Benjamin P. Cloward

Benjamin P. Cloward is a distinguished attorney who has achieved remarkable milestones throughout his legal career. In 2016, at the youthful age of 37, he made history in the State of Nevada by becoming the youngest lawyer ever to receive the esteemed "Trial Lawyer of the Year" award from the Nevada Justice Association. Benjamin's passion for trial advocacy led him to join the Nevada, Las Vegas Chapter of ABOTA (American Board of Trial Advocates) that same year, becoming its youngest member. He further solidified his expertise by becoming the youngest person in Nevada to attain Board Certification as a Personal Injury Specialist, making him a notable force in the field.

Benjamin's exceptional talents have earned him numerous accolades and recognition. He holds an AV-Rating from Martindale-Hubbell, a testament to his high ethical standards and professional competence. Additionally, he achieved a perfect 10.0 rating on AVVO.com, solidifying his reputation as an outstanding legal professional. His accomplishments have been featured in various Nevada magazines, shedding light on his remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication.

In February 2020, Benjamin secured a monumental victory, obtaining a staggering $38 million jury verdict. This verdict marked the largest negligent security for wrongful death ever recorded in the State of Nevada and the second-largest wrongful death verdict nationwide in 2020. Another significant triumph was a $15 million jury verdict in 2016 on behalf of a family who tragically lost their disabled son, Harvey, due to negligence on a paratransit bus. After four years of intense appellate litigation, the verdict was unanimously upheld, resulting in a final judgment of nearly $21 million. Despite the defense never offering a settlement, Benjamin's commitment extended beyond the courtroom. He spearheaded the pursuit of justice by advocating for improved safety measures, leading to the enactment of "Harvey's Law" in Nevada in 2017. This law mandates specialized training for all paratransit bus drivers, ensuring the protection of others.

Further demonstrating his legal prowess, Benjamin obtained a $12.9 million jury verdict in 2016 for a family whose lives were forever altered by a drunk driver, causing severe injuries to the mother and tragically claiming the life of their daughter. Additionally, he secured a $10 million settlement for a client who suffered significant injuries and a moderate brain injury resulting from a fall. Benjamin's track record also includes numerous successful jury verdicts in soft-tissue and low visible property damage cases, with notable awards such as a $2.98 million verdict in 2018 and a $1,075,000 verdict in 2014. In each instance, his verdicts far exceeded the defense offers prior to trial, sometimes reaching 180 times greater.

Noteworthy accomplishments on behalf of his clients extend beyond jury verdicts. Benjamin achieved a $27.5 million settlement against Greyhound Lines Inc. and a $20 million settlement against Jacuzzi Luxury Bath, dba Jacuzzi, Inc. and First Street for Boomers & Beyond, Inc. Recently, he secured an $8 million jury verdict against FedEx Ground Package Inc. Additionally, Benjamin has successfully settled over thirty cases ranging from $1 million to $10 million in value. His trial experience encompasses both State and Federal Courts in Utah and Nevada.

Benjamin's impact extends beyond his successful legal career. He played a pivotal role in the influential Khoury v. Seastrand case, representing a significant victory for injured Nevadans. By rejecting the Howell doctrine, which permits discounted compensation for negligent individuals who harm responsible citizens with personal health insurance, Benjamin ensured fair treatment for all injured parties.

A graduate of the prestigious Gerry Spence Trial Lawyer's College, Benjamin shares Gerry's belief that true advocacy begins with personal dedication. He actively served on the board of the nonprofit organization, Loa Fund, which focuses on providing financial assistance to individuals seeking recovery from addiction through wilderness therapy and other programs. Benjamin firmly believes in understanding others by walking in their shoes and advocates for offering individuals the benefit of the doubt and the opportunity to prove themselves.

Raised in Salem, Utah, Benjamin's values and commitment to service were evident from a young age. He earned the distinguished Eagle Scout Award as a boy and later served as a volunteer missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Louisiana for two years after graduating from high school. He remains dedicated to volunteering within his church and has served in various roles.

Benjamin's educational background includes a bachelor's degree in finance from the University of Utah, which he obtained in 2005. He commenced his legal studies at the University of Tulsa, College of Law, and later transferred to the University of Utah, S.J. Quinney College of Law, where he completed his law degree in 2008. During law school, Benjamin received the Outstanding Achievement Award for Teaching Law in High School, the CALI Excellence for the Future Award for Property, and consistently made the Dean's List. He held prestigious positions such as President of the J. Reuben Clark Law Society and Judicial Intern for the then-State Court Presiding Judge, Gregory K. Frizzell, who currently serves as a Judge for the United States District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma. Benjamin also showcased his legal acumen as a Note and Comment Editor for the Journal of Land, Resources, and Environment Law, with his selected publication titled "Why has State v. Hutchinson Been Ignored? An Analysis of Why Utah Cities Lack Authority to Exact Water."

Outside of his legal pursuits, Benjamin treasures quality time with his wife and two beautiful daughters. He indulges in outdoor activities, including mule deer archery hunting, bass fishing, camping, and passionately supporting the Boston Red Sox.

Benjamin's memberships in professional associations and his notable publications, such as "Why has State v. Hutchinson been ignored? An Analysis of Why Utah Cities Lack Authority to Exact Water" in the Journal of Land Resources & Environment Law, further demonstrate his commitment to legal excellence and sharing his knowledge with the legal community.