Wins

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

Jul 24, 2014 Robert A. Olson, Gary J. Wax Tort Litigation

Court of Appeal affirms summary judgment in favor of GMSR’s horse-owner client based on occupational assumption of risk doctrine

Barrett v. Leech (July 24, 2014, D063991) 2014 WL 3659366 (California Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, Division One) [unpublished]. A horse owner hired a farrier to trim his horses’ hooves in the owner’s outdoor corral. While the farrier was trying to secure one of

Mar 07, 2012 Timothy T. Coates Tort Litigation

Court of Appeal reverses attorney fee award imposed on GMSR’s clients

Cotton v. StarCare Medical Group, Inc. (2012) 2012 Cal.App. Unpub. LEXIS 1782 (California Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, Division Three) [unpublished]. GMSR’s clients, two Medicare-funded HMOs, are defendants in the underlying action alleging wrongful death and elder abuse. They had successfully demurred to plaintiffs’

Jan 12, 2012 Robert A. Olson, Alana H. Rotter Tort Litigation

Court of Appeal issues writ directing summary judgment for GMSR’s client in case arising out of store shooting

Coffee House v. Superior Court (2012) 2012 Cal.App. Unpub LEXIS 263 (California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division Five) [unpublished]. Two unidentified men entered Coffee House, GMSR’s client, and started shooting. They fatally shot a patron named Hung and wounded three others, who sued

Aug 31, 2011 Robert A. Olson Tort Litigation

Court of Appeal affirms defense verdict in automobile case for GMSR’s client

Miller v. Ron Taylor Drilling (2011) 2011 Cal.App. Unpub. LEXIS 6635 (California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division Six) [unpublished]. The defendant’s vehicle, traveling at about 3 or 4 miles per hour, tapped the plaintiff’s car, which was waiting at a traffic light. The

Mar 08, 2011 Robin Meadow, Kent L. Richland Tort Litigation

GMSR achieves substantial reduction in damages in STD transmission case

A jury found that GMSR’s client transmitted herpes to the plaintiff, and it awarded $6,753,000 in compensatory and punitive damages. The compensatory damages included $2,500,000 for future medical expenses. On appeal, GMSR demonstrated that there was no substantial evidence of future medical expenses beyond the

Jul 01, 2010 Tort Litigation

Court reverses $15+ million judgment against GMSR’s client, invalidating CACI instruction regarding determination of employee or independent contractor status

Bowman v. Tommie Wyatt, Jr., et al. (2010) 186 Cal.App.4th 286 (California Court of Appeal, Second District, Division Four) [published]. A jury found that GMSR’s client, the City of Los Angeles, was vicariously liable for the negligence of a truck driver who was under contract

Jan 21, 2010 Timothy T. Coates Tort Litigation

Court of Appeal holds that fraudulent concealment exception to workers’ compensation exclusivity is inapplicable where employer lacks knowledge that employee’s symptoms may lead to cancer

Bazzini v. Technicolor, Inc. (2010) 2010 Cal.App. Unpub. LEXIS 390 (California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division Three) [unpublished]. Plaintiffs, a husband and wife, sued the husband’s former employer, GMSR’s client, for injuries allegedly resulting from the husband’s exposure to chemicals in his job.

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.