Source: https://kcehlaw.com/category/personal-injury/
Timestamp: 2019-04-19 22:35:39+00:00

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At the law Offices of Kornblum, Cochran, Erickson, & Harbison LLP, we protect the rights of individuals throughout the Bay Area and all of California, including the San Francisco Bay Area, Marin, Sonoma, Alameda, Contra Costa, Lake, Mendocino, San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties, Sacramento and Sacramento Valley, Santa Cruz and Monterey, and extending south to the Los Angeles Area and San Diego.
Copyright © 2018 Kornblum, Cochran, Erickson, & Harbison. All rights reserved.
When you call us, you talk to us!
Law firm websites often direct you to a “chat room” or a 1-800 number that will connect you with a machine or non-attorney representative. There are usually several loops to jump through before you can even speak to a lawyer, if at all.
Unlike these other firms, we give you the personalized attention you deserve!
When you contact our offices in San Francisco (415-440-7800) or Santa Rosa (707-544-9006), you can talk to one of our seasoned paralegals or attorneys right away. If you leave a message, we will return your call within 24 hours (typically within 2 hours).
Get the help you need, without delay. Call us for a free consultation about your legal problem and take advantage of our firm’s individualized approach. Let us be the lawyer for YOU!
Auto insurance provides a wide variety of coverage for use of an automobile. There are often problems with insurance companies who try to low ball an insured who has coverage for medical payments, damage to a vehicle, or even the very important uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.
Also auto insurance provides lawsuit protection if you are sued by a third party for causing an accident. Here the insurance company is required to defend you and also pay for settlements or judgments. We are experts in advising and representing our clients in matters pertaining to this very important part of your insurance coverage for you and your family, or your business.
If you feel you have been wronged by an auto insurance carrier in California, the lawyers at KCEH can help. Call our offices in San Francisco at (415) 440-7800 or use the form below. We serve clients in the Bay Area and statewide.
If you have a lot of money invested in comprehensive life, health or disability insurance coverage, and a huge claim to settle, you can bet there will be people looking to take advantage of your situation. If you have been taken advantage of, you want an experienced insurance coverage lawyer on your side. At the San Francisco law offices of KCEH, we handle all forms of life, health, and disability insurance litigation.
There are a lot of complex scams involving life insurance policies. What looks like a good idea on paper may leave you with fewer assets and less protection, while lining the pockets of salesmen and insurance brokers. Many people are convinced to sell their current life insurance policy in order to pay the premium needed to “upgrade” their policy. All the money you have lost goes straight to the agent, while your new policy may even cost you more and protect you less.
If you believe that you have been the victim of life insurance sales fraud, we can help you evaluate your claim and explore your options. With considerable experience handling long-term disability and life insurance coverage claims, attorney Guy Kornblum will make sure your rights are protected. He tried California’s first bad faith case involving a long-term disability and he is not afraid to take on fraudulent insurance companies.
Life, health and disability insurance fraud can be hard to spot, but if you have any suspicions at all, it is time to find out more about your rights and options. From our San Francisco offices, we are ready to help you evaluate your situation. Call (415) 440-7800 or use the form below to find out more.
Business disputes are emotionally and financially draining. Regardless of the challenges you face, you want to find resolutions as soon as possible. An experienced lawyer can make sure your rights are protected as you search for timely solutions. At the San Francisco law offices of KCEH, we protect the rights of Bay Area businesses that have been the victims of commercial insurance fraud.
With over forty years of insurance litigation experience, attorney Guy Kornblum understands how to properly assess insurance claims. We will conduct a thorough investigation into your case and explore all potential resolution options. Once we help you make an informed decision, we will put a plan in motion to resolve your insurance dispute.
We have handled hundreds of cases in the areas of commercial and personal insurance lines, including comprehensive commercial policies, business interruption and other types of coverage. Whether you lost property due to a fire or an employee was injured at work, we will fight for you to make sure you reach a resolution and get the coverage you pay for.
When people hear the word litigation, they expect a court battle, but there are a number of ways to resolve a dispute through resolutions. We also handle alternative dispute resolution, such as arbitration, to save you from the cost of a court battle.
The sooner you resolve your commercial insurance dispute, the sooner you can get your business back on track. From our San Francisco law offices, we are ready to help you move forward and protect your rights. Call (415) 440-7800 or use the form below to schedule a consultation and find out more.
Insurance to protect you from loss and from damage to personal property, buildings and homes is very common. This type of coverage is found in Homeowners policies and Commercial General Liability (CGL) business package policies.
When claims are made insurers often again “low ball” the loss and require you to submit endless forms, estimates, and documentation, and insurance companies often fail to thoroughly investigate and properly evaluate these claims.
Often the insurance company will force you into litigation position where you are compelled to seek arbitration, appraisal or the court’s help. We know how to guide you and represent you in obtaining the fair and proper amount on property insurance claims.
If you feel you have been wronged by a property insurance carrier in the Bay Area or anywhere in California, the lawyers at Kornblum, Cochran, Erickson, & Harbison, LLP can help. Call our San Francisco offices at (415) 440-7800 or use the form below.
Business interruption claims arise when a business is shut down after casualty, such as a fire, accident or other loss which results from an insured accident or occurrence. This coverage provides monies to pay for ongoing costs and lost profits while your business cannot fully operate.
When claims are made insurers often “low ball” the loss and require you to submit endless forms, estimates and documentation, and insurance companies often fail to thoroughly investigate and properly evaluate these claims.
Many insurers also request tax records and other sensitive and proprietary documentation that needs protection from disclosure. Often the insurance company will force you into litigation position where you are compelled to seek arbitration, appraisal or the court’s help. We know how to guide you and represent you in obtaining the fair and proper amount for this type of loss.
If you feel you have been wronged by an insurance carrier in California, the lawyers at KCEH can help. Call our offices in San Francisco at (415) 440-7800 or use the form below. We serve clients in the Bay Area and statewide.
This is a special type of coverage for officers and directors of corporations when there are allegations of wrongdoing by shareholders and others who claim misfeasance or malfeasance in office. In essence, this insurance provides for lawsuit protection.
The insurance company must defend those officers and directors who are sued and provide settlement and judgment coverage for any monies to be paid as a result of those settlements and judgments.
Insurance companies have special duties in honoring their promises under these policies. It is important for you to have competent professional advice when such claims are made to make sure the insurance company lives up to its promises and obligations under these policies. We can provide guidance and representation in cases of directors and officers liability claims.
The sooner you resolve an insurance dispute, the sooner you can get your business back on track. From our San Francisco law offices, we are ready to help you move forward and protect your rights. Call (415) 440-7800 or use the form below to schedule a consultation.
Employment practices liability (EPL) coverage protects your business from certain types of claims by employees against co-employees or the employer for various wrongs that are committed in the workplace, such as sexual harassment.
There are many exceptions to most employment practices liability insurance policies. In general, these exceptions are circumstances in which this coverage may not apply.
When such claims are made, we can provide the guidance and representation for you to make sure the insurance company lives up to its obligations to defend you in any lawsuit and provide the protection you have paid for.
If you have discovered that you put yourself at risk and lost money, while your broker or agent benefited from the tax shelter transaction, you may have been the victim of tax shelter abuse or fraud. At the San Francisco law offices of KCEH, we can protect your rights and help you get your money back.
It is the job of brokers, agents and investment counselors to sell plans. If they suggest you enroll in a tax-exempt plan to fund your retirement, they may tell you that your payments are tax deductible, then set up the plan so they are not. What may seem like a mistake can be very profitable for them and can have serious consequences for you.
If a broker, agent or counselor gave you false information about a tax shelter for insurance, trust or retirement purposes, you may have been the victim of tax shelter fraud. We will take a look at your plan and determine what is deductible and how your plan could be altered to actually benefit you. Next, we will come up with a plan to make sure the fraudulent broker or agent is held responsible.
With over forty years of experience taking on insurance companies, agents and brokers in fraud and bad faith claims, attorney Guy Kornblum has handled hundreds of these cases. He understands what you have at stake and what you can do to protect your rights in cases of tax shelter fraud and abuse.
If you believe that you have been the victim of tax shelter abuse or fraud, it is time to find out more about your rights and options. Located in San Francisco, we help individuals and businesses across California. Call (415) 440-7800 or use the form below to schedule a consultation and find out more.
There are strict laws governing the actions of insurance agents and brokers. If you have been misled in any way, you may be able to file an insurance agent liability claim and recover much, if not all, of your money. At the San Francisco law offices of KCEH, we protect the rights of individuals and California businesses who have been the victims of broker fraud or misrepresentation.
Even if an agent gives you honest information regarding your insurance policy, you still may have an insurance agent liability claim. For example, if an agent or broker sells commercial insurance to a local chain of hair salons, but fails to sell them employment practices insurance, that could be an instance of malpractice. If the salon is sued by an employee, the insurance company will not have them covered. Any agent should know enough to recommend both at the point of sale.
Insurance companies have a lot of resources and, in most cases, they can sustain the costs of a lengthy court battle more easily than a consumer or small business. We work to negotiate settlements for our clients in all insurance agent liability cases.
In fact, in a study of 2000 cases that went through the settlement process and then went to trial, in most cases plaintiffs ended up doing worse when they took their cases to court. Even when they negotiated a greater settlement, it was most often offset by the cost of the trial, leading to an overall loss for the plaintiff.
With over forty years of insurance litigation experience, attorney Guy Kornblum understands how to negotiate these claims. He will take an assertive stance, reaching out to the other side and making sure they understand the risk of not settling. And if a fair settlement cannot be reached, we will not hesitate to take your case to trial.
If you believe that you may have been the victim of an insurance agent or of broker fraud for any reason, we are here to protect your rights and evaluate your recovery options. Call our San Francisco offices at (415) 440-7800 or use the form below to find out more.
Nothing is more tragic than the financial, physical or emotional abuse of an elderly relative. If someone you love has been taken advantage of in any way, the attorneys at Kornblum, Cochran, Erickson, & Harbison, LLP, can help you make sure they get proper care and fair compensation. We protect the rights of elder abuse victims throughout California from our offices in San Francisco and Santa Rosa.
Elder abuse and negligence claims are highly sensitive cases that involve a unique set of rules. Our lawyers have more than 40 years of experience handling these matters. We represent clients in a wide range of elder abuse cases, including nursing home negligence or abuse, and fraudulent practices against an elderly victim by business entities or individuals.
Under California’s Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act, victims of physical abuse or their families may recover past and future medical expenses related to the abuse, as well as damages for pain and suffering. However, these cases are complex. As with medical malpractice lawsuits and personal injury claims, they require a great deal of resources to develop and resolve. This is no time to rely on inexperienced legal counsel.
If you have reason to suspect that someone you love has been the victim of physical or financial elder abuse at the hands of a nursing home, hospital or other institution, do not hesitate to protect his or her rights. Call or use the form below to schedule a free consultation.
Nothing is more tragic than the financial, physical or emotional abuse of an elderly relative. If someone you love has been taken advantage of in any way, the attorneys at Kornblum Cochran Erickson & Harbison, LLP, can help you make sure they get proper care and fair compensation. We protect the rights of elder abuse victims throughout California from our offices in San Francisco and Santa Rosa.
A dangerous or defective product can cause serious accidents before you have the chance to know what’s wrong. Whether you are at home, at work or on the road, if you have suffered a serious injury because of a defective or dangerous product, you may have a product liability claim. At the San Francisco law offices of KCEH, we protect consumers by holding manufacturers responsible for their negligence.
Large corporations have plenty of resources to fight product liability claims. If you have been injured because of the dangerous product of a negligent manufacturer or designer, make sure you have a lawyer who is prepared to fight back. With over forty years of experience handling complex personal injury claims, attorney Guy Kornblum is not afraid to take on insurance companies and other large corporations.
If you feel you have been wronged by an auto insurance carrier in California, the lawyers at Guy Kornblum & Associates can help. Call our offices in San Francisco at (415) 440-7800 or contact us online today. We serve clients in the Bay Area and statewide.
Lawyers, brokers, and other professionals yield a tremendous amount of power. If you have been taken advantage of after putting your trust in a professional, it is time to take a stand. At the San Francisco law offices of KCEH, we protect the rights of people who have been the victims of professional or legal malpractice.
Legal, accounting, medical and insurance malpractice cases are especially difficult in California because the laws greatly favor professionals over consumers. You still have rights under the law, but you have to carefully explore your options in order to find your best coverage options.
Our firm has handled complex professional liability cases in all of these areas, and we have the resources to evaluate, prepare and manage your case to its conclusion. We are not afraid to take on insurance companies and negligent professionals, and while we always consider all negotiation options, we will not hesitate to pursue your case in court.
If you have been the victim of legal malpractice, it can be hard to put your faith into another lawyer. With a track record of serving clients for over forty years, Guy Kornblum has earned the trust and respect of people throughout the Bay Area. Sitting down with you face-to-face, we will make sure you understand and feel comfortable with our approach. You will be involved in every aspect of the legal process.
If you have been taken advantage of, it is time to explore the potential of a professional liability claim. From our offices in San Francisco, we are ready to help you examine your options and respond to your concerns in a timely manner. Call (415) 440-7800 or use the form below to schedule a consultation.
If you feel you have been wronged by an auto insurance carrier in California, the lawyers at KCEH can help. Call our offices in San Francisco at (415) 440-7800 or contact us online today. We serve clients in the Bay Area and statewide.
Doctors, nurses and other medical professionals achieve amazing results. Unfortunately, accidents also occur across all aspects of health care that often result in life-changing injuries. If you or a family member is seriously injured due to the negligence of a health care professional, you may recover compensation for all medical costs, lost wages, emotional pain and suffering, and other damages.
The attorneys at Kornblum, Cochran, Erickson, & Harbison, LLP, help victims of medical malpractice recover full compensation for their injuries. We have a thorough understanding of the intricacies of this complex area of law and the resources necessary to build strong cases.
Malpractice lawsuits may name doctors, nurses, hospitals, medical technicians, pharmacists or a number of other parties as defendants. It may also make sense to seek damages from multiple parties. Our experienced lawyers will review every aspect of your case carefully to ensure that all responsible parties are identified.
Under California law, a patient must prove that a health care professional or entity breached the “standard of care,” and that the breach resulted in injury. The term “standard of care” refers to broadly accepted procedures that health care professionals throughout California adhere to.
Even seemingly straightforward incidents of medical malpractice can be difficult to prove. We work closely with highly regarded medical professionals and other specialists who provide the kind of critical information that is necessary to come out on top in these cases.
A small percentage of malpractice lawsuits actually go to trial. Most are resolved through negotiated settlements or get dismissed. Our reputation as knowledgeable attorneys who are always prepared to go to trial if a fair agreement is not offered allows us to negotiate from a position of strength.
Injured parties in medical malpractice cases may seek compensatory damages and noneconomic damages. Compensatory damages cover the actual cost of immediate medical care, long-term rehabilitation connected to the injury, lost wages, lost earning future earning power and other expenses. There is no limit to the amount of compensatory damages a person can recover in a California medical malpractice case.
Victims of malpractice may also seek noneconomic damages, which compensate the individual for pain and suffering, disfigurement and (in the event of the death of a loved one) loss of consortium. California medical malpractice laws limit noneconomic damages to $250,000.
In some medical malpractice cases, plaintiffs may also seek punitive damages. The plaintiff and his or her attorney must show that a medical professional acted out of malice or fraud in order to recover punitive damages. There are no limits on punitive damages in California.
We welcome the opportunity to review the facts of your case and provide a candid assessment of what you might expect. We work with clients throughout the state and across the U.S. from offices in San Francisco and Santa Rosa. Call us or use the form below to schedule a free consultation.
Remember, all medical malpractice cases are taken on a contingency fee basis. We only collect an attorney fee if we successfully obtain a recovery for you.
Business disputes — whether internal or against other persons or business entities — can be time consuming and expensive. In addition, business disputes can be emotionally draining.
At Kornblum, Cochran, Erickson & Harbison, our lawyers have the experience to help you to assess your case, evaluate its potential for a successful resolution, and develop the case theme and present it either at arbitration, mediation or in court.
We will sit down with you and review these types of disputes and provide advice, counsel, and representation so that you can make sound economic and strategic decisions about pursuing and resolving these types of matters.
It is important to have a sound perspective on these matters, and we can help you achieve that in our confidential sessions with you. Call 415.440.7800 or use the form below to schedule a consultation and find out more.
Victims of financial fraud need help. Even the smartest and most experienced can be duped into business or investment ventures that are essentially scams.
We can advise and counsel you in these matters, provide representation and put the pressure on the defendants, whether individuals or big companies that have allowed their agents to misuse investment products in their sale to you.
Our lawyers can help you determine if you have been the victim of financial fraud, and, if so, help you respond appropriately to protect your rights and seek compensation from the wrongdoers. Call (415) 440-7800 or use the form below to schedule a consultation and find out more.
Button Transportation Co. v. U.S. Fire Ins. Co.: Solano County Superior Court. Testified on behalf of plaintiff insured against carrier providing CGL and Auto Liability coverage to a truck line relating to shipment of almonds which became contaminated. Deposition and trial testimony (September 2004). Verdict for the plaintiff.
Click Here for the story of the case.
Click Here to view the complete opinion.
Click Here to view excerpts specific to Mr. Kornblum’s testimony.
Osborn v. Leader Ins. Co.: U.S.D.C., Northern District, California, the Honorable Vaughn Walker. Insurance bad faith case involving uninsured motorist claim. Mr. Kornblum testified on insurance company “good faith” claims practices for the plaintiff (August 11, 2003). Verdict for plaintiff, $1 Million compensatory damages; $1 Million punitive damages.
Clemco v. TIG: San Mateo Superior Court: deposition and trial testimony in insurance coverage and bad faith case involving toxic torts. Mr. Kornblum testified for plaintiff against the insurer on bad faith issues. The result is not known.
negligence/intentional tort case; testified for the lawyer defendant. Verdict for the defendant.
and claims practices for the plaintiff, 3M. Result unknown.
client against lawyers arising out of lawyers’ representation of another client in which Hartford was an adversary. Testified on insurance and lawyer duty issues. The case settled while jury deliberated.
Smith v. Arnold: San Diego Superior Court. Legal malpractice case. Mr. Kornblum testified at deposition as an expert on the standard of care for an attorney defendant who was sued for legal malpractice resulting from the settlement of a bad faith case. The case settled before trial.
Phillips v. Bowles & Verna: Contra Costa Superior Court. Legal malpractice case. Mr. Kornblum testified for the defendant attorneys on the standard of care applicable to the attorney defendants who were sued in connection with representation of the plaintiff in a first-party insurance bad faith. Mr. Kornblum testified both at deposition and trial (April 30, 2002). Verdict for the defendant lawyer.
Black v. Blue Cross: LA based arbitration. Mr. Kornblum testified for Blue Cross at arbitration on the history and application of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, and the conversion of a contract to a tort claim using this legal concept in connection with various insurance company-insured relationships (December 2003).
Gulf Ins. Co. v. Sedgwick Detert Moran & Arnold: San Diego Superior Court. Mr. Kornblum testified at deposition on behalf of law firm sued for legal malpractice in connection with the handling of a coverage matter involving E&O policy for a real estate financing and brokerage firm (September/October 2004). Case settled before trial.
Boto Design Co. v. General Ins. Co., Dade County Circuit Court (Miami, Florida, Summer 2005): Mr. Kornblum testified as an expert on California personal injury law in a case involving various claims of reimbursement after a serious brain damage injury case settled. Deposition only given.
Oasis Medical Group v. San Diego Superior Court: Mr. Kornblum testified at a deposition on the relationships of insurer selected panel counsel and the insured clients. The case settled before trial.
Mr. Kornblum has also been cited as a legal authority by the California Supreme Court in Adams v. Mrakami, 813 P. 2d 1348, 1359.
Call us at (415)-440-7800 or use the form below for more information.
Real estate litigation can involve a wide variety of circumstances. At the San Francisco offices of KCEH, our lawyers have represented clients in neighbor disputes, easement issues, some construction problems, and issues arising out of the sale of real property.
Often these types of cases involve insurance as well, so can combine on expertise in insurance with our efforts to assist you in evaluating and involvement in this type of dispute.
To discuss any real estate dispute with a highly experienced attorney, please call (415) 440-7800 or use the form below. We serve clients in the Bay Area and throughout California.
If you experience denial of a claim by your insurance company, we can stand up for your rights. At the law firm of KCEH, we are your Resolution Advocates. As your lawyers, we work for you. We build strong bonds with our clients. We will return your calls and be there for you every step of the way.
For over forty years, KCEH has been handling financially precarious insurance claims. Representing everyone from individual personal injury victims to businesses that have had claims wrongfully denied, we are not afraid to take on insurance companies in court. The greatest strength of our firm is our dispute resolution practice. We know how to put pressure on the other side while maintaining open communication. We will continually evaluate your options throughout the process. We realize that every case and every client is unique. We will tailor our counsel to truly fit your concerns. Our team will take on all cases big or small. We know how to handle litigation against big insurance companies and their big law firm. We have done it successfully for years.
Representing two injured teenagers in a serious dog bite case, Yaelle Shaham prevailed in opposing a recent motion filed by the dog owners. The motion, which was denied, sought to remove the possibility of punitive damages being awarded to the teenagers against the dog owners. The ruling is below.
Guy O. Kornblum and Yaelle Shaham have prevailed by defeating a Motion to Dismiss their client insured’s case against his insurer for failure to settle a liability claim against the insured. The opinion by Magistrate Judge Nathaniel Counsins sitting in the San Jose Division of the United States District Court for the Northern District of California is set forth below. James Spering of Monterey, California is co-counsel with Mr. Kornblum and Ms. Shaham and should share credit for the victory.
In January 2016, KCEH Lawyers Guy Kornblum & Nick Peterson received a $1.35 million award for our client in an underinsured motorist arbitration which was held in November. The client was struck in a pedestrian crosswalk in Oakland by a vehicle at a low speed. He suffered a broken knee cap but also a serious psychological injury including depression, anxiety attacks and chronic pain syndrome and was off work for eight months. The insurer offered $175,000, but the arbitrator awarded 8x that.
We obtained a $6.8 million settlement in a case in federal court in Idaho arising out of a denied health insurance claim by the parents on a brain damaged boy. We tried Phase I of the case, after which the insurer settled.
We obtained a $1.8 million settlement in a wrongful death case in San Mateo County. The defendant driver crossed the center divide and struck the car with our client’s husband head on and killed him. The husband was a low-income wage earner. The couple had no children. We were awarded a lifetime annuity for the wife.
Our attorneys obtained a settlement in cash and annuity payments totaling $1.2 million with the State of California for the parents of an adult daughter who was fatally injured in a cross-over accident on Highway 12 in Solano County.
We were able to obtain this settlement by using our team of experts to show the dangerous condition of the Highway created a “trap” for our clients’ daughter.
We settled an insurance bad faith case for $700,000 against a commercial general liability carrier which refused to provide liability insurance coverage for a cab company which picked up our client after a night partying and, over objection at 2 a.m. stopped for gas at a filing station in a marginal area of San Francisco with a high crime rate. Our client was stabbed by a random man who was fighting with someone else at a nearby pump and decided to challenge our client. The client suffered internal injuries and was hospitalized for a week. His then attorney (the referring attorney to our office), sued the cab company and driver and eventually got a judgment against them in San Francisco Superior Court. Their insurance company refused to defend them taking the position that the case arose out of the “use of an auto” and thus was excluded. The cab company and driver then assigned their claims against the insurance company that refused to defend them in return for our client’s agreement to enforce any judgment only against their insurer. After the judgment our firm was hired to sue the insurance company and enforce our client’s claims as a judgment creditor against it. After rulings in the Superior Court that improved our case against the insurance company, its lawyers called and requested mediation. Again, the case settled within 5 months of filing suit because we were able to get the leverage against the insurer that brought them to the table and forced it to bargain. A mediation in the underlying injury case had valued our client’s claims in the low five figures. Our settlement was a multiple of that sum.
Guy O. Kornblum and David F. McNamar, Of Counsel to our firm who practices out of an Indianapolis office (Mr. Kornblum is a member of the Indiana bar) successfully mediated and negotiated a settlement of a class action of homeowners whose homes suffered from defects leading to their lawsuit against the builder. After extensive litigation and Mr. McNamar successfully appealing one of the class action coverage actions to the Indiana Supreme Court (Sheehan v. Continental Cas. Co., 944 N.E.2d 935 (2010)), the case was resolved with the carriers, who requested that the settlement terms remain confidential.
We settled a case involving a mild traumatic brain injury (concussion) for a client for $450,000 within 8 months of filing the complaint against a public entity and its public transportation vendor. The client was struck in a crosswalk when the bus, while the drivers was distracted, was making a left turn at about 10 miles per hour. The client was knocked to the ground, taken to the hospital, but released the next day to recuperate. He has made a good recovery and will soon be back to work.
A $110,000 cash settlement was obtained on behalf of a 62-year old man whose long term disability benefits were wrongfully terminated by his long term disability insurer. The case was mediated and settled within five months of filing suit against our client’s insurance company. Our client only had three years remaining on his policy but our attorneys prevailed with our demand that the insurer pay in advance to fulfill the insurer’s promises of coverage.
Our attorneys prevailed at arbitration for our client, a quadriplegic, who suffered severe brain damage in a near-drowning while swimming at the Jewish Community Center (“JCC”) in San Francisco in 1974. While under the care of JCC personnel, he was permitted to remain underwater for over 20 minutes, became paralyzed from the neck down, lost all of his bodily functions and all ability to speak. He has lived in a life care facility since.
The case was settled with the insurer of the JCC, the Insurance Company of North America (INA), who agreed to a life care contract, which essentially was to pay all of our client’s expenses for his medical and personal care for his lifetime.
After paying for many years, INA started to balk. They attempted to inspect our client’s medical records at the facility where he was living, without any notice and were also attempting to dictate his medical care, which the settlement expressly prohibited. There were other instances of attempting to intrude into our Client’s medical care. INA commenced arbitration, challenging a number of expenses, and seeking a ruling that they had a right to dictate our client’s care, as well as obtain records and information about him.
The Arbitrator agreed with our position that INA had no right to dictate our client’s care, and awarded attorney’s fees and costs of over $60,000.
Our attorneys obtained a settlement on behalf of a couple against a multi-national insurance company that had engaged in dilatory claims handling. Our attorneys used case law that had come down just days prior to the mediation to show that the insurance company had failed to properly investigate our clients’ claims.
We filed a lawsuit based on fraudulent misrepresentations by a life insurance company and its agent claiming that contributions to a trust for purposes of purchasing life insurance were tax deductible under IRS rules permitting such when the contributions are made for the benefit of employees. The plaintiffs were owners of an oral surgery practice; there were no employees other than themselves. The deductions were clearly improper, and depositions revealed the chicanery by the insurance company and its agent. The case was settled for a substantial amount which is confidential at the defendants’ request. Our clients got their money back.
Guy O. Kornblum has specialized as a trial and appellate lawyer for over 40 years. He specializes in a wide range of civil litigation, including serious injury and wrongful death, financial and physical elder abuse, medical and legal malpractice and all aspects of insurance including “bad faith” claims. Mr. Kornblum himself has handled over 4000 litigated matters to conclusion, and has several million dollar plus cases to his credit. He has represented hundreds of clients, small businesses, individuals, and large Fortune 500 corporations. He is highly regarded for his courtroom and appellate skills, and his representation of his clients in mediations, where he has a strong track record of successful settlements.
Mr. Kornblum is certified in Civil Trial Law and Civil Pretrial Practice Advocacy by the prestigious National Board of Trial Advocacy and is a Charter Fellow, American College of Board Certified Attorneys. He is also a Life Member of the Multi-Million Dollar and Million Dollar Advocate’s Forum, for those attorneys who have achieved multi-million dollar awards or settlements for their clients. Additionally, he is a Charter Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America Trial Lawyer Honorary; a Platinum Member, The Verdict Club, recognizes “professional excellence in litigation;” a “Top 100” Trial Lawyer, and is listed in the 22d Edition of “The Best Lawyers in America.” He has been selected as a Super Lawyer each year since 2006. Mr. Kornblum was selected as the San Francisco Bay Area’s 2010 Best Lawyer in a poll conducted by the Nob Hill Gazette, a prominent San Francisco magazine.
Mr. Kornblum received his “a.v.” rating – the highest possible – by the preeminent peer review rating service, Martindale Hubbell in his first year of eligibility in 1971, and has a “5” rating as well, the highest possible. He has also received a “10” (“Superb”) rating by AVVO, also a premier lawyer rating service.
Mr. Kornblum is the author of “Negotiating and Settling Tort Cases: Reaching the Settlement,” published by the Thomson West Publishing Company and the American Association for Justice, Fourth Edition, 2018 and co-author of two books on insurance law. He has authored over 200 published articles on various topics, including trial strategy and settlement techniques. He also regularly teaches continuing legal education courses for various bar organizations, including the Bar Association of San Francisco, and bar course providers.
Mr. Kornblum is a graduate of the University of California, Hastings College of the Law, J.D. 1966; he received his A.B. from Indiana University in 1961, after which he served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army as a counterintelligence officer before entering Hastings. At Hastings he received the highest academic honor as a Member, Order of the Coif, and the Thurston Honor Society, and served on the Editorial Board of the Hastings Law Journal.
He is devoted to physical fitness as a member of San Francisco’s Olympic Club, where he was a member of the club’s four wall handball team for many years, and now where he is an avid spinner. He serves as Chancellor of St. Mary the Virgin Episcopal Church and is a lifelong Episcopalian, as is his wife, Victoria. They have two adult children, a daughter-in-law, and a grand-daughter who live in the Bay Area. Additionally, Mr. Kornblum has served on the Board of the Hastings Foundation.
I have a passion for dispute resolution. It comes from my heritage – a dad who was a lawyer in the Midwest in the 50’s, 60’s and until he retired at 85 years old in the 90’s. He was a master negotiator but at the same time a supreme diplomat. His best friend – my Godfather – told me that Dad could tell someone to “go to hell” and they thought they received the Congressional Medal of Honor.
If you are an emergency medical air evacuation company and need help collecting from an insurance company that will not pay for the costs of a patient’s transport, please contact us. We can help you collect from the denied or limited claim and handle the litigation on a contingency basis.
Email us, or call 415-440-7800 extension 2. We are available 24/7.
We are your advocates when insurance companies don’t fulfill their promises under their policies.
If your insurance company does not live up to its promises of insurance coverage, we can help!
A covenant of good faith and fair dealing is implicit in every insurance contract. A policyholder pays a fixed premium in exchange for the insurance company’s promise to protect the policyholder from loss in accordance with the terms specified in the contract. If an insurer does not meet this obligation, it is said to be acting in “bad faith.” When this occurs, the insured party may seek recovery beyond the terms of the policy, including damages for emotional stress, economic losses and attorney fees.
The attorneys at Kornblum Cochran Erickson & Harbison, LLP, advocate for individuals and businesses that are involved in disputes regarding insurance coverage. We have handled hundreds of cases in the areas of commercial and personal insurance policies. If you have had an insurance claim denied or undervalued, we will work to recover the benefits you deserve.
We have the resources necessary to develop the full spectrum of bad faith insurance disputes, including those involving automobile insurance, homeowners insurance, and life, health and disability insurance.
Yaelle Shaham’s practice focuses on health care and insurance coverage disputes, on behalf of providers and policyholders against health plans and insurance carriers. She has represented plaintiffs in civil litigation in both state and federal courts, in a variety of cases, including personal injury, product liability, medical malpractice, elder abuse, and contract disputes.
Prior to joining the firm, Yaelle was an associate at Helton Law Group, where she advised hospitals and health systems in a variety of transactions, dispute resolution, and litigation matters, focusing on statutory and regulatory compliance issues in managed care contracting and reimbursement. Before that, as an associate at Physicians’ Advocates, she represented doctors, practice associations, and other physician organizations in a full range of professional provider issues, including disciplinary actions, credentialing, reimbursement, and contracts.
Yaelle earned her J.D. from UC Hastings College of Law with a concentration in Law and Health Sciences. Additionally, she is a graduate of UC Berkeley with a B.S. dual concentration in Environmental Justice and Development, and US Environmental Policy and Management.
Yaelle’s other interests include the culinary arts, hiking, and the exploration of natural environments. She finds particular enjoyment in travel to other countries. As President of the Hastings-to-Haiti Partnership delegation, she traveled to Haiti after the 2010 earthquake to engage with Haitian law students and legal organizations focused on social justice issues. Most recently, she traveled to Cuba to learn more, firsthand about the country’s unique history and culture.
Guy O. Kornblum offers an effective program for mediation at a reasonable fee, and our past success speaks for itself.
We are committed to the expedient resolution of civil disputes. We focus on preparation, diplomacy, and candor in all our negotiations.
Effective mediation resolves cost prohibitive conflicts in a timely, efficient, and peaceful manner. Despite this, only over the last decade has mediation evolved into an integral component of the legal process. Guy Kornblum Mediations has aggressively and passionately supported this development and has employed facilitative, evaluative and transformative modules of mediation with effective outcomes.
Guy Kornblum was one of the first lawyers to aggressively take advantage of the mediation process in his effort to effectively represent his clients. He has a passion for resolving disputes which he applies in his practice. This passion is reflected in a book he co-authored, “Negotiating and Settling Tort Cases,” which was published by Thomas West and the American Association of Justice in 2007 and supplemented several times since. He also regularly writes a column, “The Resolution Advocates,” for the Litigation Counsel of America Trial Lawyer Honorary, and lecture on on Mediation Advocacy for CLE groups, including two presentations for the San Francisco Bar Association in 2009, 2010 and 2011.
He has been serving as a volunteer mediator for the San Francisco Bar Association and the San Francisco Superior Court for a dozen years, and from time to time has been asked to mediate cases at his office. He has participated as an advocate in hundreds of mediations over the years.
Less than full day billed at $595 per hour.
Mediation fee includes validated parking for two vehicles and a casual lunch.
Contact us today to discuss your mediation needs.
Thank you for visiting KCEH on the web. The fact is, you probably aren’t here because you’re having a great day. People call or investigate law firms when confronted with difficult and sometimes complicated issues, or when they’ve recognized those issues may be beyond their own ability to resolve. What you need is help. Help that comes in the form of a knowledgeable, professional, confident and experienced legal team that embodies competence and integrity. In every effort we make, we strive to provide the highest quality of legal services available.
As Managing Attorney of our firm, my goal is to help our lawyers and clients get resolution of their legal claim. In every service and legal need we fulfill, I direct that our services be efficient and friendly, and that we always consider you, as our client, and those things you need most. While every case is important, it’s equally important to remember that every case is as unique as you are.
We prepare your case with this in mind, and we do it well because we’ve taken the time to understand who you are and what makes your case different. Whether you’re an injured party or being sued for an alleged wrong, you’ll have our expertise and attention every step of the way.
KCEH maintains deep ties to the communities we serve, personally and professionally. From individuals providing community service, to our firm providing select pro bono services, each of our attorneys is involved in one or more local organizations serving to improve the community.
Please take advantage of our FREE consultation. If you’re more comfortable doing so, fill out our online. Thank you for considering KCEH. We look forward to showing you the depth of our commitment!
Rachael Erickson, Managing Attorney at KCEH, LLP, and an experienced trial attorney having achieved successful mediation and trial. Named a Super Lawyers’ Rising Star in the Bay Area Legal Community, her detail-oriented approach, client support, and quality results maintain high client satisfaction levels.
Joseph Harbison has been certified as a Civil Trial Specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. An AV rated attorney in Martindale Hubbell, as well as being listed as one of their preeminent lawyers.
Mr. Harbison has appeared before the United States Supreme Court, the 3rd, 5th and 9th Federal Circuit Courts of Appeal as well as all of California’s Federal District Courts.
Joseph Harbison has been Chairman of the Board of the Make a Wish foundation for both Sacramento and the 22 Counties of Northeast California and has underwritten his own Harbison Family Foundation.
He has chaired the Winter Wine and Food Fest generating over one million dollars. Additionally Mr. Harbison produces renown wines from his vineyard in Napa, CA.
Jonathan Kam’s practice focuses on corporate and individual insurance coverage claims on behalf of policyholders against health plans and insurance carriers. He has represented plaintiffs in civil litigation in both state and federal courts in a variety of cases concerning medical and legal malpractice, professional and long-term disability, life insurance, home and automobile liability, property protection, bad faith, and personal injury.
Prior to joining the firm, Jonathan served as a post bar law clerk in the general counsel’s offices for Delicato Family Vineyards in Napa Valley, CA., a long-standing family-owned winery facing complex legal issues posed by a sophisticated business involving sales in the US and throughout the world. There his keen knowledge and appreciation of the wine industry was a valuable asset as he served to defend and enforce a global trademark portfolio, as well as assisting executives and a robust marketing department. Before that, he served as a contract attorney for Girard Gibbs, LLP where he worked on a $400M Ponzi case on behalf of defrauded investors.
While a law student, he worked as Judicial Extern (Law Clerk) for Judge A. James Robertson, II at the San Francisco Superior Court supporting a complex civil litigation department on a variety of cases ranging from class action law suits to unlawful detainers.
Mr. Kam is a member of the California Bar Association Litigation Section. He earned his J.D. from UC Hastings College of Law with a concentration in civil procedure and with extensive experience in Trial Procedure and Alternative Dispute Resolution. He also served as Deputy Chair of Hastings’ internationally recognized Negotiation and Mediation Team. Mr. Kam is an International INADR Mediation and Negotiation Champion (2015). Additionally, he is a graduate of University of Oregon, Eugene with a double major in B.S. Political Science and Sociology with Honors (2010) and is a member of Alpha Kapa Delta Honors Society. Mr. Kam is a member of the Olympic Club of San Francisco.
Jonathan’s other interests include golf, fine dining and mixology, weightlifting, backpacking, and hiking. Notably, he has traversed the Na Pali coastline Kalalau trail in Kauai, HI, America’s 9th most dangerous hiking trail.
Many of you visiting our site may be here because you’ve known me for decades as a friend. I may have been your teacher, or perhaps your Mayor or Councilperson. If you’ve lived in Sonoma County for years, the chances are we’ve met. This is my home, from birth. My Grandfather, “Pop Shand”, was the janitor for the old Courthouse. It’s a special source of pride for me that the Santa Rosa office of KCEH is located today on Old Courthouse Square. Why should any of this matter? It matters because when your attorney walks through the door of a courtroom, he or she brings reputation, trust, relationships, wisdom and opportunity along the way. Each of these characteristics takes on more depth and more impact when the community you serve is the community you love. Do you clearly understand the methods and motivations the firm that represents you embodies? Let me share some specifics that we believe define the difference between some success and great success. At KCEH every case is important, and every case receives what we’ve identified to be the single most important element of legal success – appropriate preparation. The opposition doesn’t take seriously an opponent they don’t believe is prepared to try the case. Our clients feel confidence in a case positioned to succeed. A clear message to the opposing party is your readiness for trial.You have our pledge that each individual at KCEH will deliver the highest quality legal services available. We’ll provide evidence of our efforts in a multitude of client-oriented actions, such as flexible office hours, prompt response to your concerns, and keeping you informed and involved in the status of your case. Take advantage of our FREE consultation today and begin the process to a successful outcome. We look forward to representing you!
Mr. McNamar is the founder and principal of McNamar & Associates in Indianapolis, Ind., and in his fourth decade of practice in the civil ligation area. He is Of Counsel with the firm, which also has cases in Indiana and other states as well in which Mr. McNamar and Guy O. Kornblum, life long friends are co-counsel. Others in our firm have been admitted to practice in Indiana for a particular case.
The joinder of our two firms in major litigation provides an extra dimension to our representation and provides the experience and judgment that typifies our practice.
Pharmakon Long Term Care Pharmacy, Inc.
Leeper Electric Service Company, Inc.
How do I choose a good lawyer?
Will you take my case?
Disputes or injuries serious enough to result in a lawsuit can be devastating and life altering. These disputes or injuries can disrupt your life by taking away your ability to earn a living and enjoy your life as you normally would. In addition to the physical distress, the emotional distress of having to pay escalating medical bills, insurance, and managing future care can overwhelm the average person.
Choosing a lawyer is a very important decision, and choosing one that has earned the highest ratings among their peers lets the insurance company know that your case is being taken very seriously and will not be settled for any less than the absolute maximum amount that you deserve.
Billboards and slogans tell you very little about the actual performance of an attorney. When researching lawyers on the internet bear in mind that many of these websites rate attorneys based not on any objective rating system, but solely by how much attorneys are willing to pay for the recommendation. Instead of relying on advertising, ask what certifications the attorney has, and what rating they have been assigned by their peers.
Another important consideration is your attorney’s trial experience. Believe it or not, there are many attorneys with years of practice that have never been to trial. Ask any prospective lawyer if they are willing to go to trial for you. Also, ask if they have done so for other clients in the past. Insurance companies know which attorneys will not go to trial, and they will offer lower settlements knowing that the attorney is more likely to accept it in order to avoid a courtroom appearance. We will not hesitate to take an insurance company to the court if it means that you will benefit from a trial – we have been doing it for decades with repeated and remarkable success. This means that when we negotiate for a settlement, the attorneys for the insurance company know we are not afraid of going before judge and jury for you.
We would be happy to evaluate your case with absolutely no obligation to you. As one of the top firms in California, we take our client’s disputes and injury claims very seriously, and we have a history of exceptional results to prove it. We do not take every case that comes to us – we only take legitimate, serious cases from individuals and families who have been wronged and/or injured and require the assistance of ethical, experienced counsel in order to prevail. Call us to arrange for an evaluation. Do not wait until it is too late. You should have someone in your corner that they recognize and take seriously.
KCEH has several decades of experience in obtaining record-setting verdicts and settlements for their clients, and we have mastered the science of efficiently and quickly getting you the maximum amount of money for your claim. We always endeavor to bring your case to a favorable conclusion as soon as possible – but not at the cost of a reduced recovery for your damages. Every case is different and should be treated with individual attention and dedication.
We are not a “settlement factory.” Many firms have several employees (often not attorneys!) whose sole duty is to settle as many cases as possible with the least amount of cost to the firm for investigating the claim and future needs. The primary concern shifts from maximum recovery to volume recovery. This is never good for the client. Because of the large number of cases that pass through these firms, the insurance companies know that they can offer less on each case and that the firm will convince their client that the amount offered is “the best they can hope to get.” Unfortunately, in too many cases, clients find themselves in need of additional treatment from an injury after the case has been settled for an amount that did not include provisions for future bills. Clients are often unaware that their cases were settled for far less than they could have received in with aggressive, competent representation.
Accidents change lives in seconds. When a serious injury or a death results from a motor vehicle accident or any incident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, those affected should not have to shoulder the financial burden on top of their physical pain or emotional loss.
The attorneys at Kornblum Cochran Erickson & Harbison, LLP, advocate for injured parties in personal injury lawsuits. We also represent surviving family members in wrongful death lawsuits when a loved one has died as a result of someone’s negligent or intentional actions.
These cases are complex and require substantial resources to resolve. Oftentimes, they are aggressively defended by experienced attorneys who represent large insurance providers. It is essential for victims to enlist the services of knowledgeable attorneys who know how to build strong cases.
KCEH Law represents individuals in Northern California, across the state and throughout the United States in personal injury lawsuits. We have done so for more than 40 years. We work closely with medical professionals, accident reconstruction specialists and other experts to develop strong cases.
Our objective is to put more money in your pocket than you would recover without us, even after our legal fee is paid. Because we accept all personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, our clients only pay attorney fees if we obtain a recovery for them.
Many clients come to us after becoming frustrated with a lack of accessibility and communication from their lawyer at another firm. We ensure that you are informed of all of your options, and that you fully understand the short-term and long-term repercussions of the decisions that are made.
We also help our clients receive the medical treatment they need. We communicate on your behalf with medical providers regarding billing and handle all communication with insurance company representatives.
Although most personal injury cases are resolved without litigation, it is important to enlist the services of trial-tested attorneys like ourselves, who can advocate on your behalf in court if a fair agreement cannot be reached through negotiations.
You are invited to contact us to schedule a free consultation in which we will review the facts of your case and recommend the best course of action. For your convenience, we have offices in San Francisco and Santa Rosa. If your injuries limit your mobility, we will meet wherever it is convenient for you.
• Business interruption — Insurance companies often overload businesses with forms and other paperwork following a fire or other casualty that forces the business to shut down. We help our clients streamline the process and recover the benefits they deserve.
• Professional liability — Health care providers, lawyers, accountants, real estate agents and other professionals carry insurance to protect against legal action taken against them. We represent clients whose claim has been wrongly denied or undervalued.
• Employment practices liability — We make sure insurance companies fulfill their obligations regarding claims by employees against the employers or co-workers.
• Employee welfare insurance — We represent businesses in disputes over IRC 419 and 412(i) welfare benefit plans.
• Directors and officers liability — We advocate for businesses regarding insurance coverage for officers and directors who have been ordered to pay a settlement or judgment following a lawsuit.
For years, the attorneys at KCEH Law have served clients throughout California and nationwide from offices in San Francisco and Santa Rosa. Our legal guidance is tailored to suit the unique needs of each client’s case. Every client has ready access to our lawyers and support team from the initial consultation through the resolution of the case.
Bad faith insurance disputes generally fall into one of two categories: first-party disputes or third-party disputes. A first-party lawsuit evolves from a dispute between an insurance company and a party who is directly insured by that company. A third-party dispute involves a dispute between an insurance provider and a claimant who does not have a contractual agreement with the insurer.
Insurance providers have assertive and knowledgeable attorneys who routinely advocate to protect their clients’ best interests. This typically includes minimizing the amount that is paid in claims. Claimants need an attorney in their corner who understands how to combat the insurance companies’ strategies in order to collect the full amount the claimants are owed.
Insurance coverage disputes are frequently resolved without the need to litigate. However, in order to maximize the amount you recover through negotiations, you need to be represented by attorneys who are proven capable of going to court to protect your rights. We have handled more than 4,000 cases, many of which have settled for well over $1 million.
If you are wrestling with a denied claim, an undervalued claim or any insurance dispute, contact KCEH Law to schedule a meeting. We will answer your questions, provide a candid assessment of your case and recommend an effective course of action.
You get insurance so you will be protected in case anything happens to your investments or people you love. But what happens when your insurance company fails to cover you properly? At the San Francisco law offices of KCEH, we protect the rights of the victims of insurance negligence and bad faith. Insurance companies know how to cut corners and cheat people. We know how to fight back.
“I had a difficult claim regarding unpaid disability insurance benefits with my insurance company. I was fortunate to have Maria Manning and Guy Kornblum personally handle my case. Through a mediated settlement process, we were able to settle the case in a timely manner to my satisfaction. I am grateful for the professional and thorough handling of this complex legal matter.” F. W.
Having handled hundreds of cases in the area of commercial and personal insurance lines, attorney Guy Kornblum is a leader in the field of insurance coverage and bad faith. Under his guidance, our firm is equipped to handle the most complex cases, including comprehensive commercial policies with liability and property claims, business interruptions and more. We also handle personal insurance coverage matters, such as auto liability and homeowners coverage.
Back in 1974, attorney Guy Kornblum tried the first insurance bad faith claim in California. Since that time, he has written countless articles and the first text on California law. Having stayed up to date on California case law, he knows how to gain leverage on insurance companies and best help the insured.

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