Geronimo Perez Named Partner in Firm
DFISL is pleased to announce that Geronimo Perez has been named a partner in the firm. We recognize Geronimo’s distinguished legal abilities and high standards of professional and ethical conduct in the practice of law.
Schonbuch & Fersch defend Gonzales Travel & Tours
Congratulations to trial attorneys Michael Schonbuch and Mary Fersch. Michael and Mary tried the case of Enriquez v. Gonzalez Travel & Tours in the Los Angeles Superior Court. Adam Shea and Patrick Gunning of Panish, Shea & Boyle LLP represented plaintiffs Soyla Enriquez and her son Jaime Enriquez. Soyla, an elderly woman, sued after a tour bus ran over her legs causing serious injuries including bilateral de-gloving of both legs from the knee down, and tibia and fibula fractures. Soyla underwent multiple surgeries that led to the development of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. Soyla’s son Jaime also sued, claiming severe emotional distress due to witnessing his mother’s injuries. Plaintiffs’ counsel asked the jury to return a total verdict of $20 million in damages. The jury rejected that request, instead finding plaintiff 35% at fault for her own injuries and returning a net verdict of just above $4 million. The jury also found that Jaime did not suffer serious emotional distress and awarded him nothing. Congratulations to Michael and Mary for the excellent result on this very challenging case!
Moses Lebovits Selected 2018 Nation’s Top One Percent
Moses Lebovits has been selected to the 2018 list as member of the Nation’s Top One Percent by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel. NADC is an organization dedicated to promoting the highest standards of legal excellence. Its mission is to objectively recognize the attorneys who elevate the standards of the Bar and provide a benchmark for other lawyers to emulate. Due to the selectivity of the appointment process, only the top one percent of attorneys in the United States is awarded membership in NADC. This elite class of advocates consists of the finest leaders of the legal profession from across the nation. Moses received this honor on multiple occasions. Congratulations!
Schonbuch and Gerber Obtain Excellent Result in Lima v. Steffey
Congratulations to trial attorneys Michael Schonbuch and Jonathan Gerber. Michael and Jonathan tried the case of Lima v. Steffey in the Long Beach Courthouse. Plaintiff Cristiana Lima was represented by attorney Gary Dordick. In this auto versus pedestrian case, plaintiff was struck while in an unmarked cross walk on Sunset Boulevard. The defendant was traveling approximately 35 miles per hour before impact. Plaintiff suffered severe injuries including fractured shoulder, tibia, fibula and ribs. She also suffered a liver laceration and collapsed lung. Plaintiff’s counsel asked the jury to award $15 million. The jury found plaintiff 60% at fault for the accident and awarded $4.5 million, reduced to a net of $1,717,000 based upon the comparative fault finding. This is an excellent result against one of the most respected trial attorneys in California.
Schonbuch and Lee obtain defense verdict in Root v. Standal
Congratulations to trial attorneys Michael Schonbuch and Nita Lee. Michael and Nita obtained a defense verdict for their client in Root v. Standal tried in the Orange County Superior Court. Plaintiff is a career Marine and Afghanistan and Iraq war veteran. Due to a high speed freeway collision plaintiff underwent three knee surgeries and is facing a total knee replacement. He also injured his neck causing radiating pain and numbness down both arms. Due to these injuries he is being forced to retire early from the Marines. He also lost his promotion to SEAL TEAM SIX which is the elite search and rescue squad responsible for capturing Osama Bin Laden. He claimed past medical expenses, future medical expenses for knee replacement surgery and treatment to the neck and nerves as well as past lost wages for loss of hazardous duty pay and future wages due to the inability to work and be a Marine. The loss of pension claim (retiring at 20 years rather than 30 years) totals over a million dollars by itself. The insurance policy was claimed to be open and the carrier was represented by separate counsel. Plaintiff asked the jury for $5.5 Million. The jury returned a 12-0 defense verdict, finding no negligence by the defendant. The jury thanked the plaintiff for his service to the country and several were crying as they left the courtroom.
Byron Scott and Chuck Norris Visit DFISL
DFISL enjoyed a visit with Lakers great Byron Scott and business phenomenon Charles Norris. Byron and Charlie recently authored Slam-Dunk Success, an invaluable guide to success on the court and in the boardroom. The DFISL team was treated to a humorous and inspiring presentation, full of useful tips on how to achieve one’s goals and succeed in any endeavor. Our heartfelt thanks to Charlie and Byron!
Mary Fersch tries Rosario v. McConnell
Congratulations to trial attorney Mary Fersch. Mary tried the case of Rosario v. McConnell in the Santa Monica branch of the Los Angeles Superior Court. This case arose from a rear end accident where plaintiff alleged he sustained an acute meniscus tear and lumbar spine injury both of which required future invasive surgeries. Plaintiff’s counsel asked the jury for over $320,000. The jury returned a net verdict of $31,500. Well done Mary!
Moses Lebovits Selected Top One Percent
Moses Lebovits has been selected to the 2016 list as member of the Nation’s Top One Percent by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel. NADC is an organization dedicated to promoting the highest standards of legal excellence. Its mission is to objectively recognize the attorneys who elevate the standards of the Bar and provide a benchmark for other lawyers to emulate. Due to the selectivity of the appointment process, only the top one percent of attorneys in the United States is awarded membership in NADC. This elite class of advocates consists of the finest leaders of the legal profession from across the nation. Congratulations to Moses for this incredible honor!