Experience

We have depth of experience in a broad range of complex commercial civil litigation. Significant handling of tort litigation including personal injury, sexual misconduct, elder abuse, property, construction and hazardous/toxic materials; professional liability - engineering, architecture and real estate; public entity liability; and business litigation. Specific skill dealing with classification of workers as independent contractor versus employee across multiple industries, including pressing for passage of California’s Proposition 22 in 2020. Continuous research involving emerging vehicle technology and autonomous driving.

 

TRIALS

 

Pelton v. Staff Pro, Inc.; CA Superior Court, County of Riverside case # RIC1705618

Trial January 2020: Defense verdict relating to negligence claim against hirer of temporary security guard who was injured when a large gate collapsed at loading entry resulting in multiple surgeries to cervical and lumbar spine.

Liwag v. Lowey Enterprises, Inc.; CA Superior Court, County of San Bernardino case # CIVDS1613468

Trial August 2018: Drop-in staff counsel for Nationwide Insurance Company one day before trial for defense of stipulated liability broadside tractor-trailer versus auto collision involving injury to young female nurse with wrist fracture, multiple surgeries, and failed hardware.

Picazzo v. C.W. Driver, Inc.; CA Superior Court, County of Los Angeles case # BC531187

Trial October 2017: Defense of premises liability, negligence and contractual indemnity claims against landscape/temporary road subcontractor involving quadriplegic injury to security guard who fell while walking on a temporary road adjacent to a construction site.

 

Garduno v. Candelario; CA Superior Court, County of Los Angeles case # BC544426

Trial March 2016: Defense of strict liability, negligence and premises liability claims based on dog-bite statute against commercial property owner and tenant in vicious pit bull dog bite amputating foot with claim of Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome.

Spalding v. Taylor Morrison Services, Inc.; CA Superior Court, County of Santa Clara case # 1-14-CV-269443

Trial August 2015: Defense of premises liability, negligence and products liability claims against general contractor in first asbestos trial in County of Santa Clara, involving novel factual issues of asbestos content within various building products used during the 1970s on residential construction projects, level of asbestos exposure based on use of products by tradesmen, and medical causation relating to mesothelioma.

Ruiz v. The New Home Company; CA Superior Court, County of Orange case # 30-2013-00651899

Trial November 2014: Defense of premises liability and negligence claims against land developer and builder involving amputation of leg on construction site, and prosecution of cross-complaint against multiple subcontractors including employer of injured worker. 

Publications

  • Daily Journal

    11.17.2007

    Thomopoulos v. Archstone Smith

    Summary Judgment granted.

    Article

  • Daily Journal

    1.12.2018

    Picazzo v. C.W. Driver

    Defense Vertict

    Article

  • Daily Journal

    12.16.2022

    Kownacki v. San Diego Humane Society

    Summary Judgment granted.

    Article

  • Daily Journal

    2.16.2024

    Alfaro v. Intents Emergency Response

    TBI Settlement

    Article

  • Daily Journal

    9.20.2024

    Tanagho v. Big League Dreams

    Summary Judgment granted.

    Article