FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I work on a contingency fee basis with a "No Fee Guarantee." You pay no attorney fees unless I recover compensation for you through settlement or verdict. If there is no recovery, there are no attorney fees; you owe nothing. The typical contingency fee is 40% of the settlement amount if your case resolves before trial, and 45% if trial becomes necessary. This fee structure allows injured victims throughout Torrance, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, and Los Angeles County to access experienced trial representation regardless of their financial situation. The initial consultation is always free and comes with no obligation. During this meeting, I'll review your accident details, examine any police reports or medical records you have, explain your legal rights under California law, assess the strength of your case, and provide an honest evaluation of potential compensation you could recover. There are no upfront costs, no retainer fees, and no hourly billing. I advance all case expenses, including costs for obtaining police reports, medical records, expert witnesses, accident reconstruction specialists, and court filing fees. These costs are reimbursed from the settlement or verdict only if we win your case. I've recovered significant compensation for clients, including a $21.1 million wrongful death verdict, a $12 million whistleblower verdict, a $11.3 million assault verdict, and a $2.5 million pedestrian accident settlement. I have the trial experience to maximize your recovery. My goal is to recover the maximum compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages—and you only pay attorney fees if I succeed.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Free Consultation - We start with a no-cost, no-obligation meeting where I personally review your accident details, examine police reports from Torrance PD, CHP, or other law enforcement, assess your injuries and medical treatment, evaluate liability and insurance coverage, and explain your legal rights under California law. I provide an honest assessment of your case's potential value and timeline. Investigation and Evidence Gathering - Once you hire me, I immediately begin building your case by obtaining official accident reports, gathering witness statements, collecting surveillance footage from businesses near the accident scene, requesting medical records from Torrance Memorial, Harbor-UCLA, and other treating facilities, photographing accident locations and vehicle damage, and hiring accident reconstruction experts when needed. Medical Treatment Monitoring - I work closely with your doctors, physical therapists, chiropractors, and specialists to document injury severity, treatment progression, permanency, and future medical needs. I coordinate with medical providers to ensure liens are handled properly and you receive necessary care without upfront payment concerns. Demand and Negotiation - After you complete medical treatment or reach maximum medical improvement, I compile a comprehensive demand package with all medical records and bills, wage loss documentation, expert reports, and a detailed legal analysis. I then negotiate with insurance carriers, including State Farm, Geico, Allstate, Farmers, and Progressive, to secure maximum settlement offers. Litigation if Necessary - If settlement negotiations fail to produce fair compensation, I file a lawsuit in Los Angeles County Superior Court - Torrance Courthouse or other appropriate venue. I conduct discovery through depositions, interrogatories, and document requests, retain expert witnesses, prepare for mediation, and take your case to trial if needed. With over 100 cases tried to verdict, I'm fully prepared to present your case to a jury. Throughout the entire process, I keep you informed with regular updates, explain all options before any decisions, return calls and emails promptly, and treat you like family. My philosophy is simple: prepare every case for trial, never back down from a fight, and maximize your compensation.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I earned my Juris Doctor from the University of Notre Dame Law School in 2008, one of the nation's top law schools. Before law school, I graduated from Michigan State University with academic honors in 2002, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. I'm licensed to practice law in California (State Bar #258286) and Utah (State Bar #16281), and I'm admitted to practice in California state courts, Utah state courts, the United States District Court for the Central District of California, and the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. My most valuable training came from serving as a Deputy District Attorney in Los Angeles County and Orange County after law school. During my time as a prosecutor, I tried over 75 complex cases to verdict, learning how to select juries, present compelling opening statements and closing arguments, examine and cross-examine witnesses, introduce evidence effectively, and persuade juries. I've now tried over 100 cases to verdict throughout my career in both criminal and civil litigation, which is significantly more trial experience than most personal injury attorneys who primarily settle cases. This extensive courtroom experience allows me to evaluate cases accurately, negotiate from a position of strength, and take cases to trial when insurance companies refuse fair settlements. I've been recognized as a Super Lawyer, an honor reserved for the top 5% of attorneys in California based on peer recognition and professional achievement. My verdicts have been featured in Top 10 Verdicts in Los Angeles County rankings, including the $21.1 million wrongful death verdict I obtained as lead trial counsel. I continue ongoing legal education in personal injury law, trial advocacy, medical evidence presentation, and evolving California case law to provide the most effective representation for my clients.