Representative Cases

A bicycle rider riding on Foothill Boulevard in Sunland was hit from behind by a car and killed. His survivors sued the driver of the car, as well as the City of Los Angeles, for wrongful death, alleging negligence and dangerous condition of public property.

Action by lifelong user of Baby Powder and Shower to Shower cosmetic talc against manufacturer/distributer Johnson & Johnson for negligence and strict liability. Plaintiff had developed mesothelioma; and she alleged that the products she used contained asbestos. The case originally included numerous defendants. Trial included numerous experts, and significant evidentiary and causation issues. The proceedings were broadcast on closed circuit television.

Personal injury action brought by a housekeeper who was working at an unfamiliar location, and was directed to retrieve a broom from a closet. The closet had an unmarked opening into the basement, and the plaintiff fell head first down a steep ladder, sustaining severe injuries. The case included issues regarding joint liability and causation, and the applicability of offsets by a settling party.

Wrongful death case brought by the mother of a young woman who had been in and out of drug treatment facilities and sober living arrangements, but who ultimately died from a heroin overdose at one of the locations. The mother sued a well-known “interventionist” that she had hired, as well as others, for negligence and related claims. The case involved numerous challenging trial issues, including significant questions regarding causation.

Wrongful death and related negligence case involving a fatal arson fire at an unpermitted recording studio in the San Fernando Valley. The man who started the fire had an altercation with two artists who used the studio; he purchased gasoline at a nearby station and went back and started the fire. The case involved several plaintiffs and defendants and multiple motions for summary judgment, with complicated causation issues.

Wrongful death action by survivors of a woman who was struck and killed by a car while crossing the street. Defendants included the elderly driver, the registered owner of the vehicle, and the municipality where the accident occurred. The defendant city allegedly failed to take steps to protect pedestrians at the subject intersection.

Wrongful death action by survivors of a man who worked at the Goodyear tire manufacturing facility for years, and who developed mesothelioma. Plaintiffs alleged that the industrial talc he used to aid in the handling of the warm rubber contained asbestos. Case involved difficult proof issues because of the passing of the worker, and the intervening years.

Personal injury action brought by an aspiring actress with cheerleading experience who participated without pay in a commercially produced promotional video. Plaintiff was asked by the director and choreographer to participate as the “flyer” in a stunt. She was dropped by the choreographer, sustaining a catastrophic “shatter” type fracture of the radius of her dominant arm. The case involved significant issues regarding duty, and application of the assumption of the risk doctrine.

Wrongful death action by surviving spouse against national provider of tow truck services. Tow truck driver attempted to illegally pass a vehicle in the High Desert, striking plaintiff’s vehicle head on, killing the driver and seriously injuring his passenger/spouse. Issues included whether the tow truck driver was an employee or independent contractor of the tow truck company. Other defendants included the State of California, because plaintiff alleged that the roadway was improperly designed and maintained.