal Statute Changes: The 2022 law that renders binding arbitration clauses unenforceable in sexual assault or harassment cases.
• Franchisor Liability: Legal debates over the national franchise’s duty to control local operations and ensure safe practices.
• Hilton Hotel Case: Detailed breakdown of a landmark sexual assault case at a Hilton property, including trial strategy, jury dynamics, and the $44.6M verdict.
• Trial Strategies & Jury Selection: Insights into courtroom tactics, the role of aggressive defense strategies, and jury questioning focused on the MeToo movement.
• Rideshare Safety Concerns: Discussion of a disturbing Lyft case involving kidnapping and assault, highlighting corporate safety failures and the legal responsibility of rideshare companies.
• Systemic Reform: Commentary on the need for tighter safety protocols, enhanced training, and stronger accountability from large organizations.
• Personal Legal Journeys: Anna Greenberg’s background, her inspiration from her father’s legacy in mass tort litigation, and her commitment to representing survivors.