Success Stories

$685K

settlement, despite a signed liability release form

The family of Tony M., a 9-year-old boy who was killed in a horseback riding incident, received a settlement of $685,000 from the riding stable, despite the fact that Tony’s father had signed a release that excused the stable from any liability.

$320K

from the state of California

Patricia H. fractured her wrist when her vehicle was struck by a California Highway Patrol cruiser. She received a $320,000 settlement from the State of California, which provides a guaranteed monthly income for the rest of her life.

$4.6M

plus an additional $950k settlement

William M., a 45-year-old executive, suffered brain damage following a heart attack due to a malfunction in his home security system which prohibited his wife from calling 911. Roger Tomalas and his co-counsel were able to prove that the malfunction of the system delayed response of the paramedics by 3 minutes. Although William survived the heart attack, he was unable to return to work. Although another law firm had represented William for 4 years, the initial settlement offer was $250 because of a provision in the security company’s contract. Roger Tomalas and his co-counsel eliminated the effect of that provision before the case proceeded to trial. A jury in Orange County awarded William and his wife $4.6 million in damages against the home security company. In addition, after the jury verdict, a second case was filed against the manufacturer of portion of the security system that failed, which resulted in a settlement of an additional $950,000 for William and his wife.

$230K

settlement after being hit by car

John G., an 81-year-old man, fractured his right leg when he was struck by a vehicle as he was crossing the street in front of his home. He received a settlement of $230,000, which has allowed him to hire household help so he could continue to live in his own home.

$100K

settlement after car accident

Peter D., a tow-truck operator, was in the process of impounding a vehicle, when the owner of the vehicle attempted to drive the vehicle off of the tow truck. Peter, who was struck by the vehicle and injured both knees, received a $100,000 settlement.

$189K

cross-state settlement

Nancy S. was injured in an accident while visiting her son in California. The insurance company for the person who caused the accident tried to take advantage of the fact that Nancy received all of her medical treatment in New Jersey, where she lived. When the insurance company offered $6,100 to settle Nancy’s claim, Roger Tomalas went to New Jersey to take the depositions of Nancy’s doctors. After the depositions, the insurance company increased the offer to $15,000. The case proceeded to arbitration in California, and Nancy received an award of $189,000.