Source: http://cholakianlaw.com/trials-by-kevin-cholakian/
Timestamp: 2019-04-21 06:32:09+00:00

Document:
Wrongful death case resulting from shooting fatality on defendant landlord client’s commercial business premise.
Allegations that defendant landlord was secretly working with tenant in running an afterhours nightclub in the building.
Case bifurcated on an alter ego theory against landlord.
Plaintiff alleged economic damages in excess of 1,000,000.00 and sought general damages in excess of $4,000,000.00.
Plaintiff counsel Top 100 Northern California SuperLawyer.
Plaintiff demanded 1 million dollar policy limits for 2 years until 10 days before trial-reduced to CCP 998 offer of $500,000.00.
Defense offer CCP 998 of $200,000.00 with indication at MSC up to $300,000.00.
The jury out 2 hours, returned a 10-2 defense verdict.
Motion for new trial denied, $70,000.00 in costs awarded to defense.
Camarillo v. SVT Logistics, Inc.
Plaintiff was pursuing a brain injury case and seeking a 7-figure recovery.
Defendants admitted that Defendant Munoz failed to stop at a stop sign and crashed into the driver’s side of Plaintiff’s truck, resulting in six inches to one foot of cab intrusion, two torn rotator cuffs and large gash on his temple.
Defendants admitted liability, and stipulated that Plaintiff had approximately $75,000.00 in paid medical expenses prior to trial.
The disputed issues tried related to the extent of past and future general damages for pain and suffering, and whether Plaintiff in fact sustained a traumatic brain injury with lasting effects.
The parties could not settle prior to trial despite two mediations with separate mediators, with Plaintiff making demands of $1.8 million, $1.7 million, and a final CCP 998 demand in the amount of $750,000.00.
Defendants served a CCP offer of $300,000.00 just prior to trial, which was not accepted by Plaintiff. Plaintiff asked the jury to award $1.1 million in damages.
The jury returned a verdict in the amount of $283,487.09.
Defendant entitled to court costs as prevailing party, waived in exchange for dismissal of post-verdict motion.
Defendant position was that she had semi merged into the bike lane 100 feet before an intersection where she intended to make a right turn, and therefore when she turned, she had the right of way.
Plaintiff position was that she had not merged and combined the merge with the turn and he was in the protected bike lane when the accident occurred.
The plaintiff’s law firm was Walkup Melodia in San Francisco.
Plaintiff suffered facial injuries, broken teeth and a head injury and his specials approached $75,000.00.
Demand at trial was $310,000.00. Defendant served a §998 Offer for $75,000.00.
11-1 defense verdict; Costs of $36,000.00 awarded to Defense.
First civil jury tried in Tuolumne County in 3 years.
Mr. Cholakian defended the local dentist who drove the truck. The motorcycle was driven by the off duty decorated lieutenant of the Sonora Police department. Our client made a left turn against traffic coming out of a shopping center crossing 2 lanes to get in the opposite direction lanes. We said he was safe in his approach and plaintiff was at fault for speeding up and driving too fast.
Plaintiff was badly injured, knocked unconscious for one minute, suffering a brachial plexus shoulder injury and had 2 surgeries, returned to work 10 months later, claimed to be in constant pain.
The demand was the policy limits of $500,000.00, which was rejected. Demand subsequently raised to over $1,000,000.00. Defendant served a CCP §998 offer in the amount of $150,000.00, with an indication at MSC of $250,000.00.
The jury returned a 12-0 defense verdict.
Plaintiff firm was Mardirossian and Associates out of LA.
Costs of $40,000.00 awarded to Defense counsel.
Plaintiff was rear-ended at low speed.
Plaintiff alleged brain injury and multiple orthopedic injuries with medical bills in excess of $54,000.00.
Defendant filed a cost bill in the amount of $59,349.62 which was granted.
Plaintiff was driving his pick-up truck in an unincorporated part of Sacramento when he was involved in a collision with a sport utility vehicle.
Prior to the crash with Sisto’s vehicle, Hauth had collided with an SUV operated by James Banks.
Banks was making a left turn. However, as Banks exited the parking lot, he accelerated toward the turn lane, but his steering failed to respond, causing him to lose control.
Banks contended that the steering failed a day after the vehicle had been serviced at Les Schwab for a steering issue.
The investigating officer found that the steering was not operating at time Banks attempted the left turn, causing the accident which resulted in a multi-car collision.
Sisto was seriously injured by one of the other vehicles.
Schwab defended on the grounds that the steering was broken in the accident, not before the accident and Banks was to blame.
Jury returned a defense verdict and defense counsel filed a Memorandum of Costs for $25,000.00 which was granted.
Jury trial brought by the Workers Compensation Director of SFHA for disability discrimination.
Mr. Cholakian represented both the Housing Authority and its Executive Director.
It was a 3 week jury trial.
Claims were based on violating various state and fed statutes. Lowest demand was $300,000.00. No offer, but Defense Counsel recommended to SFHA a $50,000.00 offer.
Jury returned a defense verdict on all the discrimination and wrongful termination claims but did award $35,000.00 for emotional distress allegedly for comments made by the Executive director.
Plaintiff made a claim for $350,000.00 in attorney’s fees and the trial judge rejected that and reduced their fee claim 75% and awarded $75,000.00, which held up on appeal.
Plaintiff was represented by 4 lawyers and 2 law firms.
Plaintiff attempted to pass Defendant’s box truck.
As the truck turned left, causing Plaintiff vehicle to roll multiple times and eventually come to rest on its side after being stopped by a tree.
Plaintiff claimed she suffered a brain injury and pain to several parts of her body as a result of the crash.
Defense argued that that the subject accident was caused by the negligence of Seamans, who had failed to appreciate the fact that the Palmer Farm truck had its turn signal on and had slowed to 4 or 5 mph to complete its left turn into the poultry farm.
Jury returned a defense verdict finding no negligence on behalf of Palmer Farm or driver Xiong.
Defendant’s served a CCP §998 in the amount of $250,000.00.
Mongeon v. Reedley Trucking, et al.
Honorable M. Bruce Smith, trial judge.
3 ½ week jury trial—Truck v. Auto accident.
Plaintiff attorneys Warren Paboojian (Paboojian and Baradet) and Spencer Lucas- (Panish law firm).
Defended small trucking business, Reedley Trucking.
Past, future meds 2.4 million.
1 million CCP 998 policy limit demand early in case.
Last offer to settle during trial, $850,000.00.
CCP offer by defense $200,000.00 prior to trial.
Jury presentation by plaintiff — 20 million.
Jury deliberations lasted 25 minutes.
Hancock v. Juarez Trucking, Grimmway Farms, et al.
Honorable James Lampe trial judge.
2 ½ week jury trial—Truck v. Auto accident.
Decedent crashed into undercarriage of truck with dual trailers making left turn in fog.
Plaintiff CCP 998 Demand – $2 million – (lowered to $1 million at start of trial).
Defense CCP 998 Offer – $500,000.00.
Defense verdict 12-0; Jury deliberations lasted 20 minutes – said to be shortest 12-0 defense verdict deliberation in Kern County history in a death or catastrophic case.
3 week jury trial – Auto vs. Pedestrian accident in crosswalk.
Plaintiff attorney was 10-time Plaintiff SuperLawyer.
Demand at trial – $1.8 million.
Defense CCP 998 Offer before trial – $50,000.00.
Plaintiff verdict $75,000.00. Plaintiff found 70% contributory negligent – net $22,000.00.
3 week jury trial – ADA, FEHA claims for failure to accommodate.
Catastrophic injury claims—$360,000.00 medical specials—4 level back fusion hospital.
Demand at trial—$1.4 million, plus attorney’s fees based on FEHA.
Defense CCP 998 Offer 6 months before trial–$50,000.00.
Plaintiff cost bill judgment of over $100,000.00.
4 week jury trial – Catastrophic injury case resulting from tire blowout.
Plaintiff was passenger in vehicle. No contributory negligence defense.
Plaintiff’s medical bills in excess of $500,000.00.
Defended Peralta Auto Repair – Standard of Care, Product Liability case.
Continental Tire also a defendant – their defense was tire was damaged at time of work done by Peralta.
Campbell v. Coates Tire, Schwab, et al.
4 week jury trial – Brain injury, catastrophic injuries, two plaintiffs.
Products liability and negligence claims against Coates for bearing failure causing wheel to fall off and catastrophic injuries to motorcyclists.
Plaintiff medical bills in excess of $1,000,000.00.
Plaintiff CCP 998 Demand $3,000,000.00 against Coates.
Coates and Schwab (additional insured) combined offer $450,000.00.
Defense verdict 12-0. $3,400,000.00 verdict against co-defendant Duane Martin Livestock – owner of trailer that lost the wheel.
Cost recovery pursuant to Coates CCP 998 demand – $250,000.00.
4 week jury trial—Brain injury.
Personal Injury case—Defended South Bay Shuttle Service.
30 Witnesses, 17 doctors testified.
Plaintiff attorney, Rick Simons, a top 100 Northern California Super Lawyer.
Wrongful Death case – Defended Cruz Plumbing.
Demand $1 million; Offer $400,000.00 (CCP 998).
Wrongful Death Case—Defended Anthony Rose.
Plaintiff attorney, Terry O’Reilly, 10-time SuperLawyer.
Plaintiff attorney is 5 time Northern California Super Lawyer with prior verdicts of 10 million or more- 5 times.
Recovered for State Farm $100,000.00 in cost judgment from plaintiff.
Landlord/Tenant Discrimination- Defended commercial landlord.
Demand $500,000.00; Offer $250,000.00 (CCP 998).
$100,000.00 legal fee recovery award- Judgment against Plaintiff.
Urena, et al. v. H and H Trucking, et al.
Demand $1,000,000.00; Offer $200,000.00 (CCP 998).
CHP found H and H at fault and cause of accident per report.
Defended H and H Trucking – arguing no liability.
Cost recovery $55,000.00 award- Judgment against Plaintiff.
Calleja v. Nisnisan, et al.
Serious auto/pedestrian accident- represented motor vehicle defendant.
$150,000.00 medical bills – Plaintiffs.
Non binding arbitration award for plaintiffs $300,000.00 – Rejected by defense.
$150,000.00 policy limit demand; Offer $35,000.00 (CCP 998).
CCP 998 costs awarded defense.
Involved complex statistical expert testimony—disputed liability.
Plaintiff attorneys – Michael Meadows and Andrew Schwartz (Super Lawyer).
$3,000,000.00 Demand, $300,000.00 CCP 998 offer, with indication of up to $500,000.00 to settle.
Defense Verdict (9-3), C.C.P. 998 costs of $75,000.00 paid by Plaintiffs to defense carrier.
2 ½ week jury trial.
Environmental injury commercial landlord/tenant case.
Case was transferred to Cholakian firm for handling two months before trial date.
$250,000.00 demand; $75,000.00 CCP 998 offer.
Defense verdict (11-1), C.C.P. 998 costs and attorney’s fees awarded and pursued defense.
Suit brought by plaintiff against her attorney for malpractice.
Represented San Francisco Housing Authority.
Highly publicized case seeking re possession of 10,000.00 square foot facility defendants contended was deeded per a prior Executive Director and other contentions.
Result- San Francisco Housing Authority prevailing party and awarded possession.
Paved the way for a new Boys and Girls Club of America facility to be built by City of San Francisco and State grant money.
$2.5 million fire case, commercial.
Case transferred from another firm to Cholakian firm for handling and trial.
Three law firms representing plaintiffs and Fireman’s Fund as plaintiff intervenor.
Cholakian Firm represented target defendant.
$2 million demand; $200,000.00 offer.
Defense through plaintiffs’ Appeal to Supreme Court; Collected $36,000.00 in costs from plaintiff.
Edward Kitson v. Wilson Yip Maa, et al.
Plaintiff alleged Section 8 discrimination case (FEHA, Unruh Act, SF Police Code).
Lowest demand: $150,000.00; Offer: $45,000.00 (CCP 998).
San Francisco Rent Ordinance/environmental/ mold 5 story commercial building.
Represented defendant, owner of a five story historical San Francisco building.
CCP 998 and $90,000.00 attorney’s fees awarded defense.
Kathy Lord King v. Channel Systems, Inc.
2 week jury trial (10-2).
Truck v. Auto (consolidated third party and UM jury trial).
Cholakian firm represented State Farm on consolidated UM claim standing in the shoes of the intoxicated UM driver.
$250,000.00 policy limits demand, $75,000.00 State Farm offer.
Result – $72,000.00 award against State Farm, State Farm was the prevailing party because of 998 offer.
Costs awarded to State Farm.
Facts: Burning Dodge Viper loss of control broadsides innocent plaintiff vehicle on freeway. Totals plaintiffs vehicle.
Product liability defense against Viper asserted on behalf of defendant Ping defense – Not the drivers fault.
Represented defendant, driver/owner of Viper.
$105,000.00 attorney’s fees awarded by the Court and collected against plaintiffs- Returned to defense carrier.
2.4 Million dollar downtown San Francisco commercial building fire case.
Cholakian firm represented owner of adjoining building where the fire started.
Demand: $700,000.00 covered loss by PSMI, Offer: $250,000.00.
Case transferred from the Ropers Majeski firm to Cholakian firm for handling at trial.
Attorne’ys fees awarded and partially collected against plaintiff.
Plaintiff claimed bankruptcy- Pursued Plaintiff attorney for costs.
2 ½ weeks jury trial.
Landlord/tenant San Francisco Rent Ordinance case.
$95,000.00 in Attorney’s fees awarded to defense.
Represented State Farm in fraud/malpractice case against former State Farm attorney. (Attorney subsequently disbarred. Sister state collection proceedings still pending in Florida).
Collection proceedings ongoing in Florida.
1 day trial – non suit.
2nd trial after hung jury in first trial (see below).
2 week vehicle v. pedestrian trial.
Serious pedestrian injuries. More than $50,000.00 in medical specials.
Demand: $60,000.00; CCP 998 Offer: $40,000.00.
Defense costs of $15,000.00 awarded to defendant.
Demand: $100,000.00 policy limit; Offer: $40,000.00.
Non binding arbitration (handled by senior associate) award: $120,000.00 (rejected).
Trial ended in a hung jury (8 to 4 in favor of plaintiff)(Retired to a Defense Verdict in April 1999).
Gina Hearn v. I. Magnin, Inc.
Defense verdict – non suit.
Auto v. Auto – Represented Defendant.
$100,000.00 non binding arbitration award – rejected by Defendant.
Demand: $85,000.00, CCP 998 Offer: $45,000.00.
The Honorable James Warren–Trial Judge.
Demand: $250,000 policy limits; Offer: $50,000.00.
Highway patrol v. pedestrian accident – brain injury.
Kevin K. Cholakian represented plaintiff, John Crow.
Plantiff demand: $1,000,000.00, Offer by State of CA: $300,000.00.
$6.5 million plaintiff verdict. Collected against State of California.
Largest personal injury award in Alameda County in 20 years by a non-personal injury attorney.
Expert depositions conducted by Mr. Cholakian in Cork, Ireland.
Irish experts withdrawn after depositions.
The Honorable Michael Hanlon-Trial judge.
Trial ended after 3 weeks with plaintiff accepting pre-trial offer.
LSI Logic Corporation v. Ultratech Stepper Corporation, et al.
Subrogation – $700,000.00 property damage claim.
Kevin K. Cholakian represented plaintiff LSI Logic and its carrier.
Offer by defense: $350,000.00. Rejected.
Non binding arbitration award of $350,000.00 also rejected.
Result: $880,000.00 verdict, plus $150,000.00 in attorney’s fees and 998 costs and interest awarded.

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