Wins

GMSR has a stellar track record and reputation as writs and appeals attorneys. Below is a sample of recent wins for our clients.

Court Of Appeal Affirms No-damages Judgment In GMSR Client’s Favor

GMSR’s client admitted negligence arising out of a low speed rear-end collision, but denied that plaintiffs suffered any resulting damages.  The Court of Appeal affirmed the jury’s judgment of no damages, and rejected the claim that the trial court abused its discretion by allowing questions

Court Of Appeal Orders Trial Court To Vacate Erroneous Stay Order

Plaintiffs opted out of a consumer class action to pursue individual relief. The trial court, however, mistakenly believed that plaintiffs were still members of the class. During the hearing on defendant’s demurrer, the trial court stayed the case on its own motion, refusing to hear

Ninth Circuit Affirms Summary Judgment For GMSR Clients, Holding A Claimed “Dying Declaration” Inadmissible

Plaintiff’s attorney in this asbestos case presented a declaration just before plaintiff’s death, purporting to identify the manufacturers of products he was exposed to decades earlier.  Plaintiff signed the document the day before he died.  The Ninth Circuit held that the document did not fit

GMSR Obtains Reversal Of $15 Million Punitive Damages Award

GMSR convinced the Court of Appeal to reverse a $15 million punitive damages award against GMSR’s client in a case involving alleged exposure to asbestos-cement pipe. The Court of Appeal rejected plaintiffs’ argument that there was an exception to the “officer, director, or managing agent”

GMSR Secures Win For Its Public Utility Client: Court Of Appeal Affirms Summary Judgment

A construction worker was electrocuted when his crewmember moved the aerial lift basket he was riding in close to a 60-foot power line owned by GMSR’s client, Southern California Edison.  The construction worker sued, alleging that Edison had negligently failed to remove or de-energize the

GMSR wins second appeal relating to student’s discrimination claim against school district

On the heels of a Ninth Circuit victory relating to the same events, the Court of Appeal affirmed the trial court’s dismissal of a student’s discrimination claim for failure to comply with the Government Claims Act. Deciding an issue of first impression, the Second District

Court of Appeal affirms judgment notwithstanding the verdict for water utility

Plaintiff claimed take-home asbestos injury from his father’s job at GMSR’s client, a water utility, where the father occasionally cut asbestos pipe. The jury awarded compensatory and punitive damages. The trial court struck the punitive damages on the ground that there was no evidence that

Court of Appeal confirms that the Public Utilities Commission still has exclusive jurisdiction over claims alleging injury from electromagnetic fields

Plaintiff alleged that she suffered injury from exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) at her apartment building, to which GMSR’s client Southern California Edison provided power. Edison successfully demurred based on directly controlling California Supreme Court authority—San Diego Gas and Electric Company v. Superior Court (Covalt)

GMSR wins landmark decision on unfair competition, tortious interference with contract

Plaintiff had an at-will contract with a non-party to develop a drug based on a certain active ingredient.  Defendant Biogen reached its own deal with that non-party to settle patent disputes and to license the same active ingredient—requiring that the at-will contract with Plaintiff be

Court of Appeal affirms judgment for GMSR’s public utility client

Plaintiffs were struck by a car while crossing a street near an inoperative streetlight. GMSR’s client, Southern California Edison, serviced the streetlight. Plaintiffs sued, alleging that Edison was negligent in allowing the light to be off. On summary judgment, the trial court ruled that Edison

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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