Recent Verdicts & Settlements

Bicycle Accidents

$1,100,000 Hernandez v. West Coast Sand & Gravel – Kevin Callahan obtained a recovery in excess of the policy limits for our client after a two-week trial in Orange County. Our client was injured while riding his bike on the sidewalk (in violation of the vehicle code) at 4:30 am, and then riding into the crosswalk (also in violation of vehicle code) in front of a turning truck.

$500,000 Confidential Client v. Eisner – Client was operating his bicycle at a speed of 35 mph on a downhill highway in Malibu when defendant moved his car from a parked position into client’s path. The client did not require any emergency medical care, yet later developed a rare blood clot in his carotid artery. The client was treated with medication but was left with some residual blockage as a consequence. The client has returned to all normal activities.

$449,000 Albin v. City of Irwindale – Kevin Callahan successfully obtained a favorable settlement for our client who while riding his bike and crossing a bridge had his tire caught in an expansion joint. Our client sustained a left hip fracture. The defense contended that it was immune from liability, the condition was not dangerous and that it was open and obvious and our client was responsible for the accident for crossing the bridge inappropriately.

$285,000 DeYoung v. Pacific Bell, AT&T and City of Pasadena – Kevin Callahan obtained a favorable settlement for our client who sustained a fractured elbow in a bicycle accident caused by a cable construction project which left the roadway in a dangerous condition.

Burn Injuries

$7,094,003 Sandoval v. Qualcomm – Dan Powell and Michael O’Connor obtained this verdict for our client who was an electrical parts salesman. He was asked to visit the Qualcomm campus in San Diego to evaluate a switchgear for new parts. Qualcomm and co-defendants failed to fully and properly de-energize the switchgear before our client began measuring it for various parts. As our client approached the switchgear, an arch flash occurred and our client was set on fire. Our client suffered 3rd-degree burns over a significant part of his body that required multiple skin grafts. His burn injuries resulted in permanent injuries.

Bus and Mass Transit Accidents

$2,250,000 Schneider v. LACMTA – This settlement was achieved by Greg Vanni for our 72-year old client who was knocked to the ground by a Metro bus in Los Angeles.

$2,250,000 Yi v. LACMTA – This settlement was achieved by Greg Vanni for our 85-year old client whose leg was run over by a Metro bus in Los Angeles.

$575,000 Hofmann v. Connex West – Kevin Callahan obtained a successful recovery for our client who sustained a back injury (without diagnostic confirmation) as a result of being pushed off a commuter bus at Union Station.

Car Accidents

$7,250,000 Rivera v. San Fernando Valley Automotive – This settlement was obtained by Tom Beck and Greg Vanni for three clients who were injured in a collision with a pick-up truck in a heavily disputed case.

$3.5 million Confidential Client v. Confidential Defendant – This settlement was obtained by Greg Vanni for the mother of a 34-year old unmarried woman who was killed in a passenger vehicle versus big rig truck crash.

$1,538,100.00 Summerfield v. State Farm – Greg Vanni recovered a total amount of $1,538,100 for a client who suffered a back injury and required surgery as a result of an automobile accident. A settlement was first achieved with the negligent motorist’s insurance company for $100,000, and then an underinsured motorist claim was filed with the client’s insurance company, State Farm. State Farm offered only $20,000, so the case proceeded to binding arbitration, resulting in an additional $1,438,100 award.

$1,500,000.00 Simmons v. Estate of Timothy Eaton – This settlement was obtained by Greg Vanni in a case involving a highway collision in which the client was traveling in a pick-up truck with her two children. Although she did not receive emergency medical care, she later required neck surgery.

$1,500,000.00 Felder v. Fleming – Kevin Callahan successfully obtained the recovery for our client who suffered a fractured femur as a result of an accident when a vehicle turned left in front of him at an intersection.

$1,410,203.30 Wolford v. Hardin – This case resulted in a jury verdict for a 20-year old client who was struck by an elderly driver who claimed the client was traveling at 90 mph at the time of the crash. Even after reducing the verdict by comparative negligence of the client, the net recovery was nearly a million dollars in a case in which the maximum pre-trial offer was $200,000.

$1,210,173.13 Heimbuch v. Confidential Defendant – Greg Vanni’s client was a back seat passenger in a vehicle that was rear-ended by a negligent motorist. As a result, our client suffered a fractured neck but was able to avoid surgery. The insurance company refused to offer a fair settlement, and so the case proceeded to binding arbitration, resulting in a total arbitration award of $1,210,173.13.

$1,100,000.00 Gardner v. Confidential Defendant – This case involved a moderate automobile collision in which liability was disputed. The defendant carried only a $100,000 liability policy. After successful negotiations during a lengthy mediation process, the case settled for one million dollars above the $100,000 policy limits. Greg Vanni was able to convince the defendant’s insurance carrier to pay the full amount of the damages, despite the limited insurance coverage.

$1,000,000.00 Garcia v. Confidential Defendant – This case, which resulted in a $1 million settlement, involved a tow truck driver who was struck on the freeway and severely injured by a drunk driver. The drunk driver carried only a $25,000 liability policy. Greg Vanni was able to convince the drunk driver’s employer to pay $1 million towards settlement of this case, despite the fact that the defendant was driving his own personal vehicle on a personal errand when the accident occurred.

$925,000.00 Millican v. Valley Sod Farms – Kevin Callahan obtained a significant settlement for our client who suffered a Mild Traumatic Brain Injury as well as orthopedic injury to his clavicle, knee and back. Our client was a pedestrian who was injured in an accident caused when a flatbed truck parked in the middle of the street obstructed the view of motorists turning onto a major street.

$900,000.00 Elizarraras v. Golden Eagle Insurance Company – Kevin Callahan recovered the full available policy limits for our client who suffered shoulder and back injuries in an automobile accident while in the course and scope of his employment. The settlement was for the full policy limits against both the negligent driver and then the full remaining limits on the employers Underinsured Motorist policy.

$750,000.00 Davis v. Confidential Defendant – This case involved a moderate automobile accident that occurred on the freeway. Our client got out of his car and went to the assistance of one of the injured victims from the crash. While assisting one of the victims, our client was struck on the freeway by another motorist. Our client suffered a serious leg fracture that required surgery and hospitalization. Greg Vanni achieved a settlement of $750,000, despite a vigorous defense in which liability was hotly disputed.

$750,000.00 Ellis v. Confidential Defendant – This case involved a car collision that resulted in multiple fractures and surgery for an 80-year old client. Greg Vanni successfully negotiated a settlement of $750,000.

$600,000 Confidential Client v. Confidential Defendant – Michael O’Connor obtained a $600,000 settlement for a woman who was injured when a transportation company slammed the door on her shoulder causing her recent shoulder surgery to fail. Our client ultimately needed a reverse shoulder arthroplasty to fix her damaged shoulder.

$575,000.00 Hofmann v. Connex West – Kevin Callahan obtained a successful recovery for our client who sustained a back injury (without diagnostic confirmation) as a result of being pushed off a commuter bus at Union Station.

$525,000 Beekman v. Nichols – This settlement was achieved by Raffi Ohanian arising out of a violent auto v. auto crash in Salinas, California, leaving our clients with multiple fractures of the hand, as well as a fracture in the back.

$500,000.00 Carlson v. Safeco – Greg Vanni obtained a $500,000 policy limits settlement for our 87-year old client who was injured by a drunk driver in a freeway accident. Although the client did not require any surgery, and has recovered well from his injuries, the full policy limits were paid by the insurance company.

$500,000.00 Dubrow v. Serna, Chubb/Federal Insurance Company – Kevin Callahan obtained settlements for our client who sustained a neck injury when the vehicle in which she was a passenger was rear ended. The settlements were for the policy limits of the responsible driver and her own Underinsured Motorist policy.

$425,000 Harvey v. Im – Raffi Ohanian obtained this settlement for our client following an automobile crash at an intersection. The defense argued, unsuccessfully, that the client’s bowel obstruction was unrelated to the crash.

$325,000 Miner v. San Diego Taxi – Michael O’Connor obtained a $325,000 settlement against a transportation company for our client who suffered a neck injury in the crash. Our client was not wearing his seatbelt, but Mr. O’Connor was able to obtain a favorable recovery for our client.

$300,000.00 Vampola v. Wane, Farmers/Mid-City Insurance – Kevin Callahan obtained a policy limits settlement against the responsible driver and an Underinsured Motorist policy limits arbitration award for our client who suffered a back injury in a low speed parking lot accident. Defendant contended that the force of the accident could not cause a lower back injury and that our client had both prior and subsequent accidents and injuries to her lower back that were the more likely cause.

$277,000 Lamanna v. Said – Raffi Ohanian obtained this verdict following Arbitration on behalf of our client who suffered a back injury due to being rear-ended while at a stop in her vehicle.

$250,000.00 Karantonis v. Davis – Michael O’Connor recently obtained a $250,000 settlement for an auto v. auto case in which our client suffered a fractured arm resulting in the need for surgery.

$241,217.00 Trejo/Gotanda v. L. A. Checker Cab Cooperative, Tuvshin Vaanjav – Michael P O’Connor obtained a jury verdict of $241,217.00 on behalf of our clients who were involved in a multi-vehicle collision initiated by a taxicab driver who was found to be intoxicated. Prior to the Trial, the Defendants’ insurance carrier, Mercury Insurance Group, made a global settlement offer of $129,500.00.

$160,443.36 Santana v. Wirthlin – Michael O’Connor obtained a jury verdict on behalf of our client who injured her shoulder in an automobile accident. Prior to Trial, Defendants insurance company, State Farm, only offered Mr. O’Connor’s client $25,000.00

Compressed Natural Gas

Solorio v. Lincoln Composites, et al. – A group effort of four attorneys, Gregory Vanni was among these attorneys who obtained a confidential amount for Israel Solorio who suffered a leg amputation and other severe injuries when a van’s Compressed Natural Gas vessels exploded while being filled. The matter created an unprecedented database for NHTSA and NASA that identifies the conditions and flaws that lead to failure of these vessels.

Construction Site Accidents

$23,200,000 Gibilisco/Huizar v. Thomason Mechanical Corporation – This recovery was obtained by Tom Beck and Greg Vanni in a case that was partially settled and the remainder tried to a verdict.

$7,094,003 Sandoval v. Qualcomm – Dan Powell and Michael O’Connor obtained this verdict for our client who was an electrical parts salesman. He was asked to visit the Qualcomm campus in San Diego to evaluate a switchgear for new parts. Qualcomm and co-defendants failed to fully and properly de-energize the switchgear before our client began measuring it for various parts. As our client approached the switchgear, an arch flash occurred and our client was set on fire. Our client suffered 3rd-degree burns over a significant part of his body that required multiple skin grafts. His burn injuries resulted in permanent injuries.

$6,896,264 Proctor v. Newberg – Our client, a sheetmetal worker, suffered a brain injury when a 5-lb projectile on the job site penetrated his head.

$6.5 Million Regalado v. Callaghan – Daniel Powell and Michael O’Connor obtained a $6.5M jury verdict for our client who was injured installing mechanical equipment including propane water heater in an underground vault which the defendant had previously purchased and had installed on his lot. Our client suffered full body burns over 51% of his body when he turned the spa heater on and an explosion ensued ejecting him from the vault. Our client also suffered vertebral body fractures and also had to undergo spinal fusion surgery and suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder.

$5,000,000 Schlock v. Frith-Smith Construction – Kevin Callahan recovered $5 million for the husband and wife (wife asserted a claim for loss of consortium) clients when the husband, who was the construction site superintendent was injured as a result of an impalement through his face on uncapped rebar. Plaintiff (who as site superintendent had overall site safety responsibilities) had seen and recognized the rebar in the hours before the accident, but had failed to demand corrective action. He was walking across an unsecured piece of wood immediately adjacent to the footing excavation where the unsecured rebar was present, when the wood wobbled and he lost his balance, falling into the rebar. He was taken to Los Angeles County-USC Hospital where he later experienced a stroke, partially paralyzing his right side and making communication difficulty.

$1,185,000 Simental v. Eli Jr. Pumping – Kevin Callahan recovered $1.185 million for the client who suffered leg amputation (at the knee) as a result of a work-related accident. The defendant’s general liability policy precluded coverage for employees and plaintiff was employed by his brother, the owner of the defendant company. Additionally, plaintiff had worked on the equipment on numerous occasions before and was familiar with the risks of the job and machine. Finally, there was no firm evidence that the defendant knew or had reason to know of the structural weakness of a component of the machine, which was 50-60 years old at the time of the accident. The defendant therefore contested liability and a risk existed that continued litigation might result in sufficient evidence to both defeat liability on negligence grounds and result in a valid contest on insurance coverage. The full policy limit settlement was obtained. Additionally, a $185,000 settlement was obtained from the property owner (avoiding a motion for summary judgment without evidence of affirmative negligence to defeat the motion).

$1,000,000 Scott v. Coastal Constructors – Kevin Callahan successfully represented our clients through a three-day mandatory arbitration against the general contractor who worked on their home renovation project and obtained the maximum available under the policy. It was claimed the contractor left an access point to the construction area open, resulting in our clients’ 9-year-old son falling to his death.

$690,000 Vicedomini v. HB Parkco Construction – Kevin Callahan obtained a successful recovery for our client who was injured when a porta-potty was knocked over by a dump truck on a construction project. Our client suffered lower back injury, although it was contended by the defense that the back injury pre-dated the accident.

$295,000 Campos v. JLS Concrete Pumping, Inc. – Kevin Callahan obtained a settlement for our client who suffered fractured ribs and a back injury in the course and scope of his employment when a concrete pump delivery system was incorrectly prepared for a hillside stabilization project.

Dangerous and Defective Products

$23.2 million Gibilisco/Huizar v. Thomason Mechanical Corporation – This recovery was obtained by Tom Beck and Greg Vanni in a case that was partially settled and the remainder tried to a jury verdict.

$13,325,000 2 Clients v. Compressed Natural Gas Defendants – Greg Vanni achieved a settlement for two clients who were severely injured when a compressed natural gas tank exploded.

$6.5 Million Regalado v. Callaghan – Daniel Powell and Michael O’Connor obtained a $6.5M jury verdict for our client who was injured installing mechanical equipment including propane water heater in an underground vault which the defendant had previously purchased and had installed on his lot. Our client suffered full body burns over 51% of his body when he turned the spa heater on and an explosion ensued ejecting him from the vault. He also suffered vertebral body fractures and also had to undergo spinal fusion surgery and suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder.

$5 million Duque v. Confidential Automobile Manufacturer – Tom Beck and Greg Vanni represented four clients who were severely injured in a passenger van rollover accident. This complicated products liability case proceeded to trial, but was settled before the jury was impaneled.

$4 million Rios v. Ames True Temper Inc. – Dan Powell obtained a $4 million settlement in a case involving a split rim pneumatic tire on a garden hose that exploded while being inflated during cart assembly. Design defect. Our client suffered traumatic brain injury, skull fracture, facial lacerations and loss of sense of smell.

$1,700,000 Confidential Client v. Confidential Defendant – Kevin Callahan successfully obtained the recovery for our client who tripped on a skylight (one of hundreds on the roof of the commercial building which he had been on many times before the date of the accident) when walking backward trying to untangle his pressure wash hose. The recovery was against the manufacturer of the skylight based on a claim that it was manufactured defectively, and against the property owner on a claim that the property was dangerous.

$900,000 Sandoval v. Winkler Forming and Lyle Industries – Kevin Callahan recovered $900,000 for our client from his employer and the manufacturer of a ‘trim press’ machine he used in the course of his employment. Our client lost a portion of his left (minor) hand when he reached into the machine to clear a jam, contrary to training and warnings present on the machine. Disputed evidence indicated that a co-employee removed the safety guard, thereby allowing a claim under Labor Code section 4558 (knowing removal of punch press safety guard by management employee). The product manufacturer failed to integrate potential cut-off technology that would have prevented the machine from operating without the safety guard in place.

$653,000 Steslicki v. Custom Craft Flooring, Commercial Roofing Systems and Osborn Architects – Kevin Callahan successfully obtained a significant settlement for our client who suffered knee, elbow, neck and back injuries in a trip & fall accident in her work as a teacher. The accident occurred due to a roof leak that caused the flooring in our client’s classroom to separate at the seams.

$400,000 Wong v. Goss International Corporation – Kevin Callahan obtained a settlement for our client who suffered a crush injury to his hand when it was trapped between the rollers of a printing press which had the guards removed by his employer. It was claimed that the press was designed defectively, in that it failed to prevent operation with the guard removed.

$200,000 Dallal v. Sysco Corporation – Kevin Callahan secured a substantial settlement for our client who suffered second-degree burns to her upper thighs as a result of hot coffee spilling into her lap when the seam of the coffee cup came apart due to glue failure.

Dog Bites

$300,000 Ertel v. Confidential Defendant – In this case, Greg Vanni successfully negotiated a $300,000 settlement for a woman who was knocked down in her neighborhood by a dog that had run into the street.

$285,000 Jones v. Lee – Michael O’Connor obtained a $285,000 settlement on behalf of 53-year old real estate appraiser Craig Jones. Mr. Jones was visiting a property in order to conduct an appraisal and take photographs. He was told that it was safe to enter the backyard and that the owners’ two dogs were secure in their cages. As Mr. Jones entered the backyard, one of the dogs escaped and attacked him. In an effort to escape the dog’s attack, Mr. Jones fractured his foot and underwent surgery to install hardware. Thereafter, a second surgery was performed to remove the hardware. Mr. Jones’ medical specials totaled $21,667 and his loss of earnings claim totaled $11,876.

Highway Accidents

$20 million Vetterani v. State of California – This settlement was reached by Tom Beck and Greg Vanni for several clients involved in a serious traffic collision on Highway 395 in San Bernardino County.

$13,300,000 Cascio v. City of Beverly Hills – Greg Vanni settled dangerous roadway case causing serious injury against the City of Beverly Hills.

$5 million Duque v. Confidential Automobile Manufacturer – Tom Beck and Greg Vanni represented four clients who were severely injured in a passenger van rollover accident. This complicated products liability case proceeded to trial, but was settled before the jury was impaneled.

$1,410,203.30 Wolford v. Hardin – This case resulted in a jury verdict for a 20-year old client who was struck by an elderly driver who claimed the client was traveling at 90 mph at the time of the crash. Even after reducing the verdict by comparative negligence of the client, the net recovery was nearly a million dollars in a case in which the maximum pre-trial offer was $200,000.

$1 million Garcia v. Confidential Defendant – This settlement was recovered for a tow truck driver who was severely injured when a drunk driver with a $25,000 insurance policy hit him on the freeway.

$750,000 Davis v. Confidential Defendant – This case involved a moderate automobile accident that occurred on the freeway. The plaintiff got out of his car and went to the assistance of one of the injured victims from the crash. While assisting one of the victims, plaintiff was struck on the freeway by another motorist. The plaintiff suffered a serious leg fracture that required surgery and hospitalization. Liability was hotly disputed.

Insurance Bad Faith

$500,000 Bastida v. Confidential Insurance Company – Kevin Callahan recovered $500,000 for our client in a bad faith claim against the insurance company of a driver who rearended our client, causing life-threatening injuries. The defendant in the underlying action carried only a $15,000 automobile insurance policy. While driving under the influence of alcohol, the defendant rear-ended our client’s vehicle, causing multiple injuries requiring extended hospitalization. The defendant’s insurance company rejected a statutory offer to compromise served by plaintiff’s counsel, jointly for the $15,000 bodily injury limits and $7,500 for the property damage to our client’s vehicle. Defendant’s insurance company was willing to pay the $15,000 bodily injury limit, but contested the reasonableness of the property damage demand. After the offer to compromise lapsed, a stipulated judgment in excess of the policy limits was entered and the bad faith litigation ensued.

Motorcycle Accidents

$8,100,000 Jolon v. Wildwood Express, et al. – Greg Vanni obtained a settlement in a serious motorcycle accident in downtown Los Angeles.

$2,950,000 Confidential Motorcycle Case – This settlement was obtained by Greg Vanni for the driver and passenger of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle that crashed into a bus on a mountain road.

$1.5 million Felder v. Fleming – Kevin Callahan recovered $1.5 million for the client who was injured when defendant driver made a left turn in front of his vehicle. As a result of the accident, plaintiff suffered a fractured femur that required surgery and made his return to his prior union dockworker position questionable.

$850,000 Confidential Client v. Confidential Defendant – Michael O’Connor obtained an $850,000 settlement for our client who was struck by a car making a left turn. Our client sustained multiple fractures requiring surgery. Our client had only recently purchased the motorcycle and there was evidence that he was speeding and ran a red light.

$700,000.00 Rush v. Fenceworks – Michael P. O’Connor obtained a wrongful death settlement for the adult children of a retired 70-year-old motorcycle accident victim who rear-ended the vehicle in front of him during a multiple vehicle accident initiated by a minimally insured defendant.

Negligent Security

$1,011,321 Schotz v. Miyagi’s Restaurant – Dan Powell obtained a verdict in the amount of $1,011,321 in an assault and battery case. Mr. Schotz was a patron of Miyagi’s Restaurant. When he left the restaurant on the night in question, he was assaulted by employees of a valet service hired by Miyagi to park patrons’ cars. The jury found that Miyagi was negligent in its hiring and retention of the valet service. Mr. Schotz suffered head trauma requiring surgery to treat a subdural hematoma.

$500,000 Martin v. Broadstone Serrano Apartments, Alliance Residential Company – Michael P. O’Connor obtained $500,000 on behalf of 32-year old George Martin. On January 30, 2008, Mr. Martin returned to his un-gated apartment complex in San Bernardino, California. As he exited his vehicle, he was robbed at gunpoint. After robbing Mr. Martin, one of the suspects shot him in the pelvis. Michael O’Connor sued the property owner and property management company on the theory that they had inadequate security and lighting at the apartment complex. The property management company’s policy included in their lease agreement that they did not provide any security and residents were required to sign and acknowledge that they alone were responsible for their own safety. Defendants claimed that they had no knowledge of any prior criminal activity other than a few minor vehicle thefts and vehicle burglaries. Defendants alleged that no amount of security patrol officers or security measures could have prevented the robbery and shooting of Mr. Martin as the criminals completed the crime in approximately 5-10 seconds after confronting him. Defendants claimed that the criminals were solely responsible for the shooting and that Mr. Martin failed to prove the lack of security led to this attack. Mr. Martin recovered full use and function of his bladder and bowel and did not sustain any injury to his reproductive organs. Mr. Martin’s medical specials totaled $67,002 and his loss of earnings claim totaled $29,000.

$470,000 Molina v. Patricia Adam and Dennis Florine Management – Kevin Callahan obtained a settlement for our client who lost her son who was shot and killed during a robbery at his place of employment. The claim against the defendant property owner was based on a failure to provide sufficient security. The defendant claimed that there was no notice of prior criminal conduct at the location and that the party responsible was solely the criminal assailant.

Pedestrian Accidents

$2,250,000.00 Schneider v. LACMTA – Greg Vanni obtained a $2.225 million settlement for our 72-year old client who was knocked to the ground by a Metro bus in Los Angeles.

$2,250,000.00 Yi v. LACMTA – Greg Vanni achieved a $2.225 million settlement for our 85-year old client whose leg was run over by a Metro bus in Los Angeles.

$1,000,000.00 Fox v. Confidential Defendant – Greg Vanni was able to obtain a full policy limits settlement of $1 million for our client, who was struck by a negligent motorist while the client was in a crosswalk. The client sustained a severely fractured ankle and required multiple surgeries.

$500,000 Rea v. Pester – Raffi Ohanian obtained the full policy limits on behalf of a family of three, when they were struck down by a vehicle in a crosswalk in Riverside, California.

$312,500.00 Terz v. Kopp – Michael O’Connor obtained a settlement on behalf of his 82-year-old client who suffered a broken leg when she was struck by a vehicle as she was walking through the parking lot of a retail store.

Premises Liability

$2,000,000 Manzano vs. Pacifica Institute, et. al. —Serious injury caused to 70 year old man who attended Anitolian Festival in Orange County when an 18 foot high decorative arch fell on him.  Lumbar fracture, thoracic fracture, laminectomy, pelvic fracture.

Public Entity And Government Liability

$20 million Vetterani v. State of California – This settlement was reached by Tom Beck and Greg Vanni for several clients involved in a serious traffic collision on Highway 395 in San Bernardino County.

$13,300,000 Cascio v. City of Beverly Hills – Greg Vanni settled dangerous roadway case causing serious injury against the City of Beverly Hills.

$8,100,000 Jolon v. Wildwood Express, et al. – Greg Vanni obtained a settlement in a serious motorcycle accident in downtown Los Angeles.

$6,000,000 Estrada v. UCI Medical Center (UC Regents) – Negligent failure to observe newborn. Newborn was suffocated after being placed on mother’s chest during “Golden Hour.” Newborn suffered severe anoxic brain damage, cerebral palsy and spastic quadriplegia.

$2,250,000 Schneider v. LACMTA – This settlement was achieved by Greg Vanni for our 72-year old client who was knocked to the ground by a Metro bus in Los Angeles.

$2,250,000 Yi v. LACMTA – This settlement was achieved by Greg Vanni for our 85-year old client whose leg was run over by a Metro bus in Los Angeles.

$449,000 Albin v. City of Irwindale – Kevin Callahan successfully obtained a favorable settlement for our client who while riding his bike and crossing a bridge had his tire caught in an expansion joint. Our client sustained a left hip fracture. The defense contended that it was immune from liability, the condition was not dangerous and that it was open and obvious and our client was responsible for the accident for crossing the bridge inappropriately.

$412,000 Confidential Client v. Confidential Defendant – Kevin Callahan obtained a settlement against the City of Sierra Madre and a trial verdict against the adjacent property owner for a traumatic brain injury caused when our 75-year old client tripped and fell over an uplifted sidewalk. The claim against the City was that the sidewalk was a dangerous condition of public property and the claim against the property owner was that a tree on the adjacent property caused the sidewalk to uplift and become dangerous.

$400,000 Jennings v. City of Pasadena – Raffi Ohanian obtained a significant settlement against the City of Pasadena when our client suffered a fractured hip due to a violent fall caused by an uplifted City maintained sidewalk.

$285,000 DeYoung v. Pacific Bell, AT&T and City of Pasadena – Kevin Callahan obtained a favorable settlement for our client who sustained a fractured elbow in a bicycle accident caused by a cable construction project which left the roadway in a dangerous condition.

$200,000 Fein v. City of Los Angeles, et al. – Kevin Callahan obtained a significant settlement against the City of Los Angeles and the adjoining property owner to compensate our client who suffered a fractured upper arm when she tripped and fell on an uplifted sidewalk. The claim against the City of Los Angeles was that the sidewalk constituted a dangerous condition of public property and the claim against the adjacent property owner was that a tree in the parkway maintained by the property owner caused the uplifted sidewalk.

$160,000 Palmer v. City of Pasadena and All Saints Church – Kevin Callahan obtained a significant settlement for our client who suffered a fractured ankle in a fall caused by a cracked and deteriorated curb. The claim against the City of Pasadena was that a dangerous condition existed on public property and the claim against the adjacent property owner (a local church) was that their delivery trucks caused the damage to the curb. The defendants argued that the cracked curb was not a dangerous condition, that they had no notice of the condition, the condition was “open and obvious” and therefore plaintiff’s own fault.

Slip And Fall Accidents

$7,094,003 Sandoval v. Qualcomm – Dan Powell and Michael O’Connor obtained this verdict for our client who was an electrical parts salesman. He was asked to visit the Qualcomm campus in San Diego to evaluate a switchgear for new parts. Qualcomm and co-defendants failed to fully and properly de-energize the switchgear before our client began measuring it for various parts. As our client approached the switchgear, an arch flash occurred and our client was set on fire. Our client suffered 3rd-degree burns over a significant part of his body that required multiple skin grafts. His burn injuries resulted in permanent injuries.

$6.65 million Grassi v. UDO – Tom Beck and Greg Vanni obtained a record-setting jury verdict for a trip-and-fall case. This accident resulted in severe personal injury to the plaintiff and was heavily disputed.

$1,700,000.00 Confidential Client v. Confidential Defendant – Kevin Callahan successfully obtained the recovery for our client who tripped on a skylight (one of hundreds on the roof of the commercial building which plaintiff had been on many times before the date of the accident) when walking backward trying to untangle his pressure wash hose. The recovery was against the manufacturer of the skylight based on a claim that it was manufactured defectively, and against the property owner on a claim that the property was dangerous.

$1,375,000 Ekengren v. EMCOR/Valley Crest Landscaping – Michael O’Connor obtained a $1,375,000 settlement for our client whose foot got stuck in an open drainage pipe. Our client sustained a torn meniscus in his knee that required multiple surgeries. He also developed a deep vein thrombosis that had to be treated with an IVC filter.

$1,011,321.00 Schotz v. Miyagi’s Restaurant – Dan Powell obtained a verdict in the amount of $1,011,321 in an assault and battery case. Mr. Schotz was a patron of Miyagi’s Restaurant. When he left the restaurant on the night in question, he was assaulted by employees of a valet service hired by Miyagi to park patrons’ cars. The jury found that Miyagi was negligent in its hiring and retention of the valet service. Mr. Schotz suffered head trauma requiring surgery to treat a subdural hematoma.

$1,000,000.00 Scott v. Coastal Constructors – Kevin Callahan successfully represented our clients through a three-day mandatory arbitration against the general contractor who worked on their home renovation project and obtained the maximum available under the policy. It was claimed the contractor left an access point to the construction area open, resulting in our clients’ 9-year-old son falling to his death.

$950,000.00 Confidential Client v. Confidential Defendant – Greg Vanni and Michael O’Connor obtained a settlement for a 72-year old client who suffered a skull fracture in a fall. The client did not require surgery but was hospitalized for two weeks and underwent outpatient rehabilitation and was left with some residual brain damage.

$850,000.00 Rojas v. Confidential Defendant – Kevin Callahan obtained a very successful settlement for our client who suffered a Mild Traumatic Brain injury when he slipped and fell on an unknown liquid in the bathroom of the defendant’s restaurant. Defendant denied the existence of any dangerous condition on the floor and denied necessary notice.

$653,000.00 Steslicki v. Custom Craft Flooring, Commercial Roofing Systems and Osborn Architects – Kevin Callahan successfully obtained a significant settlement for our client who suffered knee, elbow, neck and back injuries in a trip & fall accident in her work as a teacher. The accident occurred due to a roof leak that caused the flooring in our client’s classroom to separate at the seams.

$540,000.00 Peralez v. Confidential Defendant – Plaintiff and her family were at a local movie theatre when her chair suddenly collapsed in the middle of the movie, resulting in a back injury requiring surgery. Greg Vanni achieved a settlement of $540,000.

$500,000 Confidential v BRE Brand Central Holdings – Raffi Ohanian obtained this settlement after our client tripped and fell on an unmarked single step outside of an office building, resulting a severe fracture of the ankle.

$450,000 Confidential Client v. Confidential Defendant – Michael O’Connor obtained a $450,000 settlement against a supermarket after our client slipped and fell on a spill on the floor. Our client sustained an injury to her low back.

$414,868.00 Leiterman v. Costco Corporation – Michael O’Connor obtained a jury verdict against Costco for our client who suffered a broken kneecap when she slipped and fell on liquid detergent in the food court of a local Costco store. Prior to Trial, Costco made no offers to settle the case. The jury returned a verdict of 12-0 on liability in favor of Ms. Leiterman.

$412,000.00 Confidential Client v. Confidential Defendant – Kevin Callahan obtained a settlement against the City of Sierra Madre and a trial verdict against the adjacent property owner for a traumatic brain injury caused when our 75-year-old client tripped and fell over an uplifted sidewalk. The claim against the City was that the sidewalk was a dangerous condition of public property and the claim against the property owner was that a tree on the adjacent property caused the sidewalk to uplift and become dangerous.

$402,000.00 March v. Costco, Inc. – Kevin Callahan secured a very favorable settlement for our client who suffered a knee injury when tripping and falling over a delineator base which was placed over a pothole in the Costco parking lot. Our client had prior knee conditions and surgery and the defendant claimed that the condition was not dangerous and was in plain sight.

$377,000.00 Sanders v. Terrace Franklin Homeowners Association – Kevin Callahan secured a favorable settlement for our client who suffered a knee injury requiring surgery when she slipped and fell in water in the parking structure of her apartment complex. The defendant claimed that the condition was not dangerous and that it had no notice of the condition in advance of the accident.

$375,000 Confidential Client v. Confidental Defendant – Michael O’Connor obtained a $375,000 settlement against a supermarket after our client slipped and fell on a spill on the floor. Our client sustained a fractured patella that required surgery.

$325,000 Confidential Client v. Confidential Defendant – Michael O’Connor obtained a $325,000 settlement for a woman who tripped and fell over a small step at a hotel. The step did not meet the applicable building codes and was a dangerous condition. Our client sustained a fractured shoulder that required surgery.

$300,000 Schafer v. Patton – Michael obtained a $300,000 settlement for our client who slipped and fell on an improperly painted ramp walkway in a shopping plaza. Our client sustained a fractured patella that required surgery.

$225,000.00 Yoon v. Towfigh Family Trust – Kevin Callahan obtained a settlement for our client who sustained a lower back injury when stepping into a drain in the parking area of her apartment complex, which was covered by a drainage grate that left a four-inch gap.

$200,000.00 Fein v. City of Los Angeles, et al. – Kevin Callahan obtained a significant settlement against the City of Los Angeles and the adjoining property owner to compensate our client who suffered a fractured upper arm when she tripped and fell on an uplifted sidewalk. The claim against the City of Los Angeles was that the sidewalk constituted a dangerous condition of public property and the claim against the adjacent property owner was that a tree in the parkway maintained by the property owner caused the uplifted sidewalk.

$200,000.00 Masters v. Chaffey USD – Michael O’Connor obtained a $200,000.00 settlement on behalf of a 45-year-old woman who broke her ankle while descending a set of unsafe steps at a local high school football stadium.

$185,000.00 Green v. Coman – Michael O’Connor obtained a settlement of $185,000 for our client who was injured at his apartment complex. Client tripped over an unfinished planter box outside his apartment unit and suffered a torn patella tendon that required surgery. Client’s past medical expenses totaled approximately $20,000.

$160,000.00 Palmer v. City of Pasadena and All Saints Church – Kevin Callahan obtained a significant settlement for our client who suffered a fractured ankle in a fall caused by a cracked and deteriorated curb. The claim against the City of Pasadena was that a dangerous condition existed on public property and the claim against the adjacent property owner (a local church) was that their delivery trucks caused the damage to the curb. The defendants argued that the cracked curb was not a dangerous condition, that they had no notice of the condition, the condition was “open and obvious” and therefore plaintiff’s own fault.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

$6,650,000.00 Grassi v. UDO – Tom Beck and Greg Vanni obtained a record-setting jury verdict for a trip-and-fall case. This accident resulted in severe personal injury to our client and was heavily disputed.

$6,000,000.00 Estrada v. UCI Medical Center (UC Regents) – Negligent failure to observe newborn. Newborn was suffocated after being placed on mother’s chest during “Golden Hour.” Newborn suffered severe anoxic brain damage, cerebral palsy and spastic quadriplegia.

$4,000,000.00 Rios v. Ames True Temper Inc. – A split rim pneumatic tire on a garden hose cart exploded while being inflated during cart assembly. Design defect. Our client suffered traumatic brain injury, skull fracture, facial lacerations and loss of sense of smell.

$2,000,000.00 Chang v. UPS – Our client was involved in a collision with a UPS driver and suffered a head injury.

$1,500,000 Zweiman vs. Michael Levine, Inc. —Mild Traumatic Brain Injury caused to 35 year old architect when shopping for curtain fabric at defendant’s store and a curtain rod displayed for sale vertically with safety restraint fell and struck plaintiff on the head.  Both liability and damages heavily disputed.

$1,410,203.30 Wolford v. Hardin – Greg Vanni obtained a jury verdict for a 20-year old client who was struck by an elderly driver who claimed the client was traveling at 90 mph at the time of the crash. Even after reducing the verdict by comparative negligence of the client, the net recovery was nearly a million dollars in a case in which the maximum pre-trial offer was $200,000.

$950,000.00 Confidential Client v. Confidential Defendant – Greg Vanni and Michael O’Connor obtained a settlement for a 72-year old client who suffered a skull fracture in a fall. The client did not require surgery but was hospitalized for two weeks and underwent outpatient rehabilitation and was left with some residual brain damage.

$925,000.00 Millican v. Valley Sod Farms – Kevin Callahan obtained a significant settlement for our client who suffered a Mild Traumatic Brain Injury as well as orthopedic injury to his clavicle, knee and back. Our client was a pedestrian who was injured in an accident caused when a flatbed truck parked in the middle of the street obstructed the view of motorists turning onto a major street.

$850,000.00 Rojas v. Confidential Defendant – Kevin Callahan recovered $850,000 in a slip-and-fall case against the restaurant whose bathroom floor the client slipped on. Our client was a customer of defendant’s restaurant and slipped and fell on a wet bathroom floor, the tile being non-slip. A sign warning of the slippery nature of the wet floor was present in the bathroom and subsequent coefficient of friction tests of the floor determined it to be in appropriate/safe ranges. Our client never lost consciousness after the accident. Within a short time, he experienced severe headaches, memory problems, speech problems, fatigue and depression, and was diagnosed with a mild traumatic brain injury. As trial approached, all experts agreed, including our client’s medical experts, that he no longer suffered from a brain injury. Our client’s ongoing cognitive problems were associated with a psychiatric “transference” or “mirroring”. Our client’s injuries caused him to incur more than 2 years of lost income from his prior employment in the petroleum industry and uncertain future lost income.

Trucking Accidents

$8,500,000 Confidential v. Confidential – Kevin Callahan achieved this settlement against a tow truck company when its driver was attempting to assist our client and his disabled vehicle on the freeway but put the client in harm’s way, resulting in severe injuries.

$8,100,000 Jolon v. Wildwood Express, et al. – Greg Vanni obtained a settlement in a serious motorcycle accident in downtown Los Angeles.

$2,150,000 Echegoyen vs. Daylight Transport—Serious injury suffered by 60 year old long haul trucker when he was unloading the trailer and the freight fell on him when the doors were opened.  Defendant contended that plaintiff was himself responsible as he violated the industry safety standards when opening the trailer doors by not maintaining his position behind the doors, instead exposing himself to the freight.  Lumbar disc herniation, lumbar fusion, chronic pain, mild Traumatic Brain injury (resolved).

$1,100,000 Hernandez v. West Coast Sand & Gravel – Kevin Callahan obtained a recovery in excess of the policy limits for our client after a two-week trial in Orange County. Our client was injured while riding his bike on the sidewalk (in violation of the vehicle code) at 4:30 am, and then riding into the crosswalk (also in violation of vehicle code) in front of a turning truck.

Wrongful Death

$23.2 million Gibilisco/Huizar v. Thomason Mechanical Corporation – This recovery was obtained by Tom Beck and Greg Vanni in a case that was partially settled and the remainder tried to a jury verdict.

$4.65 million Whatley-Miller v. Cooper, M.D. – Dan Powell obtained a $4.65 million unanimous jury verdict when jury found family doctor negligently failed to diagnose heart attack causing death.

$3.5 million Confidential Client v. Confidential Defendant – This settlement was obtained by Greg Vanni for the mother of a 34-year old unmarried woman who was killed in a passenger vehicle versus big rig truck crash.

$2,300,000 Stratz vs Gawrich —Wrongful death of 65 year old retired man as a result of an automobile accident.  Initially insurance company offered $300,000 claiming that was the policy limit.  Investigation revealed a $2,000,000 umbrella policy above the $300,000 primary policy.  The full $2,300,000 was paid.

$2,000,000.00 Macias v. Drewry – Our clients were the surviving parents of a 16-year old girl who was killed in a solo truck rollover. The decedent was not wearing a seatbelt and was also criticized by the defense for getting into a car knowing the driver had been drinking.

$2,000,000 Yeu vs. Voit Vic Partners, et. al. —Wrongful death of semi-retired 65 year old Korean pastor and handyman who left behind a wife and 3 adult children.  Decedent died when performing work on the roof of a building without safety precautions.  Heavily disputed liability and claims that California law precluded liability.

$1,540,000 Lopez vs. GRSI, et. al. —Wrongful death of 26 year old daughter of plaintiffs.  The accident occurred when the motorcycle she was a passenger on, operated by her boyfriend, at midnight struck a construction worker performing maintenance on the freeway.  It was contended the construction worker was negligence by performing his work in the operating lane of travel.  Liability was disputed and blamed on decedent’s boyfriend who was noted by many witnesses to be traveling well in excess of the speed limit and weaving between cars.  The boyfriend had only a $15,000 insurance policy.

$1,000,000 Confidential Client v. Confidential Defendant – Michael O’Connor obtained a $1 million policy limit settlement for our clients for a physician’s failure to diagnose a heart condition. The decedent had visited his doctor and complained of chest pain but was sent home with no follow-up care. The decedent died two weeks later of a heart attack.

$1,000,000 Scott v. Coastal Constructors – Kevin Callahan successfully represented our clients through a three-day mandatory arbitration against the general contractor who worked on their home renovation project and obtained the maximum available under the policy. It was claimed the contractor left an access point to the construction area open, resulting in our clients’ 9-year-old son falling to his death.

$850,000.00 Fu v. Pine Knot Marina – Michael O’Connor obtained a wrongful death settlement on behalf of the parents of a 33-year-old man who drowned while swimming from a rented boat in Big Bear Lake. Mr. O’Connor sued the Marina for failing to provide proper safety instructions and equipment

$500,000.00 Ayala v. Stauch – Kevin Callahan recovered a significant settlement for the parents who lost their adult son when a tree in a mobile home park in which he lived fell in a violent windstorm. The defense claimed that they had no notice that the tree was at risk for falling and that the accident was an “act of God”.

$470,000.00 Molina v. Patricia Adam and Dennis Florine Management – Kevin Callahan obtained a settlement for our client who lost her son who was shot and killed during a robbery at his place of employment. The claim against the defendant property owner was based on a failure to provide sufficient security. The defendant claimed that there was no notice of prior criminal conduct at the location and that the party responsible was solely the criminal assailant.