Timothy B. O'Connor

Tim O'Connor has extensive experience in litigation matters for clients range from Fortune 500 companies to government entities to private businesses.

“Behind each claim is a client. Whether a claim is large or small, simple or complex, it must be handled with skill and attention to detail. I am committed to taking the necessary action to represent our clients’ interests and to advocate, both in and out of the courtroom, on their behalf.”

Tim O'Connor's diverse experience includes representing clients in litigation involving personal injury, auto liability, trucking and transportation claims, dram shop/liquor liability, products liability, premises liability, construction site accidents, workers compensation, insurance coverage issues, and many other matters.

Tim is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates. ABOTA membership requires having served as legal counsel in 20 or more jury trials. He has handled cases in a majority of Arizona counties and has briefed and argued several cases in the Arizona Court of Appeals.

Firm News

Punitive Damages in Civil Litigation: Fewer Trials, Reduced Deterrence

By Tim O'Connor • 27 Sep, 2020

The decreasing number of jury trials coming on the heels of greater judicial oversight of jury-imposed punitive damage awards likely weakens the deterrent effect of punitive damages.

Successful Appeal of Dram Shop Liability Verdict

By Schneider & Onofry, P.C. • 21 Nov, 2018

In a unanimous decision, the Arizona Court of Appeals reversed a $5.4 million verdict against a licensed liquor establishment represented by Schneider & Onofry in a dram shop liability lawsuit concerning alleged over-service of alcohol.

Tim O'Connor Is Accepted for ABOTA Membership

By Schneider & Onofry, P.C. • 19 Jul, 2017

Tim O'Connor has been elected as a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA).

Recent Successful Defenses

• Achieved defense verdicts for a body donation company against 11 plaintiffs who claimed misrepresentation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and mishandling of dead bodily remains.

• Obtained a defense verdict for a national trucking company and driver in claims stemming from a multiple-vehicle accident that occurred on Interstate 10 during a dust storm.

• Defended a shuttle bus driver who struck a pedestrian in an unloading zone at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

• Obtained a defense verdict for a cable installation company that was sued by a homeowner who purportedly tripped and fell over a cable that was installed on the residence’s flat roof.

• Defended a bar that served a drunk driver while he was alleged to be obviously intoxicated.

• Defended a fitness machine repair company for allegedly negligent repair of a weight machine that resulted in personal injury to user.

• Defended a cable installation company in a personal injury case involving a trip and fall incident. The case resulted in a defense verdict in favor of our client.

• Defended a general contactor in a personal injury case involving a construction site accident. The case resulted in an apportionment of the majority of fault to the plaintiff and a subcontractor.

Defense Litigation Experience

Tim has extensive litigation experience with both complex and routine tort motor vehicle actions, including general negligence, uninsured and under-insured motorist claims, and property damage subrogation. He has defended litigation involving pedestrians, motorcycle, busses and boats, many of which involve catastrophic injuries or traumatic brain injuries. Tim's clients include both commercial carriers and personal automobile owners.

He also offers substantial experience with dram shop and alcohol impairment-related lawsuits. He has represented bars, restaurants and social hosts in claims involving statutory and common law negligent over-service of alcohol. He regularly handles issues involving industry standards of care governing employee training and supervision.

In the area of products liability, Tim has handled matters involving design defects, manufacturing defects, and informational/warnings defects. Tim has litigated matters involving tire failures, pool equipment malfunctions, and negligent food preparation and service. Tim has represented manufacturers and distributors with both defending claims and securing indemnity.

Tim also has significant experience in the area of premises liability, including slip/trip and fall litigation, negligent security claims, assault & battery, shootings and excessive force by security personnel. He is intimately familiar with lighting and human factors issues.

His wide-ranging litigation experience includes toxic mold exposure, negligent roadway design, libel and slander, and negligent entrustment. Tim has represented both general contractors and subcontractors in construction site accidents and contractual indemnity claims.

Personal. When not in the office or courtroom, Tim enjoys spending time with his family in swimming, biking and snowboarding.

Honors & Awards

• American Board of Trial Advocates

Professional Memberships

• State Bar of Arizona