Hon. Dennis J. Landín (Ret.)

• Bank filed action against guarantors of loans made to company that defaulted on several loans and whose owner was target of federal criminal investigation. Guarantors claimed that debt was not owed because of alleged failure of bank to disclose material changes to terms that increased their risk. Guarantors were also lien holders of property owned by company and filed action against receiver who refused to honor their claims.
  

• Dispute over whether lessee had adequate permits for large scale distribution. Landlord filed action against cannabis distributor for breach of contract, vandalism, intentional misrepresentation and declaratory relief.
• Cannabis manufacturer paid large amount of money to lease newly constructed industrial space and was allowed to store equipment pending issuance of Certificate of Occupancy by city. After several months, such certificate was still not issued. Landlord blamed delay on manufacturer’s unwillingness to provide specifications regarding utility requirements.

• Plaintiff claimed that he was racially profiled and treated as a terrorist by flight attendants. He was arrested and later charged with interfering with the flight crew. He was found not guilty and then brought suit against airline. Federal jury returned multi-million dollar verdict against airlines but judge granted motion for new trial on liability and damages. Issues related to applicability and interpretation of Montreal Convention were prominent.
  
• 70-year-old man shot and killed by police officers when he refused to drop long metal pipe and moved rapidly toward them. Police had responded to report of assault with a deadly weapon and heard witnesses say that they had been struck by decedent. First officer’s taser shot failed and second officer did not have taser gun. Bean bag shotgun was in police vehicle but was not used.
• Plaintiff shot in head by law enforcement officer and survived, but with major injuries. Officer believed plaintiff was pointing gun at him.
• While at his home, off-duty police officer drew weapon and ordered door-to-door salesman to the ground and had him arrested. Plaintiff claimed racial profiling and included officer’s employer as a defendant.
• Plaintiff was in business of repossessing vehicles. When attempting to hook up a car in school parking lot, law enforcement detained him even after he showed them his credentials. School district also named as defendant.

• Mother of two young children ordered to leave home by child welfare agency claimed that removal order was result of malfeasance, misrepresentation, and abuse of process. Sought emotional distress damages against county.

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• Investors purchased property used for boarding horses with the understanding that a retired couple would lease it from them for a year and buy it during lease period upon the sale of their nearby home. Couple realized that much work was needed to make house on property habitable and made six-figures worth of improvements to the property. Couple's home ultimately could not be sold within the year and backed out of deal and vacated property. Investors sought over $100k in monthly rent. Couple wanted that amount offset by cost of improvements.
• Two business partners operated several kiosks and retail stores that sold high end cosmetics in malls on the West and East Coasts. Most locations were were quite profitable before COVID. After COVID, one partner sought to change the profit sharing arrangement. Other partner then suspected that income was being diverted and the distributions to him were less than the 50-50 split they had agreed upon.
• After owner of tobacco retail store died, decedent's family (Plaintiffs) sold business to store manager (Defendant) who later sought to renegotiate terms due to COVID. Family suspected buyer actually wanted to fund other business ventures and declined the request. Manager eventually liquidated the business and defaulted on the sales contract. Action brought for breach of contract and fraud. Defendant filed cross-complaint alleging fraudulent inducement.
• Successfully resolved a contractual dispute between a large scale distributor of electrical products and a smaller company hired to assemble "kits" for monitoring residential solar panel generated energy use and home security devices. The dispute arose regarding responsibilities of each party for sales and what to do about prepaid installation and software costs if sales did not occur.
• Resolved dispute over a contract negotiated by an employee who allegedly lacked authority to bind the company. Plaintiff, a promoter of cultural events, filed suit against a rodeo production company for failure to honor a contract negotiated by one of its employees. Production company claimed that employee had no authority to bind company and that employee kept all money received from Plaintiff.

• Plaintiff company had contract to provide dietician services to defendant health care facility on a "per encounter" basis. Defendant suspended payments when it learned its chief operating officers was plaintiff's husband and suspected conflict of interest.
  
• In litigation by bank against company, a receiver was appointed to sell multiple properties owned by company. Said receiver was concerned that liens on some of the properties were not legitimate and/or properly documented and therefore declined to disburse funds. Receiver filed motion for instructions from court. Lienholders objected to motion and later filed motion to file complaint in intervention, which was granted.
• Wealthy Saudi family claimed several investment companies, a prominent international bank and others mis-managed nine figure portfolio. Claims of fraud, negligent misrepresentation, conversion and breach of fiduciary duty alleged. Defendants claimed plaintiffs had “unclean hands” and were largely responsible for losses.
• Plaintiff loaned $1 million to film company for post-production services. Defendant, an actor and director, signed Continuing Personal Guarantee, but did not pay upon loan default. Defendant filed cross-complaint for declaratory relief claiming he was coerced into signing agreement and sought to have his name on credits once film released.
• Celebrity chef and restaurant owner both claimed non-compliance with partnership agreement. Claims of breach of contract and fiduciary duty. Determining value of restaurant major issue.
• Securities fraud where plaintiff claimed $6 million loss when business partners bought his 12.5% ownership interest at a share price based on false information and sold entire entity to international tobacco company at much higher share price, all in violation of California Corporations Code sections 25400 and 25500. Defendants claimed case was one of “seller’s remorse” and that plaintiff, holder of JD and MBA, had accurate information. General counsel to company also named as defendant.
• Plaintiff had several “handshake” deals with lifelong friend and former business partner regarding loans to buy interests in restaurants throughout United States. Defendant disavowed agreements and claimed plaintiff was solely responsible for repaying loans.
• Plaintiff paralegal worked at a law office for decades and claimed defendant promised him $5 million for several years of work. Over a five-year period, plaintiff filed seven different lawsuits alleging breach of contract, wrongful termination, fraud, and intentional misrepresentation. Defendant filed a partition action concerning commercial building jointly owned with plaintiff.
• Clothing manufacturer sought payment from retailer for large order. Retailor claimed orders were fraudulent and product was not in compliance with specifications.
• Franchisor of restaurant chain may not have been properly registered when it entered into contracts with plaintiff to operate several locations in Southern California. Franchisee sought recission of agreements and reimbursement for hundreds of thousands of dollars in start-up costs. Franchisor claimed exemption to registration requirement and cross-complained for breach of contract.
• Homeowner allegedly harassed by homeowner’s association for noncompliance with rules relating to vegetation and parking. Claims included breach of governing documents, fiduciary duty and implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing.
• Defendant allegedly stole music royalties from now deceased 1960’s music composer. Successor in interest filed claims of fraud and conversion. Defendant asserted royalties were legitimately purchased many years ago.
• Co-owners of 20-year-old engineering firm had disputes over large withdrawals by one partner and his attempt to set up separate business and allegedly steal firm’s clients.
• Recruiter and placement specialist for staffing company that provided nannies and to high profile, high net worth people throughout the world allegedly misrepresented her qualifications, stole confidential information and attempted to set up competing agency. Claims of breach of fiduciary, conversion, misappropriation of trade secrets and interference with prospective economic advantage.
• Electrical engineer with no investment experience agreed to provide funds to defendant for celebrity three-on-three basketball tournament at USC to be live-streamed. Event never took place, in part, due to COVID pandemic. Claims of fraud, unjust enrichment and breach of contract.
• Plaintiff purchased several licensing agreements for use of railroad corridor property for petroleum pipeline. Dispute arose regarding specific width of corridor and fair market value after agreements expired.
• Insurance broker offered major blue jean designer and manufacturer (plaintiff) “unique” option to self-fund worker’s compensation insurance. Plaintiff claimed it overpaid by $1million and that insurance strategy was deemed illegal in California. Broker and insurance companies filed cross-complaint for breach of contract.
• Lighting company allegedly manufactured and sold defective lights to retailer, who in turn sold to public. Buyer filed action for breach of sales contract, breach of implied warranty of merchantability, indemnity and contribution.
• Plaintiff water district sued defendant farming company for damages based on allegations that it failed to pay rent and obtained a benefit from alfalfa crop they grew on the leased land and subsequently sold at significant profit.
• Proposition 65 claim against manufactures of adult sex toys for failure to warn of possible health hazard.
• Medical billing dispute arose when insurance company representative gave telephonic approval for several surgeries, but company later denied claim.
• Insurance company claimed that hospital double billed for same procedure over a period of several months. Hospital asserted that codes were not accurately interpreted and no improper bills were submitted.
• Chinese nationals seeking EB-5 immigrant investor visas claimed defendant investment company submitted false information to federal government that derailed their attempt to gain permanent resident status in U.S.
• Defendant, former president of investment company, allegedly misdirected corporate assets to purchase Gulf Stream jet in name of aviation company he set up without consent of plaintiff. Defendant was subject to federal indictment for other alleged fraudulent schemes.
• Large hospital rendered emergency medical care to several patients covered by defendant county health care plan. Defendant allegedly underpaid for such services.
• Insurance coverage dispute arising out of asbestos bodily injuring lawsuit where plaintiff sought all sums for the defense and indemnity from insurance company. Insurance company sought retrospective premiums from 1971-1986.
• Subrogation case involving a fire at a rental property the plaintiff’s insured rented to defendants. Cause of fire was either old wiring under house or failure of tenant’s surge protectors.
• Out –of- network surgery center claimed health insurance company orally agreed to pay “usual, reasonable, and customary rates” but only paid small fraction of that amount. Defendant claimed its representatives only verified members’ insurance coverage and available benefits.
• Tire recycler failed to pay monthly fee and was denied access to warehouse where his product was stored. Warehouse owner claimed there was no “lease” but only a license to store property, which limited recycler’s rights to access portion of warehouse and allowed for disposal of property when payment stopped.
• Plaintiff was hired to customize pre-established blog page with promise of a percentage of the income generated through placement of ads. Plaintiff claimed defendant failed to make entitled payments and fraudulently redirected traffic to other websites.
• Plaintiff claimed he suffered emotional distress when bank could not account for jewelry, gold bars and letters from father that had been placed in safe deposit box. Bank claimed plaintiff failed to pay rent for box and was given adequate notice that property would be submitted to the state or sold at auction.
• Plaintiff sold recycling business and land to friend and fellow church member for $4 million. He loaned buyer $400,000 to help him finance transaction, but buyer defaulted on note. In a cross-complaint, defendant claimed seller mispresented likely profit margin and filed fraud action and sough lost profits.
• Firearms dealer with “Class 7” license brought in partners to expand out of state. Disputes arouse over documentation of sales transactions and access to cloud stored records. Breach of contract and of fiduciary duty claims.
• Breach of commercial lease where tenant claimed force majeure and COVID hardship. Unlawful detainer seeking back rent of $450k also filed by landlord.
• Fire in parking lot below three stories of office space in Hollywood commercial area. Breach of contract and negligence claims filed against building owners. Vagrants may have caused fire. Unlawful detainer seeking back of $450k also filed by landlord.
  
• Attorney represented individual in unsuccessful Unruh Civil Rights action involving sea food company driver parking in handicapped parking space. Defendant in that action filed malicious prosecution claim against plaintiff and his attorney.

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• Homeowner claimed Defendant assured him that injection of polyurethane in ground would prevent foundation from slipping.
• Hundreds of windows for high rise building in downtown Los Angeles were allegedly defective and/or not properly installed resulting in construction delays.

• Well known music publisher claimed award winning songwriter wrote book that contained allegations of fraud and theft over a period of several years. Royalty accounting issues were prominent.
• Orthopedic surgeon and prominent member of East Asian community claimed fellow countrymen made false embezzlement accusations against him on organization’s website and blog causing severe damage to his reputation and emotional distress.
• Sorority sued for defamation when it stated on website that it demoted upper management official for failing to obtain approval to publish book about its participation in a national event.
• Defendant filed false police report alleging plaintiff sexually assaulted her. As a result, plaintiff was fired from his job and filed claims of intentional interference with contractual relationship and defamation.

• Celebrity Plaintiff's social media manager failed to turn over user names and passwords for various accounts, which allegedly resulted in substantial financial loss. Key issues were ownership of accounts, applicability of elder abuse statute and actual damages.
• Plaintiff claimed caretaker mistreated and defrauded her mother. Defendant, who was named in mother’s will, claimed mother disowned daughter.
• Plaintiff claimed nursing home did not have adequate staff on hand to provide proper care for father resulting in grossly negligent care and exacerbation of father’s injuries.
• 82-year-old asserted he was blind, in poor health and did not read English when his own real estate agent and the buyer came to his home and pressured him to sell multi million-dollar commercial building. Real estate agent and international realtor named as defendants.

• Asian import company allegedly failed to accommodate employee who was having medical issues related to her pregnancy. Conditions for employee were allegedly restrictive enough that she felt compelled to resign.
• Plaintiff was hired by East Coast pharmaceutical company to open a Southern California office. During training in New York, she disclosed that she was a single mother and that the father of her 2-year-old daughter was African-American. She was terminated the following week. Defendant claimed it made decision based on plaintiff’s personality and was unaware of her family situation.
• Community Service manager for international company that provides management services claimed termination was due to reporting financial abuse by other employee and because of anxiety, depression and panic attacks. Defendant claimed that plaintiff was let go due to unauthorized absences and tardiness.
• Senior librarian claimed that she was transferred to undesirable location for complaining about time-card fraud. Defendant claimed several legitimate reasons for transfer.
• Physician terminated by public university for reporting labor, government and health and safety code violations. Defendant asserted that plaintiff was let go due to poor performance.

• African-American respiratory therapist claimed she was subjected to poor treatment and retaliation due to her race, use of medical leave and complaints about hospital operations. Defendant asserted that termination was due to budget cuts and plaintiff was least senior staff member.
• Lighting technician terminated for reporting fire code violations prior to major hologram preview in Hollywood. Firing and disclosure of plaintiff’s sexual orientation occurred in front of large group of co-workers.
• Police sergeant was denied promotion to rank of detective allegedly due to sex discrimination. Defendant police department argued that male sergeant was more senior and more qualified and that other females were in detective rank.
• Heavy equipment operator allegedly terminated for complaining that construction firm did not report work hours to union resulting in denial of vacation and other union benefits. Defendant claimed hours were properly reported and plaintiff was fired for using the company credit card for personal expenses.
• IT professional working at national insurance firm claimed termination was due to anti-Muslim sentiment. Defendant claimed plaintiff was abusive to staff and harassed female co-worker.
• Electrician, who had lung and kidney problems resulting from gunshot wounds, claimed defendant company failed to accommodate his need to drink water on more regular basis and was terminated after taking brief disability leave. Defendant company claimed plaintiff and others let go due to necessary reduction in workforce.
• Three female plaintiffs who worked for media company alleged racial and sexual discrimination by supervisor and constructive termination. Defendant company claimed an adequate was investigation conducted and claims could not be substantiated.
• Forensic specialist for law enforcement agency claimed she was subject to disparaging comments about her accent and was discriminated against when she took stress leave and then forced to work with supervisor who had contributed to hostile work environment. Defendant claimed plaintiff was terminated for poor performance and insubordination.
• Deputy sheriffs working at jail facility claimed sexual harassment and hostile work environment resulting in constructive termination.
• 58-year-old factory worker at major tire company, who had knee problems, filed failure to accommodate and wrongful termination claims. Defendant claimed plaintiff was fired for falling asleep while operator a handheld grinder and for not showing up for two weeks.
• Airline company sued by “provisioning agent” who moved food items onto and off aircraft between flights. Plaintiff claimed disparate treatment, excessive monitoring and scrutiny, and hostile work environment based on sex/gender and perceived disability.
• School district custodian took medical leave for kidney problems. When she was released to return to work, district claimed she had used all of her leave time and refused to allow her to resume employment.
• Assistant principal, who had undergone treatment for cancer, was transferred to school farther away from his home, alleged claims of gender identity and disability discrimination against large school district. Defendant claimed Plaintiff’s transfer was based on plaintiff’s previous requests.
• Gay technician brought suit against employer theater company for discrimination based on his sexual orientation. Defendant claimed termination was because plaintiff harassed other employees.
• Member of “Ice Crew,” which performed marketing functions and fan engagement activities for two professional hockey teams, was allegedly subject to sexually charged and hostile work environment. She was dismissed after complaining, but rehired. Hostility continued and she resigned to remove herself from environment and filed various discrimination claims.
• Assistant to designer for ultra- expensive clothing company claimed sexual harassment and wrongful termination. Defendant asserted that plaintiff and designer had previous sexual/romantic relationship.
• Electrician was terminated after he complained about safety violations and that supervisors made cruel remarks about his mentally handicapped children. Employer claimed that he had too many unexcused absences and violated safety protocols which lead to a preventable work injury.
• Female casual non-union dockworkers were allegedly denied accommodations for pregnancy and lactation and denied seniority accrual towards union membership during time they were absent due to pregnancy and related medical conditions.
• Younger tech workers hired to replace persons over 45. Plaintiff alleged age discrimination. Employer claimed performance issues.
• Regional manager for owner of mobile home parks alleged he was misclassified as exempt employee and should have been paid overtime and rest and meal breaks.
• Probation officer alleged County failed to provide appropriate environment for her to express milk and failed to provide ergonomic chair for pregnancy related back pain.
• Social worker brought action against county alleging she was capable of performing job functions despite prior admissions to the contrary and neurological and psychological examinations indicating that she could not handle a full caseload. County took the position that she could only function in non-social worker position, which was offered to her.
• Police captain filed action against city for intentional infliction of emotional distress after he was not appointed to deputy chief as promised and was not given opportunity to work overtime.
• Senior secretary for county department filed suit alleging disability discrimination and retaliation claims. County asserted that she was discharged for repeated time clock fraud.
• Airport police officers with lower back problems claimed disability discrimination because they were not allowed to wear lighter vests and carry lighter gear while in the field, were denied promotions, and were not able to train new officers. Defendant claimed policies were reasonable.
• Child social worker alleged she was subject to discrimination, harassment and retaliation based on physical disability. County claimed that during the six month period before plaintiff was terminated for unsatisfactory work performance, she had filed claims against all but one of her supervisors and almost every co-worker.

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• Plaintiff worked as painter for 25 years at industrial, commercial and residential sites and was allegedly exposed to harmful chemicals. He was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia and filed claims against numerous paint and solvent producers. Defendants denied plaintiff was exposed to their products and disputed causation.
• Spouse of deceased masonry worker, who was regularly exposed to asbestos, developed lung disease after doing his laundry for decades, brought suit against several companies. Extent of exposure and causation disputed.
• Decedent worked as metal finisher and extrusion machine operator. He was regularly exposed to aluminum alloy and other dangerous chemicals and developed lung disease. Several family members brought suit against chemical companies and machine manufacturers.
• “Machine helper” exposed to fiberglass and coating products and developed cirrhosis of the liver. Several chemical companies named as defendants. Causation and statute of limitations key issues.
• Tenants at multi-unit apartment building were exposed to lead for many years. One plaintiff was pregnant during that time period and her child developed symptoms of lead poisoning. Several defendants named, including purchaser of apartment building, and several cross-complaints were filed. The seriousness of the health problems was disputed as well as the failure to mitigate damages.

• Pipe fitter who worked in various locations where asbestos was being removed by contractors between 1966-1980 was diagnosed with mesothelioma. Several defendants claimed that they never had contracts to work at those locations.
• Decedent’s peritoneal mesothelioma was allegedly caused by her exposure to asbestos contained in baby powder and ceramic and pottery products. Defendants claimed that her death at age 46 was caused by Budd-Chiari, a fatal liver disease that she contracted at age 16.

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• Resolved Marvin claims over alleged promises of support which went unfulfilled following the end of the relationship. Plaintiff and defendant were in a several year romantic relationship which led the plaintiff to quit her job on the representation that the defendant would take care of her for the rest of her life. Defendant claimed that the plaintiff was abusive and had a gambling and substance abuse problem, which forced him to terminate the relationship. Plaintiff sought to remain in the residence for several months without paying rent.

• Tenant complained to landlord about front burner on electric stove that quickly became very hot. Landlord failed to replace it. Tenant eventually used that burner to cook steaks for a special occasion. Within a few seconds after turning the burner off and removing the steak, materials in the pan ignited. When he put the pan in oven to put out the fire, he sustained severe burns on his dominant hand. Skin grafts and follow up surgery required.
  
• Plaintiffs were exposed to lead at multi-unit apartment building. Minor child developed significant health problems. Prior and current owner named as defendants. Current owner claimed it purchased building not knowing about issue and cross-complained against realtor and others for not providing adequate disclosures.
• Multiple tenants sued real estate investment firm/owner of large-scale apartment complex claiming rodent and insect infestation and plumbing and mold problems.
• Plaintiffs sought damages for emotional distress due to long term exposure to beg bugs, cockroaches and rodents in condominium and did not pay rent for many months. Defendant asserted that it made good faith attempts to rectify situation and claimed plaintiffs were partially responsible.
• Several elderly and disabled tenants living in upper floors of old hotel converted into low-income housing complained about unreliable elevator.

• Wrongful eviction and conversion claims made against landlord who locked-out wife of tenant who, before his death, did not add her to Section 8 housing lease. Defendant claimed it was not aware decedent was married.
• Tenant, who was not permitted to return to rent-controlled apartment due to fire/water damage, claimed landlord failed to pay for relocation and come up with habitability plan.

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• Five-month infant found deceased in an incline sleeper. Causation, design defect and contributory negligence were prominent issues.
• Mediated trip and fall matter involving allegations of the incident being staged. Plaintiff allegedly tripped over construction materials on a freeway overpass that was under construction, suffering significant injuries to multiple body parts. Defendant suspected fall was staged and claimed most of the injuries existed before incident. Settled.
• Nurse at medical facility claimed to have been electrocuted when she attempted to fix a digital scale used for weighing infants. Extensive injuries, including traumatic brain injury, were alleged. Defendant claimed that nurse, who had history of fainting spells, could not have been shocked when plugging in the scale. And, if she was shocked due to a faulty power cord, all of her medical problems existed before the incident. Defendant also claimed that MICRA applied and her damages were limited.
  
• Drove vehicle with deflated tire, which emitted sparks and then ignited the interior on the driver's side. He sustained severe burns and died two days later. Plaintiff ., wife of decedent, claimed there were problems with the design of the fuel line. Defendant claimed driver should not have continued to drive the vehicle once he became aware that the tire lost air and design of fuel line assembly did not contribute to fire.
• Aspiring actress claimed she was drugged and sexually assaulted by “rap star” who recorded video of incidents. Defendant claimed he and she were in long term relationship and plaintiff consented to sexual encounters and use of drugs.

• Auto pilot system failed to keep car in lane and airbag deployed unnecessarily after car tire struck center median and caused face, hand, and leg injuries. Car manufacturer claimed plaintiff should not have been using auto pilot system on city street.
• Hotel worker injured in three car collision resulting in knee and back injuries. Defendant claimed it was staged “accident” and plaintiff had pre-existing injuries.
• In early morning hours, driver of large box truck could not make sharp enough turn to go up freeway on-ramp requiring him to back down. Plaintiff’s vehicle was struck, and he sustained major injuries. Defendant alleged plaintiff approached at high speed and could have avoided collision.
• Security guard seriously injured at large scale construction site when temporary door fell on him. Evidence suggested that homeless person knocked down door when fleeing location. Building owner, construction company and security company named as defendants.
• Plaintiff injured when unoccupied all-terrain vehicle rolled down hill and ran over his legs. Claims included lack of warning and defective parking brake. Defendant claimed driver was negligent for not setting brake.
• Tenants claimed that apartment manager, the son of the landlord, verbally abused and physically attacked them on more than one occasion.
• Extortion, false imprisonment and intentional infliction of emotional distress claims brought by plaintiff against ex-husband who demanded $250,000 in exchange for son he had taken out of the country.
• Utility company dug a hole between sidewalk and street and covered it with plywood and affixed caution tape around it before leaving site for the day. Plaintiff, while on his cell phone, stepped off sidewalk to avoid person coming in opposite direction, did not see warning tape, fell into the hole and sustained several fractures.
• Psychologist accused of sexually assaulting patients who were recent immigrants, did not speak English, and were being treated for emotional distress issues after being victimized by others.
• Elementary school special needs student was able to “escape” from school and wander about town before found by police. Parents claimed school personnel were on notice of need for closer supervision and sued for negligence and sought emotional distress damages.
• Female special needs student was sexually assaulted on multiple occasions in high school bathroom by other students. Plaintiff claimed lack of proper supervision by special education school personnel.
• Deputy city attorney filed claims of slander, battery, conversion and intentional infliction of emotional distress against director of human resources based on workplace interactions. Altercation occurred after plaintiff was informed of her transfer to different unit. City argued director acted appropriately and that plaintiff failed to timely pursue claims.
• Plaintiff claimed that she sustained physical injuries and significant property damage from water intrusion that led to ceiling collapse in her apartment.
• Handled several “slip and fall” cases involving grocery and big box stores while assigned to the Personal Injury Hub.

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• Plaintiff sustained serious injuries after falling off loading dock behind theater. Key issues were whether a rail should have been installed by tenant and whether Plaintiff was using her cell phone immediately before fall.
  

• Plaintiff claims that her primary care physician did not timely diagnose and disclose likelihood of Chronic Kidney Disease. In addition to a medical malpractice action, plaintiff alleged that physician concealed medical information, which delayed proper treatment of her disease and caused severe emotional distress.
  
• National real estate investment firm and others were retained to serve as an advisor in putting together a 1031 property exchange to avoid a $7 million tax hit. Defendants assembled a portfolio worth $17 million. Plaintiff claimed defendants allegedly failed to deliver high-value commercial property, thoroughly investigate and accurately advise plaintiff about the quality of subject property.
• Plaintiff claimed physician and hospital failed to detect cauda equine syndrome and did not appeal denial of MRI order to further investigate source of plaintiff’s sensory loss. Ten months later, and after plaintiff was injured in auto collision, syndrome was detected and surgery performed. Delayed surgery allegedly resulted in permanent damage.
• Plaintiff claimed attorney failed to inform her of settlement of personal injury case. Attorney asserted that he acted on authority of plaintiff’s family.
• Plaintiff claimed attorney did not engage necessary expert for medical malpractice case resulting in dismissal complaint. Attorney claimed that a helpful expert could not be found.

• Plaintiff claimed dental work was either unnecessary or below standard of care.
• California Department of Public Health issued Class A citation against nursing facility for releasing diabetic patient to homeless facility without his medication or diabetic supplies. Nursing facility brought action to discharge citation asserting criteria for such violation not met.
• Hospital accused of improperly releasing decedent’s body to boyfriend rather than daughter, who had planned to have burial in Poland. Defendant relied on court order obtained by boyfriend when next of kin could not be timely located.

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• Contract for lease of 50,000 square ft. within larger warehouse at $50k per month. Dispute arose over exact contiguous footage and access points available to tenant. Claims of fraud, breach of contract, negligent and misrepresentation alleged.
• Plaintiff brought action against her former husband and her former-mother-in-law, a real estate agent, following a series of real estate transactions. She alleged that money she obtained from her father to be used for the purchase of home in Malibu was diverted and the subject property was never put in her name. Mother-in-law sold multi million-dollar homes and was very concerned about bad publicity.
• Plaintiff was owner and landlord of property on Wilshire Blvd. in Beverly Hills. Defendant was assignee of ground lease of property on which a ten-story office building had been constructed. The parties agreed to an extension of the lease that exceeded 99 years, arguably in violation of a statute. Plaintiff filed an action for quiet title, cancellation of written instrument and declaratory relief.
• TV sitcom actor in Hollywood Hills sought exclusive use of portion of easement that is directly next to his living room and down a steep hill from servient estate. Servient tenement sought full access to area to use deck, seating area and barbecue grill built by previous owner of dominate estate. Claims included interference with easement, trespass, private nuisance and request for injunctive relief.
• Non-profit health organization sought quiet title by adverse possession of portion of road that leads to its parking lot. Road also leads to several home sites. Local homeowners sought prescriptive and equitable easements and easement by implication.

• Eminent domain action filed by Plaintiff, a joint powers authority created to acquire property for construction of railroad underpasses for Alameda Corridor. Permanent and temporary easements were sought on property with existing apartment building. Plaintiff alleged that the easements were necessary to mitigate the impacts of significant, anticipated increases in rail traffic.
• Four sisters, all elderly, held title as tenants in common of mother’s home. One sister claimed life estate based on handwritten document and fact that she was only sister who cared for mother. Partition action and fraud claims.
• Elderly women who became homeless after the sale of her house brought an action against numerous defendants, including purchaser for value, for damages and injunctive relief based on alleged wrongful foreclosure.
• Foreclosure and breach of contract action brought by plaintiff/holder of deed of trust. Defendant claimed deed of trust unenforceable because plaintiff was not a licensed mortgage lender and his agent, who worked on residential property, was an unlicensed contractor.
• “Lot cut” dispute arose when real estate investors bought residential lot with two single family dwellings, but one parcel assessor number property. City asserted that lot was within jurisdiction of Housing and Community Investment Department and Rent Stabilization Ordinance despite line drawn in pencil by engineering department that bisected lot.
• Commercial landlord brought breach of contract and negligence action against former tenant/restaurateur who allegedly moved out months before end of lease and took fixtures which should have remained on the premises per the lease. Defendant claimed that he had not exercised option to extend lease.
• Defendant bought property with deck and fence already built. Two years later, neighbor obtained survey showing significant encroachment on her property and learned deck was built without permit. Quiet title action with nuisance and trespassing claims.
• Homeowner sought to quiet title to an express drainage easement of adjoining neighbor’s property and claimed damages form defendant’s improvements.
• Fences and cameras on adjoining neighbor’s property allegedly violated height and fire safety ordinances and resulted in loss of privacy and enjoyment of property.
• Mother deeded her home to daughter and “informally” retained life estate. Daughter and mother had a series of arguments and daughter later quitclaimed property to her father and mother’s ex-husband. Mother sought recission, return of conditional gift and quiet title.

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• Plaintiffs filed various claims individually and on behalf of other guards who were employed by security firm with numerous contracts with public educational institutions.
• Sales manager and others at major car dealership claimed they were denied lunch and rest breaks and overtime. Defendant claimed all records were accurate and all wages timely paid.
• Handled numerous wage and hour and PAGA claims where plaintiffs have sued owner-operators of body shops, car washes, nursing homes, fast food establishments, hair salons, construction and engineering firms. Most defendants did not have insurance and a large judgment would likely bankrupt business.

• Film producer’s executive assistant drowned while at luxury resort in Bora Bora. Decedent’s family alleged that producer was directly liable for death because he paid for all expenses and was vicariously liable because he employed chef that provided decedent with drugs and alcohol.
• 16-year-old struck and killed by freight train on an at-grade railroad crossing in Santa Clarita. Railroad company argued existence of adequate safety features and warnings from engineer who observed victim but could not stop in time to avoid collision.
• Truck driver killed when rounded corner and hit large trailer that was improperly parked with no warning cones. Landowner and construction company named as defendants.
• Family members claim that following heart surgery their father choked and died after he was given steak while in recovery bed in hospital. Hospital, doctors and nursing staff named as defendants.
• Cancer patient allegedly not given proper post-surgery care plan and died not long after release from hospital. Oncologist and hospital named as defendants.

• Parents alleged that they were not timely informed by medical personnel of likely birth defect of fetus. Plaintiffs named hospital and numerous medical care professionals as defendants. Life care plan and damages in an eight-figure number.

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• Successfully resolved dispute over vehicular mistaken identity. Defendant left his luxury vehicle with a valet service in Beverly Hills prior to entering a restaurant. While dining, he received an emergency call and quickly left the restaurant and entered and drove off in a vehicle that belonged to a rental company, though it was very similar looking to his own. While driving, he collided with a metal pole and abandoned the vehicle in order to get to his family emergency. The rental company sued him and the valet service for theft, conversion, and negligence and sought damages for loss of use and diminished value of vehicle as well as treble damages.