Wins

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

Mar 27, 2018 Robin Meadow Real Property, Tort Litigation

GMSR wins second reversal in high-stakes nuisance lawsuit

The plaintiff sued GMSR’s client, Southern California Edison, after renovations to her bathroom caused her to feel a slight tingle of electricity when she touched her showerhead, caused by neutral-to-earth voltage from a nearby Edison substation. She won a $4 million jury verdict on multiple

Mar 22, 2018 Timothy T. Coates Business Litigation, Contracts, Intellectual Property, Tort Litigation

In a published decision, the Court of Appeal affirms GMSR’s clients’ rights to Eleanor, the star car character of the Gone in 60 Seconds films

The clients had licensed their rights to produce replicas of Eleanor, the car that played a starring role in Gone in 60 Seconds, to the defendants. In return for the license, the defendants gave the clients, among other things, the first licensed replica they built.

Dec 04, 2017 Robert A. Olson, Alana H. Rotter Tort Litigation

Court of Appeal affirms jury verdict for GMSR’s movie theater client

Martinez v. The Decurion Corp. (unpublished, 2d Civ. B270616): A moviegoer tripped over a bench after being evacuated from a movie theater whose fire alarm was triggered by burnt popcorn. The moviegoer sued the theater, GMSR’s client, for negligence. She asserted several negligence theories, including

Jun 02, 2017 Robert A. Olson, Cynthia E. Tobisman, Edward L. Xanders (Ted) Punitive Damages, Tort Litigation

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

Jun 07, 2016 Laurie J. Hepler Tort Litigation

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

Mar 08, 2016 Alana H. Rotter, Robert A. Olson Tort Litigation

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

Oct 28, 2015 Robert A. Olson, Gary J. Wax Insurance Law, Tort Litigation

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

Oct 07, 2015 Timothy T. Coates Tort Litigation

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

The Regents of the University of California v. Superior Court (2015) 240 Cal.App.4th 1296 (California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division Seven) [published]. Plaintiff was an undergraduate student at UCLA. Unprovoked, another student in her chemistry lab class pulled a kitchen knife and stabbed

Feb 09, 2015 Timothy T. Coates, Robin Meadow Tort Litigation

Court of Appeal reverses $4 million emotional distress judgment

Wilson v. Southern California Edison (2015) 234 Cal.App.4th 123 (California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division Four) [published]. The plaintiff experienced what she called a “tingling sensation” at her showerhead that turned out to be stray voltage emanating from the next-door power substation owned

Oct 10, 2014 Robert A. Olson, Alana H. Rotter Tort Litigation

Court of Appeal rules that animal control officer assumes the risk of being bitten in directing that summary judgment be entered for GMSR’s client

Breeden v. Superior Court (2014) 2014 Cal.App. Unpub. LEXIS 7216 (California Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, Division Two) [unpublished]. Two pet pit bulls mauled an animal control officer who was attempting to impound them. The animal control officer sued the dogs’ owner and the

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.

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.

BUSINESSES

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