Tort Litigation

GMSR’s appellate work has been on the leading edge of important tort issues, running the gamut from duty to breach to causation and damages.  GMSR’s substantive experience includes personal injury, property damage, fraud and misrepresentation, products liability, landowner liability, vicarious liability, defamation and invasion of privacy, and construction defects.

Jun 19, 2017 Laurie J. Hepler
U.S. Supreme Court Rejects California’s Assertion Of Personal Jurisdiction Over Drugmaker

In Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. v. Superior Court (June 19, 2017, Case No. 16-466), the United States Supreme Court has ruled 8-1 that California lacks “specific” personal jurisdiction over a pharmaceutical company, reversing a 4-3 decision last year by the California Supreme Court.  The case arises

CRST, Inc. v. Superior Court (2017) 11 Cal.App.5th 1255

Court of Appeal strikes punitive damage claim against employer of truck driver

Court of Appeal strikes punitive damage claim against employer of truck driver

CRST, Inc. v. Superior Court (2017) 11 Cal.App.5th 1255 [California Court of Appeal, Second District, Division Four] [published] Plaintiff sued the employer of a truck driver for negligent hiring/retention and sought punitive damages.  The trial court refused to strike the punitive damages allegations, but the

Grant v. Foster Wheeler, LLC (Me. 2016) 140 A.3d 1242

Maine Supreme Judicial Court adopts proof standards for product liability

Maine Supreme Judicial Court adopts proof standards for product liability

Grant v. Foster Wheeler, LLC, et al. (2016) 2016 ME 85 (Maine Supreme Judicial Court) [published]. Announcing new law in Maine, the court affirmed summary judgment for GMSR’s client Warren Pumps, LLC, and other manufacturers on whose behalf we briefed the key issues. Maine’s highest

Murphy v. Richardson (Mar. 8, 2016, D067245) 2016 WL 877940

GMSR wins affirmance of judgment enforcing prospective liability waiver

GMSR wins affirmance of judgment enforcing prospective liability waiver

Murphy v. Richardson (2016) 2016 Cal.App. Unpub. LEXIS 1732 (California Court of Appeal, Fourth District, Division One) [unpublished]. Plaintiff sued a religious sober-living home where he resided, for injuries he suffered in a car accident when a home employee was driving him to apply for

Garcia v. Holt (2015) 242 Cal.App.4th 600

Court of Appeal holds that GMSR’s landlord clients had no duty to inspect tenants’ unit for dangerous bombmaking activities

Court of Appeal holds that GMSR’s landlord clients had no duty to inspect tenants’ unit for dangerous bombmaking activities

Garcia v. Holt (2015) 242 Cal.App.4th 600 (California Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, Division One) [published]. GMSR’s landlord clients rented their single family home to a couple month to month. The landlords had no reason to suspect that one of the tenants was manufacturing

Regents of the University of Cal. v. Superior Court (2015) 240 Cal.App.4th 1296

GMSR obtains writ directing summary judgment in favor of UCLA in student’s negligence lawsuit

Who We Serve

PUBLIC ENTITIES

Whether on appeal, assisting trial counsel, or advising government officials contemplating legislative action, GMSR provides unique insight into the complex laws that impact public entities.

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INSURERS

Where coverage may exist, GMSR represents insureds on appeal effectively and efficiently. Where it does not, the firm protects insurers’ right to deny claims.

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BUSINESSES

GMSR offers corporate clients objective assessments on appeal, based on a deep understanding of the limitations and opportunities of appellate review.

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TRIAL COUNSEL

The firm’s lawyers are team players, collaborating with trial counsel at any level from legal strategy to writing or editing trial court motions and appellate briefs.

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INDIVIDUALS

GMSR vigorously advocates the rights of individual plaintiffs and defendants, in both state and federal appellate courts.

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COMMUNITY PRO BONO

As part of GMSR’s long-standing commitment to social justice and equality, GMSR provides pro bono appellate services to individuals and to community organizations on issues of concern.

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