april 30, 2012 california’s million dollar · pdf filecalifornia’s million dollar...

APRIL 30, 2012

California’sMillion DollarVerdicts

http://www.verdictsearch.com

Unprecedented Results.Unparalleled Success.

2011 Top Verdicts:

Five of the Top 100 Verdicts

Yoon v. USA $17, 845,000.00 December 28, 2011

Cuthbertson v. LACMTA $17,000,000.00 July 29, 2011

Barber v. Mossy Ford $14,465, 864.00 January 11, 2011

Curiel v. SSA Marine $13, 961,981.00 May 6, 2011

Morataya v. City of Bakers�eld $2,123,262.00 May 20, 2011

Brian Panish Adam Shea Kevin Boyle Peter Polos Deborah Chang Spencer Lucas

Four of the Top 30 Verdicts

STRENGTH BY YOUR SIDE

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Congratulates

The Yoon v. USA Trial TeamSTRENGTH BY YOUR SIDE

Verdict: $14,465,864.00

After a U.S. F-18 Hornet �ghter jet negligently crashed into the home of Don Yoon, his home was incinerated and his wife, two children, and mother-in-law were killed. Five plainti�s from two extraordinary Korean families took on the United States of America -- and won a record verdict of $17,845,000.00 for their unimaginable losses.

Brian Panish Kevin Boyle Peter Polos Deborah Chang

The 20th Highest Verdict of 2011

Patrick Gunning

RANK CASE DATE COURT TYPE OF ACTION HEADLINE ATTORNEYS AWARD

1 Pacesetter Inc. v. Nervicon Co. Ltd.

4/22/2011 Los Angeles County

Intellectual Property: Misappropriation of Trade Secrets

Company: Former employee stole highly technical info

James A. Gale, Miami, FL of Feldman Gale, P.A.; Todd M. Malynn, Los Angeles, CA of Feldman Gale, P.A.

$2,315,586,000

2 Asahi Kasei Pharma Corp. v. Actelion Ltd.

4/29/2011 San Mateo County

Intellectual Property: Breach of Licensing Agreement

Company alleged rival halted drug development

Christopher J. Banks, San Francisco, CA of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius; Rollin B. Chippey, II, San Francisco, CA of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius; Tera M. Heintz, San Francisco, CA of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius; Matthew J. Poole, San Francisco, CA of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius; Benjamin P. Smith, San Francisco, CA of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius

$576,875,004

3 Medtronic Sofamor Danek USA Inc. v. NuVasive Inc.

9/20/2011 Federal Intellectual Property: Patents

Plaintiff claimed infringements of spinal surgery patents

Ali-Reza Boloori, Los Angeles, CA of Kirkland & Ellis, L.L.P.; Jason F. Choy, Los Angeles, CA of Kirkland & Ellis, L.L.P.; Luke L. Dauchot, Los Angeles, CA of Kirkland & Ellis, L.L.P.; Christopher M.C. Lawless, Los Angeles, CA of Kirkland & Ellis, L.L.P.; Sharre S. Lotfollahi, Los Angeles, CA of Kirkland & Ellis, L.L.P.; Alexander F. MacKinnon, Los Angeles, CA of Kirkland & Ellis, L.L.P.

$101,196,000

4 Mattel Inc. v. MGA Entertainment Inc.

4/20/2011 Federal Intellectual Property: Misappropriation of Trade Secrets

Doll makers dispute ownership of toy doll product line

Jennifer L. Keller, Irvine, CA of Keller Rackauckas, L.L.P.; Mark E. Overland, Santa Monica, CA of Law Offices of Mark E. Overland; Annette L. Hurst, San Francisco, CA of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, L.L.P.; Thomas S. McConville, Irvine, CA of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, L.L.P.; Alexander H. Cote, Los Angeles, CA of Scheper, Kim & Harris, L.L.P.

$88,500,000

5 Mauro v. Ford Motor Co. Inc. 11/10/2011 Sacramento County

Products Liability: Design Defect

Ford didn’t publicize tire recall, suit alleged

Robert B. Bale, Sacramento, CA of Dreyer, Babich, Buccola & Wood, L.L.P.; Roger A. Dreyer, Sacramento, CA of Dreyer, Babich, Buccola & Wood, L.L.P.; Christine D. Spagnoli, Santa Monica, CA of Greene, Broillet & Wheeler, L.L.P.; William C. Callaham, Sacramento, CA of Wilcoxen Callaham, L.L.P.

$73,063,649

6 Lucent Technologies Inc. v. Gateway Inc.

7/29/2011 Federal Intellectual Property: Infringement

Appeals court ordered new trial following $358M verdict

Luke L. Dauchot, Los Angeles, CA of Kirkland & Ellis LLP; Jeanne M. Heffernan, New York, NY of Kirkland & Ellis LLP

$70,000,000

7 Rosenberg v. Encino-Tarzana Regional Medical Center


Negligence: Negligent Supervision

Patient: Hospital failed to fire employee prior to sexual assault

Maryann P. Gallagher, Los Angeles, CA of Law Offices of Maryann P. Gallagher; Michael J. Piuze, Los Angeles, CA of Law Offices of Michael J. Piuze

$67,359,753

8 Trust Company of the West v. Gundlach


Intellectual Property: Misappropriation of Trade Secrets

Bond firm alleged former workers stole proprietary info

Brad D. Brian, Los Angeles, CA of Munger, Tolles & Olson, L.L.P.; Mark B. Helm, Los Angeles, CA of Munger, Tolles & Olson, L.L.P.; Gregory J. Weingart, Los Angeles, CA of Munger, Tolles & Olson, L.L.P.

$66,700,000

9 CFRI-NCA Palladium Venture, LLC v. NCA Argyle LP


Contracts: Breach of Joint Venture Agreement

Developer: Fund manager abandoned joint partnership

Alan A. Greenberg, Irvine, CA of Greenberg Traurig, LLP; Wayne R. Gross, Irvine, CA of Greenberg Traurig, LLP

$50,356,784

Herron v. Nederlander Greek, Inc.

$3.2 Million for a broken leg…

some say it’s a “runaway verdict”…

we call it JUSTICE*

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OWEN, PATTERSON & OWEN

1-800-676-5295www.opolaw.com

OWEN, PATTERSON & OWENPERSONAL INJURY LAW

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The Cuthbertson v. LACMTA Trial TeamSTRENGTH BY YOUR SIDE

Verdict: $17,000,000.00

Brian Panish Deborah Chang

The 24th Highest Verdict of 2011 A step into a gap that changed how theMTA treated visually impaired users of its trains:

Legally blind Cameron Cuthbertson lost hislife after mistaking the gap between rail cars fora doorway. After falling to the tracks, he was crushed to death when the train began to move. His death brought numerous changes and highlighted the fundamental rights of the visually impaired to use public transportation. The jury heard a remarkable story of a brave and humble man from Compton who had a unique relationship with his extraordinary mother. Together, they became heroes in ensuring the rights of those who depend on trains and the LACMTA the most.

10 Pedeferri v. White 1/25/2011 Ventura County Motor Vehicle: Parked Car

High on marijuana, driver plowed into parked car, officer

C. Michael Alder, Beverly Hills, CA of AlderLaw, P.C.; John F. Gerard, Los Angeles, CA of Law Offices of John F. Gerard; Erik B. Feingold, Ventura, CA of Myers, Widders, Gibson, Jones & Schneider LLP

$49,644,258

11 Trejo v. McNeil Consumer & Specialty Pharmaceuticals


Products Liability: Warnings

Pain reliever Motrin lacked adequate warnings: plaintiff

Michael P. Manapol, West Hollywood, CA of Law Offices of Brian D. Witzer, Inc.; Brian D. Witzer, West Hollywood, CA of Law Offices of Brian D. Witzer, Inc.; Jeffrey E. Zinder, West Hollywood, CA of Law Offices of Brian D. Witzer, Inc.

$48,192,880

12 Casey v. FDCC California Inc. 5/11/2011 San Francisco County

Products Liability: Asbestos

Plumber said exposure to asbestos dust caused cancer

Dustin Bodaghi, Novato, CA of Brayton Purcell, L.L.P.; Gilbert L. Purcell, Novato, CA of Brayton Purcell, L.L.P.

$41,273,421

13 Concept Chaser Co. Inc. v. Pentel of America Ltd.


Contracts: Breach of Contract

Ad agency claimed pen maker stole ad ideas

C. Michael Alder, Beverly Hills, CA of AlderLaw P.C.; Marni B. Folinsky, Beverly Hills, CA of AlderLaw P.C.; Ronald Beck, Long Beach, CA of Perona, Langer, Beck & Serbin, APC; Jeffrey I. Ehrlich, Encino, CA of The Ehrlich Law Firm

$32,875,000

14 Bell v. MasterCraft Boat Co. 6/7/2011 Butte County Products Liability: Design Defect

Plaintiffs swept off boat when its bow submerged during turn

Robert B. Bale, Sacramento, CA of Dreyer, Babich, Buccola & Wood, L.L.P.; Roger A. Dreyer, Sacramento, CA of Dreyer, Babich, Buccola & Wood, L.L.P.

$31,432,741

15 Sharp Image Gaming Inc. v. Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians

12/22/2011 El Dorado County


Game machine provider: Tribe breached contract

Craig C. Allison, Sacramento, CA of DLA Piper LLP (US); Matthew G. Jacobs, Sacramento, CA of DLA Piper LLP (US); Steven S. Kimball, Sacramento, CA of DLA Piper LLP (US)

$30,442,964

16 Hutchinson v. Bucci 7/25/2011 Solano County Motor Vehicle: Dangerous Condition

Plaintiffs: Lack of median barrier resulted in head-on crash

Richard C. Bennett, Oakland, CA of Bennett, Johnson & Galler; Thomas J. Brandi, San Francisco, CA of The Brandi Law Firm

$29,277,391

17 Nickerson v. Stonebridge Life Insurance Co.


Insurance: Coverage Plaintiff: Carrier acted in bad faith by not paying full hospital stay

Howard S. Shernoff, Claremont, CA of Shernoff, Bidart, Darras & Echeverria, L.L.P.; William M. Shernoff, Claremont, CA of Shernoff, Bidart, Darras & Echeverria, L.L.P.

$19,035,000

18 Conceptus Inc. v. Hologic Inc. 10/17/2011 Federal Intellectual Property: Patents

Plaintiff claimed competing procedure infringed on patent

Bryan K. Anderson, Palo Alto, CA of Sidley Austin, L.L.P.; Aaron R. Bleharski, Palo Alto, CA of Sidley Austin, L.L.P.; Nitin Reddy, Los Angeles, CA of Sidley Austin, L.L.P.; M. Patricia Thayer, San Francisco, CA of Sidley Austin, L.L.P.; Tashica T. Williams, Los Angeles, CA of Sidley Austin, L.L.P.

$18,807,241

19 Liu v. Seybert 3/28/2011 Sacramento County

Motor Vehicle: Pedestrian

Young doctor suffered brain injury when hit by car

Dugan Barr, Redding, CA of Barr & Mudford; Richard J. Molin, Chico, CA of Stewart Humpherys Molin & Griffith, LLP

$18,264,142

20 Yoon v. USA 12/28/2011 San Diego County

Admiralty/Maritime: Boating Accidents

United States Marine Corp F/A-18D Hornet fighter jet crashed into the family home.

Brian J. Panish, Kevin R. Boyle, L.L.P., and Hon. Peter J. Polos (Ret.); Panish, Shea,& Boyle, Los Angeles and Santa Monica

$17,845,000

Gwilliam, Ivary, Chiosso, Cavalli & Brewer is proud to be named for the third consecutive year in Verdict Search’s top California verdicts. The firm recognizes partner J. Gary Gwilliam and associate Jayme L. Burns on achieving this key breach of contract and fraud verdict.

In Allmed Systems, Inc. versus Healthtronics, Inc. the jury awarded the plaintiff, a small medical business owner, $9,263,345. The jury concluded that Healthtronics, a large medical supply distributor, breached the contract with Allmed Systems and made intentional and negligent misrepresentations to the plaintiff. The jury returned the verdict on November 4, 2011. On February 9, 2012 the Alameda Superior Court awarded plaintiffs’ attorneys fees in the amount of $1,745,740.00, costs in an amount to be determined, and interest on the entire judgment bringing the final award in excess of $11 million dollars. On April 9, 2012, Healthtronics’ motions for judgment notwithstanding the verdict and new trial were denied.

Since 1978 the law firm of Gwilliam, Ivary Chiosso, Cavalli & Brewer continues to champion the cause of victims’ rights. The firm specializes in serious and

complex cases in the personal injury and consumer law field including business fraud, employment, civil litigation, professional malpractice, product liability and bad faith insurance. It has a superior track record for verdicts and settlements.

GWILLIAM, IVARY, CHIOSSO, CAVALLI & BREWERA PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION

1999 Harrison Street Suite 1600 | Oakland, California 94612510-832-5411 | www.giccb.com

RANK CASE DATE COURT TYPE OF ACTION HEADLINES ATTORNEYS AWARD

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Robert Buccola Adam Shea Spencer Lucas Jason Sigel

The Barber v. Mossy Ford Trial Team

The 25th Highest Verdict for 2011 A haunting image was presented to the jury: three small boys huddled by the side of the highway crying for help after seeing their parents killed when their van rolled over during a family vacation. Their lives were forever changed because a tire puncture was negligently repaired, causing a catastrophic tire tread separation. Three little boys. Four great trial attorneys. The 25th highest verdict in California for 2011.


Verdict: $14,465,864.00

21 Bankhead v. ArvinMeritor Inc. 1/6/2011 Alameda County


Parts man alleged exposure to asbestos led to mesothelioma

Justin Bosl, Oakland, CA of Kazan, McClain, Lyons, Greenwood & Harley; Leigh Kirmsse, Oakland, CA of Kazan, McClain, Lyons, Greenwood & Harley; Joseph D. Satterley, Louisville, KY of Sales & Satterley

$17,470,000

22 Estate of Mazurek v. American Medical Response Inc.

5/20/2011 San Diego County

Motor Vehicle: Bicycle Suit: Van driver’s hasty turn led to fatal collision with bicyclist

Ara Jabagchourian, Burlingame, CA of Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy, LLP; Frank M. Pitre, Burlingame, CA of Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy, LLP

$17,440,564

23 Hout v. Slaski 7/20/2011 Orange County Intentional Torts: Assault and Battery

Drunken adult assaulted teen after party, suit alleged

Michael S. Sutton, Mission Viejo, CA of Sutton & Murphy $17,289,993

24 Estate of Cuthbertson v. Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation


Civil Rights: ADA Suit: Train’s lack of barriers led to blind man’s fatal fall

Deborah Chang, Los Angeles, CA of Panish, Shea & Boyle, L.L.P.; Brian J. Panish, Los Angeles, CA of Panish, Shea & Boyle, L.L.P.

$17,000,000

25 Barber v. Mossy Ford Inc. 1/12/2011 San Diego County

Negligence: Negligent Repair

Suit: Mechanic’s failure to remove tire led to fatal rollover

Robert A. Buccola, Sacramento, CA of Dreyer, Babich, Buccola & Wood, L.L.P.; Jason J. Sigel, Sacramento, CA of Dreyer, Babich, Buccola & Wood, L.L.P.; Spencer R. Lucas, Los Angeles, CA of Panish, Shea & Boyle, L.L.P.; Adam K. Shea, Los Angeles, CA of Panish, Shea & Boyle, L.L.P.

$14,465,864

26 Curiel v. SSA Marine Inc. 5/6/2011 Los Angeles County

Worker/Workplace Negligence

Trucker injured when crane dropped heavy load into his cab

Spencer R. Lucas, Los Angeles, CA of Panish Shea & Boyle LLP; Brian J. Panish, Los Angeles, CA of Panish Shea & Boyle LLP

$13,961,049

27 Boeken v. Philip Morris USA 8/9/2011 Los Angeles County

Products Liability: Failure to Warn

Son alleged loss of love and affection from father’s death

Michael J. Piuze, Los Angeles, CA of Law Offices of Michael J. Piuze; Geraldine Weiss, Los Angeles, CA of Law Offices of Michael J. Piuze

$12,800,000

28 Burin v. Hall 8/5/2011 San Diego County

Motor Vehicle: Single Vehicle

Man alleged brain injury after he hit his head in car accident

Robert N. Hamparyan, San Diego, CA of The Gomez Law Firm; Steven C. Vosseller, San Diego, CA of The Gomez Law Firm

$12,286,679

29 Cole v. Vink 11/7/2011 Stanislaus County

Motor Vehicle: Passenger

Pltff. claimed negligent harvest direction led to collision

Randall H. Scarlett, San Francisco, CA of Scarlett Law Group

$10,651,423

30 Corbo v. New United Motor Manufacturing Inc.

9/29/2011 Alameda County


Pltf claimed electric flatbed truck had insufficient warnings

Kevin Lancaster, San Francisco, CA of The Veen Firm, P.C.; William L. Veen, San Francisco, CA of The Veen Firm, P.C.; Kimberly A. Wong, San Francisco, CA of The Veen Firm, P.C.

$10,210,707

31 Hyan v. Gold 6/15/2011 Los Angeles County

Legal Profession: Malpractice

Man said he lost money due to firm’s mishandling of contract

Padraic Glaspy, Los Angeles, CA of Howarth & Smith; Don Howarth, Los Angeles, CA of Howarth & Smith; Suzelle M. Smith, Los Angeles, CA of Howarth & Smith

$10,155,559

32 Goble v. Estate of Pike 12/1/2011 San Bernardino County

Aviation: Helicopter Helicopter struck power lines and crashed, killing pilots

Michael S. Danko, San Mateo, CA of The Danko Law Firm $10,000,000

33 Bolduc v. Ohebsion 7/22/2011 Los Angeles County

Landlord and Tenant: Breach of Lease

Property owner claimed defendant tried to force sale

Robert C. Risbrough, Irvine, CA of Darling & Risbrough, L.L.P.; Eoin L. Kreditor, Irvine, CA of Friedman, Stroffe & Gerard, P.C.

$9,973,560


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The Curiel v. SSA Marine Trial TeamSTRENGTH BY YOUR SIDE

Verdict: $13,961,981.00

Brian Panish

The 26th Highest Verdict of 2011 48-year-old Felipe Curiel was crushed and pinned inside his truck when a 25,000 pound container fell from 40 feet onto his truck cab due to the negligence of a crane operator working for the world’s largest maritime docking company. The plainti�’s devastating spinal injuries resulted in a complex and debilitating chronic pain syndrome. The jury’s verdict is believed to be the largest in Long Beach history, and was the 26th highest verdict of 2011.

Spencer Lucas

34 Horner v. Carrier Corp. 6/16/2011 San Diego County


Laid-off manager said employer failed to adhere to agreement

L.B. Chip Edleson, San Diego, CA of Edleson & Rezzo; Joann F. Rezzo, San Diego, CA of Edleson & Rezzo

$9,584,000

35 Allmed Systems Inc. v. HealthTronics Inc.



Companies dispute best efforts to sell medical laser

Jayme L. Burns, Oakland, CA of Gwilliam, Ivary, Chiosso, Cavalli & Brewer; J. Gary Gwilliam, Oakland, CA of Gwilliam, Ivary, Chiosso, Cavalli & Brewer; Richard E. Korb, Berkeley, CA of Law Offices of Richard E. Korb

$9,263,345

36 Duhn Oil Tool Inc. v. Cooper Cameron Corp.

2/2/2011 Federal Intellectual Property: Infringement

Plaintiff claimed frac system infringed on its patent

Thomas J. Daly, Pasadena, CA of Christie, Parker & Hale, L.L.P.; Edward R. Schwartz, Pasadena, CA of Christie, Parker & Hale, L.L.P.; William J. Kolegraff, Irvine, CA of Thomas, Whitelaw & Tyler, L.L.P.

$8,659,974

37 Stoltenberg v. Ampton Investments Inc.


Torts: Breach of Fiduciary Duty

Plaintiffs alleged they were misled by mall’s general partner

Kathleen M. Erskine, Los Angeles, CA of Law Offices of Richard A. Love; Richard A. Love, Los Angeles, CA of Law Offices of Richard A. Love

$8,516,704

38 Hairston v. Regents of University California

10/28/2011 Sacramento County

Medical Malpractice: Failure to Detect

Patient: Radiology Dept. failed to detect malformation on spine

C. Brooks Cutter, Sacramento, CA of Kershaw, Cutter & Ratinoff, L.L.P.; Eric J. Ratinoff, Sacramento, CA of Kershaw, Cutter & Ratinoff, L.L.P.

$7,624,318

39 Wall v. Miramontes 12/17/2011 San Diego County

Motor Vehicle: Motorcycle

Motorcyclist: Shuttle driver’s negligent turn caused crash

Nicholas C. Rowley, Beverly Hills, CA of Carpenter, Zuckerman & Rowley, L.L.P.; Courtney E. Yoder, Santa Cruz, CA of Law Offices of Courtney Yoder, P.C.; Kimberly K. Barrows, El Cajon, CA of Law Offices of Howard Alan Kitay; Howard A. Kitay, El Cajon, CA of Law Offices of Howard Alan Kitay

$7,553,000

40 Zaccaglin v. Starbucks Coffee Co.


Premises Liability: Dangerous Condition

Coffee shop’s wet floor caused slip and fall, customer alleged

John H. Gomez, San Diego, CA of The Gomez Law Firm; James S. Iagmin, San Diego, CA of The Gomez Law Firm; Jessica Sizemore, San Diego, CA of The Gomez Law Firm

$7,456,231

41 Fretz v. Minuteman Parking Co.

6/10/2011 Riverside County


Tennis instructor claimed brain damage after being hit by car

Joseph Daniel Davis, Los Angeles, CA of Law Offices of Joseph Daniel Davis

$7,381,115

42 Estate of Haen v. Logos Group

6/30/2011 Fresno County Motor Vehicle: Tractor-Trailer

Trailer fatally struck pedestrian after rigs became entangled

Charles M. Barrett, Sacramento, CA of Dreyer, Babich, Buccola & Wood, L.L.P.; Roger A. Dreyer, Sacramento, CA of Dreyer, Babich, Buccola & Wood, L.L.P.

$7,284,000

43 Ornelas v. Southern California Edison Co.

3/1/2011 Fresno County Motor Vehicle: Weather Conditions

Driver lost control during snowstorm, crashed into SUV

Patrick D. Toole, Fresno, CA of Jones Helsley PC; Richard C. Watters, Fresno, CA of Miles, Sears & Eanni

$5,746,627

44 Tran v. U.S. Mineral Products Co.

6/2/2011 Federal Employment: Retaliation Manager said he was fired after reporting CEO’s harassment

Victor L. George, Torrance, CA of Law Offices of Victor L. George; Douglas W. Perlman, Torrance, CA of Rastegar & Matern

$5,418,771

45 Johnson v. Sears Holding Corp.

10/21/2011 Sacramento County

Employment: Workplace Harassment

Plaintiff: Coworker assaulted him and used racial slurs

Christopher H. Whelan, Gold River, CA of Law Offices of Christopher H. Whelan; Brian D. Whelan, Fresno, CA of Law Offices Walter W. Whelan

$5,183,773


In December 2009, Trust Company of the West fired Jeffrey Gundlach. Gundlach subsequently set up his own fund man-agement business, DoubleLine Capital, with three other TCW employees. TCW sued Gundlach, DoubleLine Capital and the three employees, alleging misappro-priation of trade secrets, breach of fiduciary duty and tortious interference with a con-tract. Gundlach countersued and accused TCW of terminating his employment after 24 years at the firm in order to avoid paying him promised income.

The jury found that Gundlach had breached his fiduciary duty, committed tortious interference and misappropriated trade secrets, but said there was no harm to TCW and awarded no financial compensa-tion.

Case: Trust Company of the West v. Gund-lach, BC429385

Court: Los Angeles County Superior Court, Los Angeles

Counsel for the plaintiff: John Quinn, Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, Los Angeles

Counsel for defendant: Brad Brian, Mark Helm and Gregory Weingart, Munger, Tolles & Olson, Los Angeles

9. CONTRACTS

An investment adviser won $50.4 million in a breach of contract suit.

CFRI-NCA Palladium Venture LLC and its affiliates alleged that they were the owners of four properties in Hollywood and that they entered into an oral contract with Newport Capital Advisors LLC and its affiliates for the redevelopment of the properties. Plaintiffs then sued Newport Capital and its affiliates for declaratory re-lief, claiming that they had no written con-tractual obligations to enter into any ven-tures with the defendants, that they could terminate their oral contracts without any liability to the defendants, that they were the sole owners of the four properties, and that the defendants had no interest in the properties.

Newport Capital then cross-complained against the CFRI entities for dissolution of joint ventures and for recovery of the rea-sonable value of services. The plaintiffs ultimately dropped their entire complaint, and Newport Capital dropped its claims for dissolution of joint ventures. The trial subsequently proceeded on Newport Cap-ital’s cross-complaint for breach of fiducia-ry duties and reasonable value of services. The jury found for Newport Capital.

Case: CFRI-NCA Palladium Venture v. NCA Argyle, BC412918

Court: Los Angeles County Superior Court, Los Angeles

Counsel for the plaintiff: Rosina Her-nandez, Alan Petlak, David Stauss and Roger Thomasch, Ballard Spahr, Los An-geles and Denver

Counsel for defendant: Alan Greenberg and Wayne Gross, Greenberg Traurig, Ir-vine

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46 Martin v. Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Co.


Railroad: FELA Railroad worker jumped from train to avoid crash, injured leg

Anthony S. Petru, Oakland, CA of Hildebrand, McLeod & Nelson LLP; Victor A. Russo, Los Angeles, CA of Hildebrand, McLeod & Nelson LLP

$4,931,549

47 Tellez v. Hilton 7/7/2011 Los Angeles County


Gas station attendant claimed he was hit by drunken driver

Christopher L. Campbell, Long Beach, CA of Law Office of Christopher L. Campbell; Joseph M. Kar, Sherman Oaks, CA of Law Office of Joseph M. Kar; Nathan V. Hoffman, Los Angeles, CA of Law Offices of Hoffman & Osorio, LLP; Spyros Osorio, Los Angeles, CA of Law Offices of Hoffman & Osorio, LLP

$4,889,369

48 Villanueva v. A&F Engineering

5/16/2011 San Mateo County

Motor Vehicle: Reversing Vehicle

Family sought excess damages for death at work

Chantel Fitting, San Mateo, CA of Galine, Frye & Fitting; John N. Frye, San Mateo, CA of Galine, Frye & Fitting

$4,583,742

49 Cotton v. City of Eureka 9/23/2011 Federal Civil Rights: Police as Defendant

Family: Officers failed to seek medical care for decedent

Dale K. Galipo, Woodland Hills, CA of Law Offices of Dale K. Galipo; Vicki I. Sarmiento, Alhambra, CA of Law Offices of Vickie I. Sarmiento

$4,575,000

50 Hager v. Los Angeles County 9/30/2011 Los Angeles County

Employment: Retaliation Plaintiff: Firing due to reporting findings of corrupt deputy

Richard A. Love, Los Angeles, CA of Law Office of Richard A. Love

$4,506,015

51 Hansen v. Kangah 3/28/2011 San Bernardino County

Medical Malpractice: Negligent Treatment

Docs blamed for patient’s death after Whipple procedure

Jeffrey S. Raynes, Redlands, CA of Law Offices of Jeffrey S. Raynes

$4,400,000

52 Nevarrez v. San Marino Skilled Nursing and Wellness Centre, LLC


Elder Law: California Elder Abuse Act

Man claimed nursing facility failed to prevent his 11 falls

Lisa T. Flint, Anaheim, CA of Law Offices of Michael F. Moran; Michael F. Moran, Anaheim, CA of Law Offices of Michael F. Moran

$4,391,008

53 Kieffer v. UNUM Life Insurance


Insurance: Bad Faith Suit: Disability benefits were terminated despite evidence of injury

Ivan Puchalt, Santa Monica, CA of Greene, Broillet & Wheeler, L.L.P.; Mark T. Quigley, Santa Monica, CA of Greene, Broillet & Wheeler, L.L.P.

$4,200,000

54 Savage v. State of California 6/27/2011 Nevada County Motor Vehicle: Dangerous Condition

Plaintiffs blamed motorcycle crash on missing warning signs

Aimee E. Kirby, Redondo Beach, CA of Kirby, Kirby and Kirby; Steven C. Kirby, Redondo Beach, CA of Kirby, Kirby and Kirby; Arash Homampour, Sherman Oaks, CA of The Homampour Law Firm PLC

$4,169,822

55 Gavello v. Brown 2/25/2011 San Francisco County

Medical Malpractice: Failure to Monitor

Suit: Doctor left patient with nurse too soon after surgery

Conor M. Kelly, San Francisco, CA of Galloway, Lucchese, Everson & Picchi; Melinda Derish, San Francisco, CA of Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger; Paul V. Melodia, San Francisco, CA of Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger

$3,977,831

56 Ricardez v. McCorkendale 7/25/2011 Santa Barbara County

Motor Vehicle: Rear-ender

Torsten M. Bassell, Los Angeles, CA of The Lari-Joni Law Firm; Nicole Lari-Joni, Los Angeles, CA of The Lari-Joni Law Firm

$3,890,625




www.dankolaw.com


Congratulates

The Morataya v. City of Bakers�eld Trial Team


Brian Panish

The 84th Highest Verdict of 2011

54-year-old Armando Morataya died after being run over by a City employee at Je�erson Park in Bakers�eld. Born in El Salvador, he believed in the American dream and dedicated himself to hard work and self-sacri�ce so that his family could have a better life. His 74-year-old mother and two adult daughters took on the City of Bakers�eld, and won a record wrongful death verdict.

David Cohn Deborah Chang

Verdict: $2,123,262.00

Congratulations to Steven L. Krongold for Being Named to Verdict Search’s 2011 Top California Verdicts!

Krongold Law Corporation 8105 Irvine Center Drive, Suite 900 Irvine, CA 92618 Tel: 949-651-1900 [email protected]

Secured $1,200,000 in Forsythe v. Zachariah Krongold Law Corporation is a full-service litigation boutique located in the heart of Orange County, California. The Firm was founded with one simple

mission: to provide individual attention to high-end clients who need aggressive legal representation









Secured $1,200,000 in Forsythe v. Zachariah

Krongold Law Corporation is a full-service litigation boutique located in the heart of Orange County, California.

The Firm was founded with one simple mission: to provide individual attention to high-end clients who need

aggressive legal representation.

57 California Coastal Commission v. Witter


Environmental Law: State Laws

Defendant accused of having illegal trailer park on property

Christina Bull Arndt, Los Angeles, CA of Office of the Attorney General; Gordon Rawlins Overton, Los Angeles, CA of Office of the Attorney General; Wyatt E. Sloan-Tribe, Los Angeles, CA of Office of the Attorney General

$3,877,000

58 Winston v. Countrywide Financial Corp.


Employment: Retaliation Termination was retaliation for reporting noxious fumes: suit

Deborah Hoetger, San Marino, CA of The Mathews Law Group; Charles T. Mathews, San Marino, CA of The Mathews Law Group

$3,828,166

59 Maseba v. Mosqueda 5/11/2011 Fresno County Motor Vehicle: Stop Sign Plaintiff alleged truck ran stop sign, caused collision

Warren R. Paboojian, Fresno, CA of Baradat & Paboojian LLP; Jason S. Bell, Fresno, CA of Baradat & Paboojian, LLP

$3,753,690

60 Glanzman v. Parkview Village, LLC



Plaintiff claimed ladder’s design violated OSHA rules

Laura V. Farber, Pasadena, CA of Hahn & Hahn LLP; Ryan A. Kaye, Pasadena, CA of Hahn & Hahn LLP

$3,743,075

61 Pet Food Express Limited v. Royal Canin USA Inc.

9/1/2011 Federal Contracts: Breach of Contract

Defendant refused to honor contract, plaintiff alleged

John Douglas Moore, Oakland, CA of Henn, Etzel & Moore, Inc.

$3,649,124

62 Smith Kline Beecham v. Abbott Laboratories

3/30/2011 Federal Antitrust: Monopolies Drug maker accused of creating a monopoly

Brian Hennigan, Los Angeles, CA of Irell & Manella LLP; Alexander F. Wiles, Los Angeles, CA of Irell & Manella LLP

$3,500,000

63 Chaugle v. Valley Heart Associates Medical Group Inc.

9/22/2011 Stanislaus County

Intentional Torts: Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress

Doctor claimed retaliation for filing concerns about hospital

Charles T. Mathews, San Marino, CA of The Mathews Law Group; Jeffrey A. Rager, Torrance, CA of The Rager Law Firm

$3,458,331

64 Bonilla v. Bonilla 6/3/2011 Orange County Contracts: Breach of Settlement Agreement

Relatives breached agreement regarding businesses: plaintiff

Raymond E. Brown, Costa Mesa, CA of Bohm Matsen Kegel & Aguilera, LLP

$3,371,766

65 Carter v. Lampkin 6/6/2011 Los Angeles County

Motor Vehicle: Broadside Taxi passengers claimed injuries in broadside crash

Warren Chip Dean, Irvine, CA of Rigg & Dean; Shannon C. Lamb, Newport Beach, CA of Stephens Friedland LLP; Michael S. Sutton, Mission Viejo, CA of Sutton & Murphy

$3,341,744

66 Dang v. Hankerson 3/17/2011 Los Angeles County

Employment: Sexual Harassment

Woman alleged boss stalked, fired her after romance ended

Neil M. Sunkin, Woodland Hills, CA of Law Office of Neil M. Sunkin; Douglas L. Carden, Westlake Village, CA of Law Offices of Douglas L. Carden

$3,335,861

67 Williams v. Loker University Student Union



Plaintiff claimed failure to attach steps to stage caused fall

Hector Marrache, Encino, CA of Abassian Marrache; Stephen Bernard, Los Angeles, CA of Bernard & Bernard; Alena Klimianok, Los Angeles, CA of Bernard & Bernard

$3,325,214

68 Ellis v. Harvey’s Lake Tahoe Hotel and Casino

5/23/2011 San Francisco County

Products Liability: Breach of Warranty

Casino beverage was caustic, damaged patron’s throat: suit

Christopher B. Dolan, San Francisco, CA of The Dolan Law Firm

$3,254,308

69 Watson v. County of Santa Clara

4/1/2011 Federal Civil Rights Children wrongfully removed from home, suit alleged

Peter J. Johnson, Walnut Creek, CA of Law Offices of Johnson & Johnson; Robert R. Powell, San Jose, CA of Law Offices of Robert R. Powell

$3,250,000

70 Thomas v. TapouT LLC 1/25/2011 Los Angeles County

Employment: Wages and Hours

Sales rep: Complaints about unpaid commissions led to firing

James Urbanic, Santa Monica, CA of Shegarian & Associates; Carney R. Shegerian, Santa Monica, CA of Shegerian & Associates

$3,240,434




www.krongoldlaw.com

www.psblaw.com


The Veen Firm is honored to have two verdicts included in the Top California Verdicts of 2011. The firm’s lawyers pride themselves on creative lawyering, meticulous preparation, and exhaustive case workup to achieve superior results. We thank our referring attorneys who entrust their valued clients to us.

We congratulate Bill Veen and Kevin Lancaster for their $10,210,707 verdict in Corbo v. Taylor Dunn Manufacturing. Plaintiff Chris Corbo’s foot was crushed by a flatbed truck at an auto manufacturing plant. Bill and Kevin had already collected $8 million from settling joint tortfeasors and proceeded to trial on the product liability case.

We also congratulate Anthony Label and Andje Medina for their $1,070,891 verdict in Torres v. Fleming. Plaintiff Isaac Torres suffered a lumbar disc bulge when he slipped and fell down stairs at his rental apartment. The jury found no comparative fault even though Plaintiff had used the stairs approximately 50 times before his fall.

71 Herron v. Nederlander-Greek Inc.


Premises Liability: Amusement Park/Place of Entertainment

Suit alleged there was no safe walkway at parking lot’s exit

Gregory J. Owen, Valencia, CA of Owen, Patterson & Owen; Susan A. Owen, Valencia, CA of Owen, Patterson & Owen

$3,236,455

72 Meenan v. Amoia 4/21/2011 San Diego County


Tourists injured when sailboats collided in harbor

Brooks L. Iler, San Diego, CA of Iler & Iler, LLP $3,088,385

73 Stewart v. Enloe Medical Center

12/19/2011 Butte County Medical Malpractice: Surgical Error

Surgical error resulted in death, patient’s family alleged

William C. Callaham, Sacramento, CA of Wilcoxen Callaham, LLP; Michelle C. Jenni, Sacramento, CA of Wilcoxen Callaham, LLP

$3,016,389

74 Moss v. San Bernardino 12/6/2011 San Bernardino County

Employment: Wages and Hours

City’s forced salary reduction violated charter, claimed plaintiffs

Corey W. Glave, Hermosa Beach, CA of Corey M. Glave, Attorney at Law

$2,700,000

75 Rodriguez v. Acciani 5/25/2011 Los Angeles County

Intentional Torts: Conspiracy

Woman said ailing husband’s family conspired against her

Steven H. Haney, Los Angeles, CA of Haney, Roderick, Torbett & Arnold, L.L.P.

$2,500,000

76 Bakotich v. Los Angeles Police Department


Employment: Gender Discrimination

Plaintiffs: Lieutenant tried to rid night shift of male workers

Gregory W. Smith, Beverly Hills, CA of Law Offices of Gregory W. Smith

$2,468,323

77 Mansir v. Air & Liquid Systems Corp.



Former boiler tech alleged asbestos dust caused illness

Jonathan A. George, Dallas, TX of of counsel to Waters, Kraus & Paul, L.L.P.; David Bricker, El Segundo, CA of Waters, Kraus & Paul, L.L.P.; Peter Klausner, El Segundo, CA of Waters, Kraus & Paul, L.L.P.

$2,350,961

78 Perez v. Ameripride Services Inc.


Motor Vehicle: Drug Use Decedent’s family: Van turned in front of passing motorcycle

Thomas W. Ely, Irvine, CA of Wesierski & Zurek; Ronald F. Templer, Irvine, CA of Wesierski & Zurek

$2,325,736

79 Tseng v. Mazzocco Ambulatory Surgical Center Inc.


Medical Malpractice: Anesthesiology

Suit: Doc left sedated patient with improperly trained staff

Robert J. Mandell, Northridge, CA of The Mandell Law Firm $2,245,000

80 Fox v. Los Angeles Unified School District


Construction: Falling Object

Table’s fall on foot resulted in partial amputation: plaintiff

Steven M. Neimand, Calabasas, CA of Law Offices of Steven M. Neimand

$2,239,720

81 Radford v. BAE Systems San Francisco Ship Repair Inc.


Employment: Wrongful Termination

Shipyard employee claimed race was a factor in his termination

Simona A. Farrise, Los Angeles, CA of Farrise Law Firm; Carla V. Minnard, Los Angeles, CA of Farrise Law Firm

$2,170,000

82 Meyers v. Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Co.

8/15/2011 San Joaquin County

Railroad: FELA Switchman blamed railroad for disabling slip on ballast

Kristoffer S. Mayfield, Oakland, CA of Hildebrand, McLeod & Nelson, L.L.P.; Victor A. Russo, Los Angeles, CA of Hildebrand, McLeod & Nelson, L.L.P.

$2,145,821

83 Sommer v. San Joaquin Valley Railroad Co.

3/15/2011 Kern County Motor Vehicle: Tractor-Trailer

Trucker injured in collision with railcar at crossing

Kristoffer S. Mayfield, Oakland, CA of Hildebrand, McLeod & Nelson LLP; Anthony S. Petru, Oakland, CA of Hildebrand, McLeod & Nelson LLP

$2,133,895

84 Morataya v. City of Bakersfield

5/20/2011 Kern County Worker/Workplace Negligence

Man died after park employee drove over him

David K. Cohn, Bakersfield, CA of Chain, Cohn & Stiles; Deborah Chang, Los Angeles, CA of Panish, Shea & Boyle, L.L.P.; Brian J. Panish, Los Angeles, CA of Panish, Shea & Boyle, L.L.P.

$2,123,262




www.veenfirm.com

kohler

Highlight


85 Lopez v. Hernandez 5/26/2011 Riverside County


Failure to repair gate caused daughter’s death, parents alleged

Krystale R. Rosal, West Covina, CA of Law Offices of Mauro Fiore, Jr.

$2,000,000

86 Alvarez v. SCS Engineers 9/1/2011 Los Angeles County


Plaintiff alleged rear-ender caused chronic back pain

Candice S. Klein, Beverly Hills, CA of Carpenter, Zuckerman & Rowley, L.L.P.; Nicholas C. Rowley, Beverly Hills, CA of Carpenter, Zuckerman & Rowley, L.L.P.; Jerry L. Webb, Woodland Hills, CA of Law Offices of Jerry L. Webb

$2,000,000

87 Shoolery Design Inc. v. Ignition Creative LLC


Business Law: Intentional Interference with a Contract

Company accused competitor of luring away top employee

Michael N. Poli, Phoenix, AZ of Poli & Ball, P.L.C.; Jeffrey G. Zane, Phoenix, AZ of Poli & Ball, P.L.C.

$2,000,000

88 Brown v. Oberdorfer 6/29/2011 Orange County Motor Vehicle: Rear-ender

Suit: Driver on cellphone when she hit motorcycle

J. Derek Pakiz, Santa Ana, CA of The Reeves Law Group; Marc B. Thompson, Santa Ana, CA of The Reeves Law Group

$1,964,930

89 Ajdari v. Kainth 6/22/2011 Los Angeles County


Suit: Doctor failed to notice signs of pulmonary embolism

Todd J. Bloomfield, Woodland Hills, CA of Rice & Bloomfield

$1,962,670

90 Murphy v. State of California 10/20/2011 Shasta County Motor Vehicle: Rear-ender

Pltff. claimed shoulder injuries prevented him from training new employees

Russell P. Reiner, Redding, CA of Reiner, Simpson, Slaughter & Wood, L.L.P.

$1,890,000

91 Estate of Wacker v. Tavallodi 9/21/2011 San Diego County

Intentional Torts: Assault and Battery

Security guard fatally shot man during argument

Todd E. Macaluso, Carlsbad, CA of Macaluso and Associates; Christopher M. Ridgeway, Carlsbad, CA of Macaluso and Associates; Scott White, Carlsbad, CA of Macaluso and Associates

$1,870,100

92 Biolley v. Select-a-Service LLC


Worker/Workplace Negligence

Marketing rep injured when heavy shelf fell on her

Stephen McElroy, Beverly Hills, CA of AlderLaw, P.C. $1,829,045

93 Rose v. Bolin 9/16/2011 Los Angeles County

Elder Law: California Elder Abuse Act

Defendants attempted to defraud elderly man: plaintiffs

Geoffrey M. Gold, Los Angeles, CA of Rutter, Hobbs & Davidoff

$1,800,000

94 Gustave v. Colmenares 1/10/2011 Orange County Motor Vehicle: Rear-ender

Rear-ender caused neck injuries, plaintiff claimed

Christopher E. Purcell, Santa Ana, CA of Purcell Law $1,725,000

95 Steffan v. Steffan 9/27/2011 San Diego County

Intentional Torts: Assault and Battery

Former husband and stepfather accused of abusing family

Kenneth H. Stone, San Diego, CA of Law Offices of Kenneth H. Stone

$1,725,000

96 Marshall v. YRC Inc. 3/29/2011 San Diego County

Slips, Trips & Falls: Fall from Height

Worker fell, injured pelvis while helping unload truck

R. Christian Hulburt, San Diego, CA of Hulburt & Bunn, LLP; Bryan R. Snyder, San Diego, CA of Law Office of Bryan R. Snyder

$1,703,557

97 Chaudhry v. City of Los Angeles

1/26/2011 Federal Civil Rights: Police as Defendant

Autistic man fatally shot by LAPD officer

Ameena M. Qazi, Anaheim, CA of Council on American-Islamic Relations; Sri Panchalam, Los Angeles, CA of Disability Rights Legal Center; Paula Pearlman, Los Angeles, CA of Disability Rights Legal Center; Matthew Strugar, Los Angeles, CA of Disability Rights Legal Center

$1,700,000




www.jamsadr.com


HILDEBRAND McLEOD & NELSON INC.Representing Victims of Railroad Negligence Since 1926

Anthony S. Petru Victor A. Russo Kristo�er S. May�eld

OAKLAND: 350 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, 4th Floor, Oakland, CA 94612

VERDICTS

SOUTHERN CA: 700 N. Brand, Suite 860, Glendale, CA 91206 (800) 447-7500www.hmnlaw.com

WIPFF v. BNSF: $2,718,653.00 (1/2012)SMESRUD v. UPRR: $1,396,841.00 (11/2011)MEYERS v. BNSF: $1,180,201.55 (8/2011)COOK v. UPRR: $2,323,000.00 (5/2011)MARTIN v. BNSF: $4,931,549.00 (2/2011)JENSEN v. BNSF: $1,740,617.00 (11/2010 )McMACKIN v. UPRR: $1,795,227.00 (10/2010)SOMMER v. SJVR: $2,133,000.00 (3/2010)CONLEY v. UPRR: $1,284,512.00 (10/2009)WEAVER v. BNSF: $1,437,848.00 (5/2009)LACY v. BNSF: $1,080,000.00 (5/2008)

WE ACCEPT AND WELCOME YOUR RAILROADRELATED AND OTHER P.I. REFERRAL CASES.WE ARE TRIAL LAWYERS. WE GET RESULTS.

Hildebrand, McLeod & Nelson, Inc. is among the most respected and capable trial �rms in the Western United States dedicated to the representation of plainti�s at trial in personal injury cases. We have recently tried cases to verdicts in state and federal courts in California, Nevada, Arizona, Oregon, and Texas. Our practice focuses on the FELA and railroad related injuries, but we also handle all types of serious personal injury cases. We also recently recovered $27 million on behalf of our clients injured in the Chastsworth Metrolink Disaster. We are proud to say that we are trial lawyers.

98 Hughes v. State of California Department of Corrections & Rehab


Employment: Retaliation Plaintiff: Speaking about inmate segregation resulted in firing

Steven J. Horvath, Pasadena, CA of Law Offices of Steven J. Horvath

$1,670,000

99 Estate of Lagiss v. Moreland 4/7/2011 Alameda County

Professional Negligence: Breach of Fiduciary Duty

Plaintiff claimed account’s trustee misused funds

Kimberly A. Fanady, San Francisco, CA of Law Offices of Kimberly A. Fanady

$1,594,606

100 Shank v. CRST Van Expedited Inc.

5/4/2011 San Bernardino County

Employment: Hostile Work Environment

Trucker alleged she was sexually harassed on the job

Karine Bohbot, Oakland, CA of Bohbot & Riles, LLP; Elizabeth Riles, Oakland, CA of Bohbot & Riles, LLP

$1,568,725

101 Fore v. State of California 4/29/2011 Contra Costa County

Workplace: Construction Site

Late-night crash occurred due to absence of cones, signs: pltf

Peter W. Alfert, Walnut Creek, CA of Law Offices of Hinton Alfert Sumner & Kaufmann

$1,554,000

102 Arakelian v. Pacific Bell Telephone Co.



Motorcycle crash resulted in spinal injuries, couple alleged

Daniel R. Baradat, Fresno, CA of Baradat & Paboojian, Inc.; Christopher C. Watters, Fresno, CA of Miles, Sears & Eanni

$1,540,449

103 Mayorga v. Biagi Bros Inc. 11/16/2011 Napa County Workplace Safety: Forklift

Plaintiff’s hand was crushed in clamp on forklift attachment

Daniel Slijepcevich, San Rafael, CA of Kuvara Law Firm $1,483,895

104 Hedren v. Allen 9/9/2011 San Diego County

Legal Profession: Malpractice

Failure of prior attorney caused dismissal of injury claim: plaintiff

Bruce A. Broillet, Santa Monica, CA of Greene Broillet & Wheeler, LLP; Taylor Rayfield, Santa Monica, CA of Greene Broillet & Wheeler, LLP; Alan Van Gelder, Santa Monica, CA of Greene Broillet & Wheeler, LLP

$1,483,708

105 Rashidi v. Moser 9/2/2011 Los Angeles County

Medical Malpractice: Negligent Injection

Procedure to stop nose bleed left patient blind in one eye

Daniel K. Balaban, Los Angeles, CA of Balaban and Spielberger LLP

$1,450,000

106 Yin v. Pira 7/7/2011 San Francisco County

Intentional Torts: Battery Teen alleged defendant conspired to have him killed

John Fitzpatrick Vannucci, San Francisco, CA of Law Office of John Fitzpatrick Vannucci

$1,432,190

107 Schuman v. Lopez 3/18/2011 Riverside County

Medical Malpractice: Failure to Monitor

Suit: Patient was never told of diagnosis or management

Andre Rekte, San Bernardino, CA of Girardi & Keese; John C. Mulvana, San Clemente, CA of Law Offices of John C. Mulvana

$1,414,160

108 CBC Framing Inc. v. National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, PA



Contractor: Insurer mishandled workers’ comp claims

Mark T. Palin, Cerritos, CA of Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo; Michael J. Rubino, Cerritos, CA of Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo

$1,402,175

109 Smesrud v. Union Pacific Railroad Co.

10/24/2011 Contra Costa County

Railroad: FELA Conductor: Protruding rebar near tracks caused injuries

Ryan J. Otis, Oakland, CA of Hildebrand McLeod & Nelson LLP; Anthony S. Petru, Oakland, CA of Hildebrand McLeod & Nelson LLP

$1,396,841

110 Adams v. Costco Wholesale Membership

11/16/2011 San Luis Obispo County


Plaintiff claimed store employee ran over him with cart

Mariana Aroditis, Los Angeles, CA of Girardi & Keese; David N. Bigelow, Los Angeles, CA of Girardi & Keese

$1,389,717

111 McGinnis v. Babikian 5/9/2011 Sacramento County


Truck driver said he lost his job due to injuries from crash

Thomas J. McDonnell, Auburn, CA of Law Offices of Thomas McDonnell

$1,384,471




www.hmnlaw.com


112 Lenney v. Armstrong International Inc.



Asbestos in cigarette filters caused cancer, plaintiff alleged

William A. Levin, San Francisco, CA of Levin, Simes, Kaiser & Gornick, L.L.P.; Timothy F. Pearce, San Francisco, CA of Levin, Simes, Kaiser & Gornick, L.L.P.; Laurel L. Simes, San Francisco, CA of Levin, Simes, Kaiser & Gornick, L.L.P.

$1,369,680

113 Velasquez v. County of Ventura

10/27/2011 Santa Barbara County

Employment: Retaliation Investigator claimed he was denied position after testimony

Mark R. Pachowicz, Camarillo, CA of Law Offices of Mark Pachowicz; Lanny M. Tron, Camarillo, CA of Law Offices of Mark Pachowicz; Maury Mills, Ventura, CA of Law Offices of Maury Mills

$1,356,000

114 Thomas v. Stewart 6/2/2011 Orange County Premises Liability: Negligent Repair and/or Maintenance

Defective roof hatch caused fall from ladder, plaintiff alleged

Frank P. Barbaro, Santa Ana, CA of Frank P. Barbaro & Associates; Sherri L. Honer, Santa Ana, CA of Frank P. Barbaro & Associates

$1,297,875

115 Mitri v. Walgreen Co. 8/19/2011 Federal Employment: Wrongful Termination

Pharmacist said he was fired after reporting alleged fraud

Peter S. Bradley, Fresno, CA of Penner & Bradley; Andrew B. Jones, Fresno, CA of Wagner & Jones, L.L.P.; Nicholas Butch Wagner, Fresno, CA of Wagner & Jones, L.L.P.

$1,240,000

116 Dempsey v. Oliver 10/27/2011 Sonoma County Motor Vehicle: Multiple Vehicle

Police vehicle’s excessive speed caused crash: plaintiff

Brendan M. Kunkle, Santa Rosa, CA of Abbey, Weitzenberg, Warren & Emery

$1,234,952

117 Applied Utility Systems Inc. v. Benz Air Engineering Co. Inc.

8/1/2011 Orange County Contracts: Breach of Contract

Plaintiff: Company failed to pay for systems, committed slander

Timothy L. Pierce, Los Angeles, CA of K&L Gates LLP $1,227,051

118 Cervantes v. Molina 5/12/2011 San Diego County


Defendant breached sale of dental practice, plaintiff claimed

Evan A. Kalooky, La Mesa, CA of The McMillan Law Firm; Scott A. McMillan, La Mesa, CA of The McMillan Law Firm

$1,225,200

119 Forsythe v. Zachariah 11/10/2011 Orange County Medical Malpractice: Psychiatrist

Man claimed psychiatrist failed to fax note to his employer

Steven L. Krongold, Irvine, CA of Krongold Law Corporation, P.C.

$1,200,000

120 Cummings v. Capistrano Terrace Ltd.

3/1/2011 Orange County Landlord and Tenant Landlord failed to maintain trailer park, plaintiffs claimed

David J. Semelsberger, San Diego, CA of Endeman, Lincoln, Turek & Heater; Kenneth C. Turek, San Diego, CA of Endeman, Lincoln, Turek & Heater

$1,141,584

121 Hanley v. RA Sushi Torrance 6/30/2011 Los Angeles County

Hotel/Restaurant: Dram Shop

Restaurant served booze to minor, crash victim’s widower alleged

Noah R. Balch, Los Angeles, CA of Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP; Steve Cochran, Los Angeles, CA of Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP

$1,106,998

122 Falcon Stainless Inc. v. Rino Cos. Inc.

2/25/2011 Federal Intellectual Property: Trademarks

Company said its product was copied by former employees

Graham B. LippSmith, Los Angeles, CA of Girardi & Keese; Milord A. Keshishian, Los Angeles, CA of Milord & Associates, P.C.

$1,100,000

123 Jong v. Tawa Supermarket Inc.


Premises Liability: Slip and Fall

Patron claimed supermarket’s floor was excessively slippery

Joseph E. Tomasik, Berkeley, CA of Law Offices of Joseph E. Tomasik; Annie Tomasik Sahhar, Berkeley, CA of Law Offices of Joseph E. Tomasik

$1,077,063




www.rusmiliband.com


In Tran v. U.S. Mineral Products Co., a U.S. District Court jury awarded the manager of a manufacturing plant more than $5.4 million on a claim that he was fired for complaining that his secretary was sexually harassed by the company’s chief executive.

Victor L. George won the 2005 Trial Attorney of the Year award for the Consumer Attorneys of Los Angeles (CAALA), and has been nominated for that honor for eight of the past 10 years (2002 through 2007 and 2010, 2011) for Trial Attorney of the Year. He was twice nominated (2006 and 2011) as a National Trial Attorney of the Year for the Trial Lawyers for Public Justice (TLPJ), For the fifth time, he is again on the "Top 100" Southern California Super Lawyers list for 2012, and has been a Super Lawyer every year since its inception.

Mr. George is a trial lawyer with over $100 million in jury verdicts and settlements with many multimillion-dollar verdicts in both catastrophic personal injury and employment discrimination cases. His many jury verdicts against numerous large corporations

Congratulations to Victor L. George Esq. for Being Named to Verdict Search’s 2011 Top California Verdicts

The Law Offices of Victor George 20355 Hawthorne Boulevard, 1st Floor

Torrance, CA 90503 (310) 698-0990

2600 Michelson Dr., Ste. 1700 Irvine, CA 92612 (949) 852-3595

www.vgeorgelaw.com

include: Wal-Mart, Ford Motor Company, California Youth Authority, the Los Angeles Roman Catholic Archdiocese, Brownco Construction, Columbia Medical Hospitals, U.S. Mineral Company, Sears Roebuck, Taverna Tony, Metrolink and Kindred Healthcare.

The five attorney law offices of Victor L. George, have established their reputation as a premier plaintiffs trial law firm. Their substantial financial resources enable them to accumulate all necessary evidence and expertise to obtain the best trial result possible for each of their clients. Victor L. George and the trial team he leads limit their practice to two important areas of the law – Employment Discrimination and Catastrophic Personal Injury.

124 Torres v. Fleming 10/28/2011 Marin County Premises Liability: Slip and Fall

Algae left on stairs and lack of handrail caused fall: plaintiff

Anthony L. Label, San Francisco, CA of The Veen Firm, P.C.; Andje Morovich Medina, San Francisco, CA of The Veen Firm, P.C.

$1,070,801

125 Caughran v. Seymour 7/19/2011 Los Angeles County

Motor Vehicle: Alcohol Involvement-Defendant

Plaintiffs claimed injuries from collision with drunken driver

C. Michael Alder, Beverly Hills, CA of AlderLaw, P.C.; Diane M. Corwin, San Marino, CA of Law Offices of Diane M. Corwin

$1,031,000

126 Cederwall v. Jay Morton Real Estate


Professional Negligence: Breach of Fiduciary Duty

Realtor misrepresented condition of condo, suit alleged

Keith D. Yandell, San Francisco, CA of Allen Matkins Leck Gamble Mallory & Natsis, L.L.P.; John S. Siamas, San Francisco, CA of Reed Smith, L.L.P.

$1,029,525

127 Varner v. Hunt 9/7/2011 Los Angeles County


Patient’s deltoid muscle detached from bone post-op

Jeffrey J. Greenman, Beverly Hills, CA of Greenmanlaw PC $1,017,500

128 Roe v. Los Angeles Unified School District


School: Negligent Supervision

Suit: School used 12-year-old student in drug sting

Alexander G. Calfo, Los Angeles, CA of Yukevich, Calfo & Cavanaugh; Delmar S. Thomas, Los Angeles, CA of Yukevich, Calfo & Cavanaugh

$1,015,250

129 Thompson v. Forni 5/31/2011 Alameda County


Crew member claimed negligent operation of boats

Peter J. Koenig, San Francisco, CA of Walker, Hamilton & Koenig, LLP

$1,011,789

130 Charles v. Mountain View Mobile Home Estates

12/8/2011 San Bernardino County

Non-Motor Vehicle: Bicycle

Child fell 16 feet while riding bicycle in mobile home park

Andrew Lind, Beverly Hills, CA of Carpenter, Zuckerman & Rowley, LLP; Nicholas C. Rowley, Beverly Hills, CA of Carpenter, Zuckerman & Rowley, LLP; Kenneth C. Turek, San Diego, CA of Endeman, Lincoln, Turek & Heater LLP; Gary D. Baughman, Redlands, CA of Law Office of Gary D. Baughman

$1,000,000

131 Integon Preferred Insurance Co. v. Isztojka

4/27/2011 Federal Motor Vehicle: SUV Parties dispute vehicle’s insurance coverage

Christine M. Doyle, Sacramento, CA of Clayeo C. Arnold, PLC; Kirk J. Wolden, Sacramento, CA of Clayeo C. Arnold, PLC

$1,000,000

132 Pio v. Lane 2/4/2011 Los Angeles County


Police officer: Motorcycle crash caused wrist, nose injuries

Todd F. Nevell, Pasadena, CA of Scolinos, Sheldon & Nevell; Daniel G. Sheldon, Pasadena, CA of Scolinos, Sheldon & Nevell

$1,000,000



www.vgeorgelaw.com

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