SAGER v. J-MAR INVESTMENT Co.
Marc S. Shapiro, Defense Verdict
November 2018: Obtained a defense verdict on all claims in a landlord/tenant case wherein the plaintiff alleged he had suffered a myriad of physical and mental health symptoms as a result of mold exposure following water intrusion from heavy rains in an apartment building in Long Beach, CA. Resulting judgment in favor of Defendants was in excess of $100,000.
Torti v. Van Horn
Jody Steinberg
Obtained a grant of Summary Judgment. The Defendant was providing emergency care by assisting her friend and co-worker, the Plaintiff, out of a vehicle which, despite Defendant’s efforts, she could not exit on her own and which Defendant thought was in danger of exploding or catching fire after a very serious automobile accident. Plaintiff sued claiming her paraplegia was caused by Defendant’s attempts to move her after a head-on impact with a pole. The trial court dismissed the action after counsel successfully argued the applicability of California’s Good Samaritan statute. In a landmark split decision the California Supreme Court overturned the trial Court’s ruling holding the statute only applicable to medical care. As a direct result, California Assembly Bill 83 (Feuer/Beniot) was enacted which encourages individuals to act as “Good Samaritans” and voluntarily help rescue others in peril.
Souch v. Zemel
Jody Steinberg, Defense Verdict
After close of evidence in this personal injury/habitability action, a non-suit was entered on 9 of plaintiff’s claims. The jury returned 12-0 defense verdict on the remaining causes of action in under 15 minutes of deliberations.
Cole v. Wolfe
Jody Steinberg, Defense Verdict
Defensed Plaintiff’s $2 million claim involving alleged dog attack resulting in dementia.
Wall St. Plaza v. JSJF Corp. dba Weiler’s Deli
Paul V. Ash, Defense Verdict on Cross-Complaint
Defeated tenant’s multi-million dollar cross-complaint for constructive eviction after they had been evicted for failing to pay back rent. Secured $250,000 judgment in favor of client as well as attorneys fees of $300,000.
Goldstein v. Beck
Marc S. Shapiro, Defense Verdict
Received a $7 million plus verdict on behalf of client in a hotly contested property line dispute that had been litigated over 5 years. Also received a defense verdict on behalf of client on the cross-complaint filed against them in the same action. Verdict upheld on appeal.
Hirshfield v. Schwartz
Marc. S. Shapiro, Defense Verdict
Established a new theory of law, the equitable easement, with regard to property line disputes. In this case, counsel was able to convince the judge to allow Defendants to keep and maintain their interest in land despite no true legal ownership rights. Also received a defense verdict on plaintiff’s claim for $300,000 of damage to trees caused by the actions of the Defendants. This decision was affirmed by the California Court of Appeal and established a new precedent in this area of law.
Boss v. Yamaguchi
Marc S. Shapiro, Defense Verdict
Received a defense verdict on behalf of a landlord and property management company on a claim of premises liability and negligence after plaintiffs fell through a second story window and suffered significant injuries, including a fractured neck and fractured pelvis, with medical bills in excess of $100,000.
GDOWSKI v. TSANG
Marc S. Shapiro, Nonsuit & Judgment on Cross-Complaint
Prevailed in contract dispute involving drainage issues on two neighboring properties in Palos Verdes Estates, California. In February 2020, the court dismissed all of the plaintiff’s claims by granting a nonsuit following the presentation of Plaintiff’s case at trial. After a subsequent remote trial concluded in February 2021, the court awarded the Tsang family $164,150 on their cross-complaint, including a nominal punitive damages award. The California Court of Appeal, Second District, upheld the judgment in full.
Chakalis v. Fountain Springs HOA
Paul V. Ash, Jury Verdict
Defended Homeowners Association in admitted liability catastrophic elevator failure where plaintiff claimed toxic poisoning from exposure to industrial fluids during crash that allegedly resulted in liver failure and emergency liver transplant. Plaintiff claimed $2 million dollars in past and future medical specials, requirements for lifelong care and permanent disability. Plaintiff received a net verdict from the jury of approximately $150,000 with no demand below $6,000,000.
RODRIGUEZ V. PAZ
Christopher G. Kerr, Defense Judgment
March 2024: Obtained a defense judgment in a lawsuit filed by tenants against their landlord. The tenants’ last settlement demand before trial was $155,000, while the landlord had offered $20,000. After a 10-day trial, a downtown Los Angeles jury returned defense verdicts on habitability and negligence, and awarded plaintiffs $4,950 related to their security deposit. Because the verdict was less than the landlord’s earlier settlement offer, California law allowed the landlord to recover legal and expert costs, which offset the verdict and resulted in a $60,000 judgment in the landlord’s favor.
Jones v. Henden
Christopher G. Kerr, Defense Verdict
December 2024: Secured a unanimous defense verdict from a Bakersfield jury in a lawsuit where the plaintiff claimed a property owner was responsible for his burn injuries. The injuries occurred when the plaintiff tried to start a broken-down RV by pouring gasoline into its carburetor, which caused a fire. The jury found in favor of the defendants, and the court entered a judgment awarding them $42,000.
GIVEnS v. FORMOSA GARDENS HOA
Christopher G. Kerr, Defense Judgment
October 2025: Obtained a complete defense judgment after a bench trial. The plaintiff alleged fraud, conversion, and intentional interference with contractual relations arising from the purchase of a condominium unit. After trial, the Court found that the plaintiff failed to prove any of his claims and entered judgment in favor of defendants. The Court awarded fees to Defendants in the amount of $137,964.
Hartman v. Marks
Paul V. Ash, Defense Verdict
Successfully defensed multi-million dollar tenant claims for brain and other personal injuries in mold related landlord-tenant dispute. Clients were also awarded attorneys fees and costs of $500,000.