K. Robert Gonter, Jr.
Top rated Products Liability attorney in Irvine, California
Gates Gonter Guy Proudfoot & Muench, L.L.P.
Practice Areas: Products Liability, Business Litigation, Employment Litigation; view more
Licensed in California since: 1982
Education: Southwestern Law School
Selected to Super Lawyers: 2022 - 2025 Call today:
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Irvine, CA 92618 Visit website
Details
Having handled over 1000 civil lawsuits, K. Robert Gonter Jr. is a highly regarded attorney and founding partner at the law firm of Gates, Gonter, Guy, Proudfoot & Muench LLP. He works primarily out of the firm’s Orange County office, but he represents clients across California. Clients rely on his services in the following practice areas:
- Personal injury
- Business and real estate litigation
- Defective products
- Premises liability
- Construction defects and HOA law
- Mediation and arbitration
An honors graduate of the University of Puget Sound, Mr. Gonter received his B.A. in political science and business administration in 1978. He then attended the Southwestern Law School in Los Angeles, California, and earned his Juris Doctor in 1981.
Admitted to practice in California since 1982, Mr. Gonter is also licensed to practice in Washington, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit. Some of his representative clients include General Motors, Ford Motor Company, Fred Loya Insurance company, American International Group, Inc. and KIA Motors.
Mr. Gonter’s successful track record inside and outside of the courtroom has led to his receipt of many honors and awards. He holds an AV Preeminent* peer review rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the organization’s highest rating given to attorneys for their high legal ability and ethical standards.
A longtime member of the Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel and advocate of the American Board of Trial Advocates, Mr. Gonter is a part of the Boy Scouts of America, where he has achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. An inspiring writer and contributing editor of many journals, he took part in the CLAIMS Convention and has conducted many other seminars and presentations.
*AV®, AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished and Martindale-Hubbell Notable are certification marks used under license in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell® is the facilitator of a peer review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Rating™ fall into two categories – legal ability and general ethical standards.
Practice areas
Personal Injury - Products: Plaintiff, Business Litigation, Employment Litigation: DefenseFocus areas
Trade Secret, Wrongful Termination
- 70% Personal Injury - Products: Plaintiff
- 20% Business Litigation
- 10% Employment Litigation: Defense
First Admitted: 1982, California
Professional Webpage: https://g3pmlaw.com/attorneys/karl-r-gonter-jr/
Representative Clients:
- Fred Loya Insurance Company
- Mercury Insurance Company
- Costco
- Chrysler Corporation
- KIA Motors
- Ford Motor Company
- General Motors
- Topa Marine Insurance
- Yasuda Marine Insurance
- AIG Insurance Company
- Able Engineering Company
- State Farm General Insurance company
- Kroger/Ralphs Grocery Stores
- National Indemnity Insurance Company
- Berkshire Hathaway Insurance Company
Educational Background:
- University of Puget Sound, B.A., Political Science and Business Administration, Honors: Dean's List, 1978
Bar/Professional Activity:
- Washington State, 1982
- Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel, Member, 1998 - Present
- American Board of Trial Advocates, Member, 1996 - Present
- U.S. Court of Appeals 9th Circuit
- U.S. District Court Southern District of California
- State of California, 1982
Other Outstanding Achievements:
- Contributing Editor for the Liability Claims Practices Publication of the American Institute for Chartered Casualty Underwriters and Institute of America, 2005
- Liability Claims Practice Publication, American Institute for Chartered Casualty, 2002
Verdicts/Settlements (Case Results):
- Lindsey Weiner & Nicole Weiner, minors, through and by their Guardian Ad Litem, Keith Weiner, MD, and Keith Weiner, MD, individually vs. Robert Smiley Orange County Superior Court, Santa Ana Date: April 24, 2012 Plaintiff Attorneys: Paul DeMontesquiou and Mark Schpall with Walsh & DeMontesquiou Defense Attorneys: K. Robert Gonter, with Gates, Gonter, Guy, Proudfoot & Muench, LLP Facts: Plaintiffs were involved in an auto accident with defendant. Plaintiff was driving southbound on Schaffer Street in the city of Orange when defendant's vehicle, driving westbound on Chapman, ran a red light and t-boned Plaintiff's BMW vehicle. Defendant admitted liability but disputed causation. Injuries: Plaintiff Weiner claimed annular tear at L1-L2 and a 3 mm herniation at L1-L2. He underwent physical therapy and home exercises and claimed that as a result of the accident, he was unable to travel from Orange County to Los Angeles to perform cardiac procedures due to his low-back pain and back spasms. His children, ages 11 & 13, alleged facial, knee and neck lacerations and nightmares. Demand: Weiner sought $5,243 in past medicals and 3 Million in past and future loss of earnings and 12K in property damage. Past medicals for the minors were $1,022 and $222. Jury: The jury held for the defense 11 to 1 vote Trial Length: 4 weeks Deliberations: 4 hours, 2012
- Maria Cornejo vs. Rose Mary Peek Case No: BC527730 Los Angeles Superior Court Date: 2016 Plaintiff Attorneys: John Denove with Cheong, Denove, Rowell & Bennett; Steven Goldberg with Goldberg & Gille Defense Attorneys: K. Robert Gonter and Gina Stein with Gates, Gonter, Guy, Proudfoot & Muench, LLP Facts: On December 23, 2011 on eastbound SR-60, close to Atlantic Blvd, in the city of Monterey Park, Plaintiff alleges decedent, Inez Garcia, was rear-ended by defendant, Rose Peek. On April 30, 2013, one year and four months after the accident, decedent underwent bilateral lumbar decompression at L5-S1, posterior spinal fusion at L5-S1 and transforaminal lumbar fusion with interbody fusion cage at L5-S1. Plaintiff argued decedent's surgery was caused by the accident. On May 1, 2013, decedent went into a coma. Decedent was taken off life support on May 7, 2013, seven days after surgery. Plaintiff claims the death was caused by the surgery. Damages: Medical Specials- $435,819, Funeral & Burial Expenses- $22,450, Loss of services of decedent-to be determined Settlement Discussions: Plaintiff served C.C.P. 998 Offer to Compromise for 1.1 Million and Defendant served C.C.P. 998 Offer to Compromise for 300K. Resolution: Plaintiff accepted Defendant's original offer when case was assigned to Dept. 1 for Trial on the fourth day, 2016
- Taylor Tobias vs. Jennifer Grossman Case No: 56-2011-0399170-CU-PU-VTA Ventura County Superior Court, Ventura Judge: Vincent O'Neill, Jr. Date: June 28, 2013 Plaintiff Attorneys: Timothy Gonzalez and Marcus Mancini with Mancini & Associates Defense Attorneys: K. Robert Gonter with Gates, Gonter, Guy, Proudfoot & Muench, LLP Facts: Plaintiff, a beauty supply salesman, was driving through the parking lot of Westlake Village shopping center in Thousand Oaks, when his passenger side of the vehicle was struck by defendant who was backing out of a parking spot. Plaintiff claimed injuries to her back and neck. Injuries: bulging lumbar disc, cervical disc displacement, epidural injections, nerve damage/neuropathy, headaches, and anxiety. Plaintiff claimed ongoing nerve damage to his spine. Demand: Plaintiff sought recovery of 800K in total damages including $86,000 in past medical costs. Defense argued the accident could not have caused the forces necessary to cause the injuries. Jury: Found Plaintiff at fault 63% and Defendant 37% at fault. It also found that Plaintiff's specials totaled $62,797.14. Thus, Plaintiff's recovery would be $23,075.84, based on the comparative liability offset. Trial Length: 5 days, 2013
- Alex Quintana & Deanna Quintana vs. Wellcraft Marine Corp., Genmar Holdings Inc., Latham Marine, Inc., Marine Max, Inc., Lindahl Lucas, Lindahl Lucas, dba Lucas Insurance Services Los Angeles Superior Court, Central Judge: Richard Fruin Date: 03/16/2010 Plaintiff Attorneys: Marcus Mancini & Christopher Barnes with Mancini & Associates; Robert Kaiser, with Law Offices of Robert Kaiser Defense Attorneys: K. Robert Gonter, Gates, Gonter, Guy, Proudfoot & Muench, LLP Facts: On August 28, 2004, Plaintiffs Quintana joined friends Lucas on his 33-foot Wellcraft Scarab cigarette boat in a poker run from Long Beach to Catalina. About 30 seconds after starting the run, a large wake from more than 220 boats in the area caused Lucas' boat to change directions. Plaintiff Deanna hit her left hand on the side of the boat. The steering ram came off during the accident which was alleged to be the cause of the spin out and not the wave. Lucas tested the boat the previous day and during the test, he noticed an issue with the steering. After having several of his boating friends look at the steering, they decided that it was a hydraulic bubble. Plaintiff Deanna sued the boat manufacturer, Wellcraft Marine Corporation; the manufacturer of the steering ram, Latham Marine, Inc; the dealer that sold the boat to Lucas, Marine Max, Inc., Genmar Holdings who were the brokers for the used bought Lucas in Texas 3 months before the accident; Lindall Lucas; and Lindall Lucas doing business as Lucas Insurance Services. Wellcraft and Lathan settled for 25K each prior to trial. Marine Max and Genmar filed Motions for Summary Judgment that were granted. Injuries: Deanna fractured her left third and fourth metatarsals. She also alleged a five millimeter cervical disc bulge and a torn rotator cuff, thoracic outlet syndrome, bilaterally, and wrist issue that required over 6 surgeries. Deanna's medical specials totaled over 300K. Plaintiff Alex, made a loss of consortium claim. Plaintiffs asked the jury to award 1.5 Million to Deanna and 250K for Alex's loss of consortium claim. Jury: Plaintiff Deanna was awarded 20K that was reduced to $12,740 and Plaintiff Alex was awarded zero. Trial Length: 11 days Jury Deliberations: 4 hours, 2010
- Kayla Proctor vs. Janet Serrano Personal Injury: Automobile vs. Automobile Verdict: Defense Case: Orange County Superior Court, Central Justice Center Judge: Melissa McCormick, Dept. C-13 Date: November 18, 2019 Plaintiff Attorney: Benjamin Berkley, Carpenter, Zuckerman & Rowley, 8827 West Olympic Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90211 Defense Attorney(s): K. Robert Gonter Jr., Gates, Gonter, Guy, Proudfoot & Muench, LLP, 38 Discovery Ste 200, Irvine, CA 92618, Gates, Gonter, Guy, Proudfoot & Muench, LLP, 38 Discovery Ste 200, Irvine, CA 92618 FACTS: On November 23, 2016, Plaintiff Kayla Proctor, was a front passenger in an automobile collision that occurred in Cypress, California at the intersection of Walker and Lincoln. Defendant, Jannet Serrano, was driving a 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser northbound on Walker. She failed to stop and rear ended a 2015 Ford Mustang operated by Ronald Arthur, in which Plaintiff was the right front passenger. Plaintiff’s vehicle was stopped for the red light waiting to make a right hand turn onto Lincoln. INJURIES & DAMAGES: Ms. Proctor alleged injuries to her neck, mid-low back pain radiating into her bilateral legs, left knee pain, left shoulder pain with shooting pains down her left arm, and headaches. Ms. Proctor underwent left shoulder corticosteroid injections and left shoulder surgery. Ms. Proctor alleged she needed a left knee surgery as well. After the accident, Plaintiff went to the hospital in Lake Arrowhead. Plaintiff started chiropractic treatments and was referred to Dr. Ahmed where he injected Plaintiff’s shoulder and performed shoulder surgery. Plaintiff also sustained a knee meniscus injury and required surgery. Plaintiff’s attorney argued, and all of Defendant experts agreed, Plaintiff was injured in the accident. Past Economic Damages: $68,707.04, Future Economic Damages: $67,458 Total Damages: $136,157 DEMAND: $519,697.04 OFFER: $20,000.00, 2019
- Ray Kazemi v. Bradley William Messmer April 10, 2017 Case No: 30-2014-00729072 Orange County Superior Court, Santa Ana Judge: Frederick Horn, Department C-31 Plaintiff –Nicholas C. Rowley, Keith Bruno, and Omari Khorshidi (Carpenter, Zuckerman & Rowley, LLP, Beverly Hills). Defendant – K. Robert Gonter, Jr. (Gates, Gonter, Guy, Proudfoot & Muench LLP, Irvine) Facts: Plaintiff was driving to a chiropractic appointment to treat a prior injury when Defendant rear-ended Plaintiff’s rental vehicle. Plaintiff alleges the accident exacerbated a pre-existing injury, causing a double level fusion neck surgery with past medical bills of $353,000.00 and future medical bills of $360,000.00, with total specials of $713,000.00. SETTLEMENT DISCUSSIONS: Plaintiff filed a 998 for $150,000.00 and demanded $750,000.00 at the start of trial. Defendant offered $50,000.00 prior to trial. RESULT: $135,000.00 to Plaintiff: 9-3 on liability and damages. Trial Length: 8.5 days, 2017
- Jerry Jacob Kohn v. Raul Placential Medina; SMS Supermarket Service, Inc., Erickson Towing; Kevin Camberos, Los Angeles Superior Court, Pasadena, June 2017 Case No. GC035923 Judge: C. Edward Simpson Demand: 350K Plaintiff Attorney(s): Robert L. Esensten; Wasserman, Comden & Casselman, LLP; Tarzana, CA, for Jerry Kohn Defense Attorney(s): K. Robert Gonter Jr., Gates, Gonter, Guy, Proudfoot & Muench L.L.P.; Irvine, CA, for Raul Placential Medina, SMS Supermarket Service, Inc.; James M. Baratta; Grant, Genovese & Baratta LLP; Irvine, CA, for Kevin Camberos Facts: At 9 a.m. on Sept. 21, 2004, plaintiff Jerry Kohn, a 52-year-old self-employed businessman, was driving his Porsche eastbound on the five-lane Interstate 210 between Lake Avenue and Hill Street, when he was involved in a collision with SMS Supermarkets employee Raul Medina and Erickson Towing Inc., employee Kevin Camberos. Injury: Kohn claimed that the accident aggravated a pre-existing lumbar condition, that he had disc herniations aggravated or caused by the impact and that he had been asymptomatic before the accident. He sought treatment with Leonel Hunt, the director of spinal trauma at Cedars-Sinai Hospital and underwent lumbar laminectomies at the L2-3, L4-5 and L5-S1 levels two months after the accident. Kohn claimed that as a result of the accident and surgery, his back will never be the same and he can no longer engage in skiing, golf and the many activities he had previously enjoyed. Specials: Plaintiff claimed past medical bills totaled $103,000 and his future medical bills were estimated at $5,000. In total, Kohn sought $600,000 from the jury. Jury: The jury found Camberos and his company were 100% at fault for the accident. Zero liability against defendant Medina & SMS Supermarkets. However, the jury did not find that the accident was a substantial factor in causing damage to the plaintiff. Jury Deliberations: 3.5 Hours Trial Length: 6 days, 2017
- Sanchez v. Anderson Case No.: BC523504 Court: Los Angeles County Superior Court -Department 91 JUDGE: Hon. Charles Palmer Facts: This is a trip and fall that occurred on the defendant’s property when the plaintiff slipped on a paver stone and smashed her face and had sutures to her fractured nose and face. Duration: 10 days Deliberation: 27 minutes Jury Poll: 12 - 0 Verdict: Defense PLAINTIFF’S ATTORNEY: Sanford Jossen, Esq., LAW OFFICES OF SANFORD JOSSEN DEFENDANT’S ATTORNEY: K. Robert Gonter, Jr., Esq. Gates, O’Doherty, Gonter & Guy, LLP, 2016
- Lucinda Faraldo v. Roger Soffer, et al. BC544057 Incident: Plaintiff Lucinda Faraldo was patronizing Defendant’s spa on the date of the incident. She was lunching at a dining table with other spa patrons, including Plaintiff’s visiting five-year-old daughter, when a decorative wooden Buddhist shutter, weighing approximately 30 pounds, fell from a ledge in the spa dining room and struck Plaintiff on the head. Injuries: Closed head injury, traumatic brain injury, concussion and concussion symptoms, post-concussion syndrome, post-traumatic stress disorder, short-term memory recall, concentration issues, trouble with focused attention, word substitutions, paresthesia, word finding anomaly, general forgetfulness and forgetting events and appointments, misusing words in speech, nightmares, sleeplessness, nosebleeds, uncontrollable crying, headaches, cracked tooth, vision problems and black bar in the left eye, neck pain and neck strain. Plaintiff attempted to stand up after falling to the floor and claims her legs refused to work. She felt a contusion and bleeding on the upper-left side of her head. Her pain was an 8-10, and she was unable to walk. Plaintiff claimed residual complaints consisting of intermittent black bar in the left eye, migraines that became worse after the accident, sleeplessness, anxiety every three days (much better than before), occasional dizziness, vertigo, tooth pain once every two weeks, neck pain and word loss/confusion. Damages: Total Specials 82k Verdict: 30k for past pain and suffering, no future pain and suffering and no special damages. Court: Los Angeles Superior Court - Santa Monica Dept: R Trial Duration: 10 days Jury Deliberations: 6.5 hours, 2017
- Nana Ama Adjei-Frimpong v. Andy Chang & Rayan Yeghoian ORANGE COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT: Central Justice Center, Department 22 Dates: June 4, 2018 – June 11, 2018 Verdict: Defense Facts: The subject accident occurred on July 9, 2014 at approximately 9:00 PM in Buena Park, CA. Buena Park Police responded to the scene of the accident. All vehicles were traveling north on Valley View Street in Buena Park, California. Defendant Andy Chang was travelling in the number three lane, two cars behind Rayan Yeghoian. Chang testified that Yeghoian was driving sporadically at 20 MPH in a 45MPH area and excessively braking. Andy Chang switched into the number two lane and Rayan Yeghoian began to change to the number two lane as well. Andy Chang then moved into the number one lane when Rayan Yeghoian “cut” in front of him and “slammed on his brakes”. Rayan Yeghoian indicates he performed the lane change as he approached a stop light. He indicated there was ample room between his and Andy Chang’s vehicle when he changed lanes. He was slowing to a stop when Andy Chang struck him from behind. Plaintiff Nana Ama Adjei-Frimpong was a passenger in Mr Yeghoian’s vehicle. Ms. Frimpong initially filed suit against Defendant Chang. Defendant Chang then filed a cross complaint against Rayan Yeghoian and plaintiff’s attorney Doed him in. Closing Argument: In closing, plaintiff’s attorney asked the jury to return a verdict in favor of plaintiff for $200,000. Defendant Yeghoian argued that he was not negligent and did not cause any harm to plaintiff. Defendant Chang argued actions were not a substantial factor to the plaintiff. Result: The jury found that defendant, Yeghoian was at fault but was not a substantial factor in causing plaintiff any harm. The jury awarded a full defense verdict, 2018
- Nicole Radich v. Eric Foster PERSONAL INJURY (Traumatic Brain Injury, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, depression, fractured humerus, contusions, strains and sprains to neck and back VERDICT: Plaintiff’s verdict for $75,000.00. Plaintiff claims she hit her head on the steering wheel and lost consciousness and suffered a fractured humerus, traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder. Defendants admitted liability. Plaintiff’s counsel dismissed Debra Foster, the owner, for negligent entrustment prior to commencement of trial in exchange for a waiver of costs. COURT DATE: Los Angeles Superior Court, Department B of the Van Nuys Superior Court. Verdict: November 8, 2017. Length of Trial was 10 days. JUDGE: Honorable Elaine Mandel DELIBERATION: 2 ½ hours. ATTORNEYS: Plaintiff Nicole Radich Mindy S. Bish, Esq. (Bish Law, Newhall, CA), Ryan Skiver, Esq. (Skiver Law Firm, Scottsdale, AZ) and Marly McClean, Esq., (Law Offices of Wayne McClean, Woodland Hills, CA) Defendant Eric Foster K. Robert Gonter, Jr., Esq. (Gates, O’Doherty, Gonter & Guy, LLP, Irvine, CA) and Stephen C. Pasarow, Esq. (Knapp, Petersen & Clarke, Glendale, CA), 2017
- Ruth Gougeon, Steven Gougeon, Madeline Gougeon, Nicole Shuey v. Guy Parks RIC1101877 Motor Vehicle Accident- T-bone accident- Plaintiffs asked the Jury to award 28 Million Dollars Wrongful Death Background: This case was originally brought to trial in 2014. Plaintiffs appealed the original jury verdict in 2016. The second trial was held in 2018, and was defended by K. Robert Gonter Jr., of Gates Gonter Guy Proudfoot & Muench, LLP. Plaintiffs’ alleged the subject accident caused the decedents heart attack and death. During the second trial, the defense argued the decedent would have died regardless of the subject accident due to his pre-accident heart related health conditions. Injuries: Multiple fractures including a right thumb fracture, fractures to the pelvis, multiple rib fractures, nasal soft tissue swelling, a nasal fracture, a right ischium fracture, a right femoral neck fracture, and right upper lobe contusions, and was having a heart attack. While en route to the hospital, he was exhibiting signs of a myocardial infarction, and the paramedic administered an EKG and diagnosed him with an acute “continuing” heart attack. In the emergency room, the heart attack was confirmed and he was taken to the catheterization laboratory (“Cath Lab”) late. Following surgery to insert stents in his arteries, he had a major myocardial infarction/heart attack, underwent extensive CPR, and died at the hospital that day. Demand: 1.75 Million Verdict: The jury found that the collision was a substantial factor in Mr. Gougeon’s death. The jury awarded $0.00 in past financial support; $54,000.00 in past household services; $0.00 in future household services; and $446,000.00 in non-economic damages. Plaintiffs filed a Motion for New Trial based on Inadequacy of Damages. That Motion was heard and Denied. Court: Riverside Superior Court Dept: 4 Trial Duration: 24 days Jury Deliberations: 1.5 days, 2018
- Daysi Del Carmen Ramirez v. Nerses Abouchian and Marine Abouchian BC521127 Motor Vehicle Accident: Rear end accident Injuries: Plaintiff underwent numerous epidural and facet injections and had a positive discogram. Four years after the accident, Dr. Stepan Kasimian performed a two level transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion at L4-5 and L5-1 with rods and screws. Plaintiff had previously undergone the facet and epidural injections by Dr. Nabil Dahi. The discogram was concordant withL4-L5 and L5-S1 with control negative. Plaintiff underwent lumbar L4-5 and L5-S1 decompression (worst leg pain on the left side with bilateral symptoms and interbody fusion at L4-5 and L5-S1 with instrumentation autograph fusion and allograph fusion). The surgery lasted over five hours. The surgery was performed on both the left, and the right side and a TLIF exposure on the left side with decompression of the left L4-L5 and L5-S1 levels. The levels were decompressed under microscope and TLIF was implanted in both discs. The annulus was incised in traversing the nerve root. Both discs were removed and replaced with implants. Plaintiff remained in the hospital for three days. Defendants argued that the MRI films revealed that there was no neurocompression on any of plaintiff's discs and there was no need for surgery. Damages: Plaintiff claimed to be a candidate for future lumbar surgery at an additional cost of $250,000 and future facet injections in the neck for $60,000 for total medical specials of $326,370 plus future medical bills of $360,000.00 for a total of $686,370.00. Verdict: Defense verdict for Nerses and Marine Abouchian represented by K. Robert Gonter Court: Los Angeles Superior Court - Pasadena Trial Duration: 5 days Jury Deliberations: 1.5 hours Verdict, 2016
- David Garcia; Maria Cornejo v. Rose Mary Peek Case No. BC527730 Motor Vehicle Accident: Rear End Accident - Wrongful Death Injuries: Plaintiffs claimed decedent sustained a low back injury which ultimately resulted in surgery consisting of bilateral lumbar decompression at L5-S1, posterior spinal fusion at L5-S1 and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion with interbody fusion cage at L5-S1. Plaintiffs further claimed decedent died seven days after the surgery and that decedent’s death was caused by the accident. Damages: Medical Specials - $435,819.40; Howell - $393,757.14; Funeral & Burial Expenses - $22,450.00; Loss of Services of Decedent – To Be Determined; Future Loss of Earnings: plaintiffs claimed she was going to be employed with special needs children and that decedent would earn $17 to $23 per hour in that capacity. Outcome: Plaintiff accepted defendant’s original 300k offer after the case was assigned out to Department One in Los Angeles Superior Court for trial on the fourth day, 2016
- Munro v. Tiara Imperial Homeowners Association, Brent Heflin Realty, Inc. BC538522 50 Million Dollars past and future medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering Incident: Plaintiff falls three stories through a skylight and sues the homeowner’s association and the property management company Injuries: After freefalling three stories and hitting the concrete ground below, Plaintiff was transported by first responders via ambulance to the St. Mary’s Medical Center, Long Beach. Plaintiff sustained extensive and severe injuries, including, but not limited to:1. Laceration to back of her head;2. Torn diaphragm; 3. Fractured ribs (both sides); 4. Spinal cord burst fracture;5. Surgical scars;6. Numbness from waist to feet;7. Spleen laceration;8. Fractured pelvis and sacrum; 9. Left shoulder fractures; 10. Cauda equine syndrome; 11. Temporary loss of left-sided peripheral vision; 12. Post-concussive syndrome (memory loss and topographical issues); 13. Post-traumatic stress (flashbacks); 14. Depression;15. Neurogenic bladder;16. Bowel problems;17. Achilles tendinopathy; 18. Flat Back Syndrome/adjacent disc/disease/ hardware failure; and19. TBI. Plaintiff underwent multiple post-accident surgeries: 1. laparotomy to her spleen; 2. fixation of four fractured ribs; 3. Four five-level fusion of her lumbar spine; and 4. urethral sling surgery. Damages: MEDICAL SPECIALS: $1,163,978.29 Future Medical Specials: $4,900,541.00 Wage Loss/Loss of Past and Future Earnings: $2,821,658 Total Specials: $9,042,543.29 Plaintiff’s physicians opined that she will require additional future surgeries, and Plaintiff likely would be permanently incapable of returning to her employment as an ICU nurse. Verdict: Defense verdict for Tiara Imperial and Brent Heflin Realty, Inc. represented by K. Robert Gonter Court: Los Angeles Superior Court - Long Beach Dept: S27 Trial Duration: Nine days Jury Deliberations: 8.5 hours Poll: 12-0 (no negligence as to Brent Heflin Realty, Inc.), 10-2 (negligence as to Tiara Imperial Homeowners Association), 11-1 (no substantial factor as to Tiara Imperial Homeowners Association, 2017
- Tanya Stein v. Gabriel Abensour and Joanne Abensour Case No.: BC485963Incident: This was a kitchen cabinet fell from the wall and allegedly hit the plaintiff. Verdict for the Defendants and against the Plaintiff. Injuries: Post-traumatic brain injury syndrome and severe physical and psychological injuries related to the blunt trauma sustained when the kitchen cabinet fell on her head. Her post-traumatic brain injury syndrome included headaches, confusion, lightheadedness, dizziness, constant fatigue, lethargy, a change in sleep patterns, sleep disturbances, behavioral and mood changes. Family members and friends found that personality changes and behavioral problems were the most difficult disabilities to handle with her. The plaintiff experienced apathy, anxiety, irritability, anger, paranoia, confusion, frustration, agitation, insomnia or other sleep problems, and mood swings. Verdict: Defense Verdict for Gabriel and Joanne Abensour represented by K. Robert Gonter Court: Long Beach Superior Court Dept: 9 Trial Duration: 7 days Jury Deliberations: 30 Minutes, 2016
- Rodriguez, Jennifer Castillo v. De La O Castro, Tamara; Inciong, Fatima; Vallagran, Pedro Vera Case No.: BC528163 Motor Vehicle Accident - Total loss T-bone accident Injuries: comminuted right pelvic fracture, displaced comminuted sacral fracture extending to the right sacral iliac joint with pelvic hematoma, sacral neuroforamina, brain injury, left partial hyper density may represent punctate bleed, with vascular anomaly. There was loss of consciousness and altered state of consciousness. A pelvic x-ray showed three fractures involving the right superior and inferior pubic rami. There was radiodensity over the hemipelvis and moderate asymmetry of the right SI joint. Verdict for Plaintiff and against Defendant Inciong. $50,280.75 Defense Verdict for Defendant De La O Castro represented by K. Robert Gonter Long Beach Superior Court, Department S29 Trial Duration – 9 days Jury Deliberation – Two and a half hours, 2015
Honors/Awards:
- Litigation, TOP RATED LAWYER, Martindale Hubbell, 2015
- Trial Advocacy Top 10% in the United States, LAWYERS OF DISTINCTION, Personal Injury, 2017
- Ethical Standards & Legal Abilities, AV Preeminent Rating, Martindale Hubbell
- Associate, 1996
- Awarded the rank of Associate to the American Board of Trial Advocates, 1996; Awarded the rank of Advocate to the American Board of Trial Advocates, 2020, ABOTA, ADVOCATE, 1996
Scholarly Lectures/Writings:
- Trial Advocacy Seminar, Co-Coordinator, Masters in Trial, Abota Orange County Chapter, Legal, 2020
- Lectured on the topic of the Usual suspects-How to cross-exam plaintiffs experts in trial, Guest Speaker, Association of Southern California Defense Counsel Seminar, Association of Southern California Defense Counsel, Southern California Defense Counsel, 2019
Pro bono/Community Service:
- Ongoing Family Law Matter Cameron vs. Perez Case No: 11D001040 Orange County Superior Court - Lamoreaux Representing Mother in child support modification, enforcement of Judgment, and Contempt proceedings. Trial Date: April 29, 2021, 2020
- Coach for AYSO Soccer and Little League Baseball- Girls softball Mission Viejo
- Committee Chairman for Boy Scouts of America troop 321
- President of the Aquatics Board for Capistrano Valley High School that included fund raising, board meetings, yearly budget and purchasing items for water polo and swimming
Industry Groups:
- Auto Dealers
- Auto Manufacturers
- Homeowners Associations
- Individuals
- Major Insurance Companies
Selections
4 Years Super Lawyers
- Super Lawyers: 2022 - 2025
