M. ANNE KAUFOLD-WIGGINS is an Associate in the Atlanta office and a member of the Litigation Section. Anne’s practice consists of trial and appellate matters, including products liability and casualty litigation, land use matters, commercial litigation, and medical malpractice defense.
In trial, upon dispositive motions, and on appeal, Anne has successfully defended several public utilities in personal injury and wrongful death cases. These claims involved electrical shock arising out of contact with overhead distribution lines. Anne has also handled cases alleging negligent pole placement and poles defects. In defending these actions, Anne is often called upon to interpret the National Electric Safety Code, including the application of the clearance tables for overhead conductors, the National Electric Code, ANSI standards, and Rural Electric Administrative Standards.
Anne’s prior work experiences include serving as a legal intern to the Georgia Secretary of State Securities and Business Regulation Division in 2003 and as a legislative intern to the Georgia General Assembly’s House Industry and Governmental Affairs Committees in 2002.
In law school, Anne was a member of the Law Review, the Moot Court Board, and the Brainerd Currie Honor Society. Anne also received a merit scholarship and CALI awards, for highest average, in Administrative Law, Advanced Legal Research, Advanced Writing Group, Statutory Law & Analysis, and Business Associations.
Anne and her husband, Todd, live with their daughters, Laurel and Kate, in Mableton, Georgia.
Representative Experience
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- Fields v. Georgia Pacific, et al.: Wrongful death action for alleged exposure to asbestos containing products. The Court granted summary judgment in favor of our client.
- A08A2039 Meadows et al. v. Diverse Power Inc.: Successful defense of wrongful death action in which the Court of Appeals affirmed that a power company is not the proximate cause of injuries sustained when a vehicle strikes a utility pole located well off the traveled portion of a road.
- Thomas v. Honeywell, Inc., et al.: Wrongful death action for alleged exposure to asbestos containing products. The Court granted summary judgment in favor of our client.
- Conley v. American Insulated Wire Corp., et al.: Wrongful death action for alleged exposure to asbestos containing products. The Court granted summary judgment in favor of our client.
- Denison v. Satilla Rural Electric Membership Corporation: Wrongful death action arising out of contact with overhead distribution lines. The Court granted summary judgment in favor of our client.
- Shingler et al. v. Three Notch Electric Membership Corporation: Assisted in trial of personal injury action in which plaintiffs sought to recover for the injuries sustained while fishing when a graphite fishing pole struck an admittedly visible power line. The jury rendered a defense verdict finding that plaintiff assumed the risk of his injuries. The Georgia Court of Appeals affirmed the verdict, and the Georgia Supreme Court denied certiorari.
PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES
- State Bar of Georgia - YLD Northern District Representative to Executive Council (2010-2012), YLD Rules, Bylaw and Procedures Committee Chair (2011-2012), YLD Litigation Committee and Casino Royale Host Committee
- 2008 Leadership Academy Class - Young Lawyers Division of State Bar of Georgia
- Georgia Defense Lawyers Association
- DRI
- American Bar Association
- Atlanta Bar Association
- Georgia SuperLawyers, “Rising Star” 2012