Latest news with #Panish|Shea|RavipudiLLP
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Panish Shea Ravipudi LLP's $46.475 Million Verdict in Greener v. M. Phelps, Inc. Now a Final $56 Million Judgment After Supreme Court Denies Review
LOS ANGELES, June 02, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Following a two-year battle all the way to California's highest court, the law firm of Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP is proud to announce the $46.475 million verdict in Greener v. M. Phelps, Inc., et al is now final. Defendants first appealed the landmark verdict in the California First District Court of Appeal and when the verdict was affirmed in full on December 31, 2024, they not only sought review from the California Supreme Court, but requested the appellate opinion be depublished. Both requests were denied. "While the efforts by the insurance company to appeal delayed justice for Jack, it was not and could not be denied," said Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP partner, Rahul Ravipudi. "The published appellate opinion cements a critical legal victory not only for our client, but also for injured athletes across California by reaffirming that sports instructors and facilities may be held accountable when they unreasonably increase risks beyond those inherent in the sport." Since obtaining the verdict in March of 2022, the sport of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has skyrocketed in popularity while at the same time its safety standards have improved dramatically, which is yet another data point that accountability through the civil justice system fosters a safer and better society. With nearly $10 million in post-judgment interest accrued, the total judgment now exceeds $56 million—more than 56 times the insurance policy limits. The defendants' insurer posted an over $70 million bond to pursue the appeal and, therefore, the judgment will be paid in full. Prior to filing suit, Plaintiff made a clear and timely demand to resolve the matter within the $1 million policy limits issued to Defendants by United States Fire Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Crum & Forster. Despite the opportunity to protect its insured, U.S. Fire failed to accept the demand or engage in meaningful settlement negotiations. As a result, the policy was opened, and U.S. Fire is now liable for the full amount of the excess judgment. This result is a testament to the outstanding advocacy of Mr. Greener's trial team, led by Rahul Ravipudi, Paul Traina, and John Shaller of Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP, in collaboration with co-counsel from Morris, Sullivan & Lemkul, LLP: Shawn D. Morris, Michael Malady, and Christian Barton. Special recognition also goes to appellate counsel Rupa G. Singh and Victoria E. Fuller from Niddrie | Addams | Fuller | Singh for their exceptional work on the appeal in this case. A beginning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu student, Mr. Greener suffered a catastrophic spinal cord injury while sparring with a Del Mar Jiu-Jitsu Club instructor who performed a technique which rendered Mr. Greener an incomplete quadriplegic. On March 28, 2023, following a four-week trial and two days of deliberation, a San Diego County jury delivered the $46,475,112.33 verdict in favor of Mr. Greener and found the defendants 100 percent at fault. "My life was forever changed by my black belt Jiu-Jitsu instructor, Francisco Iturralde, and his reckless actions which left me paralyzed from the neck down and a multi-stroke survivor," said Jack Greener. "I am incredibly grateful to both teams at Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP and Morris, Sullivan & Lemkul, LLP and the subsequent victory earned through immense passion and hard work. Their longstanding dedication to the case, positivity in the face of numerous litigation obstacles, and deep kindness to not only myself as a client but also to my entire family through the process will never be forgotten." Defendants were represented at trial by Robert T. Bergsten and Mary M. Campo, Esq, of Hosp, Gilbert & Bergsten. View source version on Contacts MEDIA CONTACT:Angela Bailey, abailey@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
02-06-2025
- Sport
- Business Wire
Panish Shea Ravipudi LLP's $46.475 Million Verdict in Greener v. M. Phelps, Inc. Now a Final $56 Million Judgment After Supreme Court Denies Review
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Following a two-year battle all the way to California's highest court, the law firm of Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP is proud to announce the $46.475 million verdict in Greener v. M. Phelps, Inc., et al is now final. Defendants first appealed the landmark verdict in the California First District Court of Appeal and when the verdict was affirmed in full on December 31, 2024, they not only sought review from the California Supreme Court, but requested the appellate opinion be depublished. Both requests were denied. 'My life was forever changed by my black belt Jiu-Jitsu instructor, Francisco Iturralde, and his reckless actions which left me paralyzed from the neck down and a multi-stroke survivor,' said Jack Greener. "While the efforts by the insurance company to appeal delayed justice for Jack, it was not and could not be denied,' said Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP partner, Rahul Ravipudi. "The published appellate opinion cements a critical legal victory not only for our client, but also for injured athletes across California by reaffirming that sports instructors and facilities may be held accountable when they unreasonably increase risks beyond those inherent in the sport." Since obtaining the verdict in March of 2022, the sport of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has skyrocketed in popularity while at the same time its safety standards have improved dramatically, which is yet another data point that accountability through the civil justice system fosters a safer and better society. With nearly $10 million in post-judgment interest accrued, the total judgment now exceeds $56 million — more than 56 times the insurance policy limits. The defendants' insurer posted an over $70 million bond to pursue the appeal and, therefore, the judgment will be paid in full. Prior to filing suit, Plaintiff made a clear and timely demand to resolve the matter within the $1 million policy limits issued to Defendants by United States Fire Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Crum & Forster. Despite the opportunity to protect its insured, U.S. Fire failed to accept the demand or engage in meaningful settlement negotiations. As a result, the policy was opened, and U.S. Fire is now liable for the full amount of the excess judgment. This result is a testament to the outstanding advocacy of Mr. Greener's trial team, led by Rahul Ravipudi, Paul Traina, and John Shaller of Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP, in collaboration with co-counsel from Morris, Sullivan & Lemkul, LLP: Shawn D. Morris, Michael Malady, and Christian Barton. Special recognition also goes to appellate counsel Rupa G. Singh and Victoria E. Fuller from Niddrie | Addams | Fuller | Singh for their exceptional work on the appeal in this case. A beginning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu student, Mr. Greener suffered a catastrophic spinal cord injury while sparring with a Del Mar Jiu-Jitsu Club instructor who performed a technique which rendered Mr. Greener an incomplete quadriplegic. On March 28, 2023, following a four-week trial and two days of deliberation, a San Diego County jury delivered the $46,475,112.33 verdict in favor of Mr. Greener and found the defendants 100 percent at fault. 'My life was forever changed by my black belt Jiu-Jitsu instructor, Francisco Iturralde, and his reckless actions which left me paralyzed from the neck down and a multi-stroke survivor,' said Jack Greener. 'I am incredibly grateful to both teams at Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP and Morris, Sullivan & Lemkul, LLP and the subsequent victory earned through immense passion and hard work. Their longstanding dedication to the case, positivity in the face of numerous litigation obstacles, and deep kindness to not only myself as a client but also to my entire family through the process will never be forgotten.' Defendants were represented at trial by Robert T. Bergsten and Mary M. Campo, Esq, of Hosp, Gilbert & Bergsten.
Business Wire
22-05-2025
- Business Wire
Panish Ravipudi LLP Obtains $37,025,000 Settlement for Injured Motorcyclist Pursuant to High/Low Agreement Reached Prior to $27,727,630 Jury Verdict
SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Attorneys for a motorcyclist who suffered a below-the-knee amputation following a collision with a construction laborer's vehicle obtained a $37,025,000 settlement pursuant to a high/low agreement with defendants that was finalized just minutes before a jury awarded their clients $27,727,630. Plaintiff Michael LaPlante and his wife were represented in the case and at trial by Brian Panish, Tom Schultz, and Alex Behar of Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP as well as by co-counsel Joshua C. Braddock of Arendsen Braddock LLP. The case was tried before the Honorable Timothy B. Taylor in what was the last of his 189 jury trials following a 20-year judicial career. This verdict is believed to be the largest ever reached in San Diego County for this type of injury. 'The Griffith Company fought us every step of the way in this case, asserting the Going-and-Coming Rule shielded it from liability, but the jury got it right and delivered a just verdict for our clients,' said Brian Panish Share 'The Griffith Company fought us every step of the way in this case, asserting the Going-and-Coming Rule shielded it from liability, but the jury got it right and delivered a just verdict for our clients,' said Brian Panish, founding partner at Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP. 'We are grateful to the jury and thankful Mr. LaPlante will be able to receive the care he needs to move forward.' On the morning of August 27, 2021, Griffith Company employee Antelmo Martinez was driving his truck to work when he made an unsafe U-Turn on SR-94, directly into Mr. LaPlante's path of travel. Unable to avoid the defendant's vehicle, Mr. LaPlante collided with the truck and was hospitalized with severe injuries including multiple rib fractures, kidney injury, hip fracture, femoral artery injury, open tibia and fibula fractures, talus fracture, labral tears to his right shoulder and bilateral knees, and a mangled left leg. In the months that followed the collision, Mr. LaPlante remained hospitalized and underwent 18 surgeries before ultimately having his leg amputated in November 2021. Only 42 years old at the time of the collision, Mr. LaPlante faces a lifetime of pain and physical limitations as a result of his injuries. Prior to trial, the parties agreed defendant Martinez was responsible for the collision but argued whether or not he was acting in the course and scope of his job responsibilities at the time, which would make Griffith Company vicariously liable for Mr. LaPlante's injuries. It was uncovered through discovery and developed through the testimony of dozens of witnesses over the course of the month-long trial that the defendant driver's employer, defendant Griffith Company, failed to comply with their own safety policies which led the jury to find in favor of plaintiffs on a direct negligence theory against the company. Specifically, an unsafe zero-tolerance late policy, failure to provide traffic control plans or directions, failure to monitor drivers for fatigue, and a failure to provide lodging to the commuting laborers were unsafe practices, which led to the collision after the defendant driver missed his turn into the job site and attempted to make a U-turn to avoid being late and sent home without pay. The jury also held Griffith Company vicariously liable for the negligent driving of defendant Martinez under multiple theories. Specifically, they found that the company's requirement that laborers drive their own personal vehicles to multiple, non-contiguous job sites through California, from Bakersfield to Needles to San Diego, with minimal notice, and further without providing reimbursement for the drivetime, provided a benefit to the company, and that the collision was a foreseeable risk of the business, which admittedly relied on its mobile workforce. The jury also found the 103-mile commute that Martinez was directed to make the morning of the collision, and which required him to leave his home at 3:00 a.m., was extraordinary, was reasonably related to his employment, and conferred a benefit to the employer who did not provide transportation or mileage reimbursement, but relied on defendant Martinez's personal vehicle. Following two days of deliberations, the jury found defendant Griffith Company directly negligent and apportioned 80 percent of fault on the company and 20 percent fault on defendant Martinez. They awarded Mr. LaPlante and his wife $27,727,630 including $18,000,000 to Mr. LaPlante for his past and future pain and suffering. Minutes before the jury reached its verdict, a high/low settlement agreement was reached with Griffith Company with a low of $37,025,000 and a high of $42,000,000. Defendant Griffith Company was represented in the matter and at trial by Christopher Patton and Marvin Amoroso of Patton Law Group. Defendant Antelmo Martinez was represented in the matter and at trial by Anthony T. Case of Case Harvey Fedor. LaPlante v. Griffith Company and Antelmo Bernardo Martinez Superior Court of the State of California, County of San Diego, Central Courthouse Case No. 37-2023-00035872-CU-PA-CTL Hon. Timothy B. Taylor ABOUT PANISH | SHEA | RAVIPUDI LLP Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP is a nationally recognized law firm representing plaintiffs in wrongful death, catastrophic injury, sexual abuse/assault, product liability, mass torts, and business litigation cases. With offices in California, Arizona, and Nevada, Firm attorneys have dedicated themselves to obtaining justice for clients who are often dealing with a life-altering injury, death of a family member, or other challenges caused by the wrongful act of another together. With this mission at the heart of its work, the Firm has obtained some of the most significant verdicts and settlements for plaintiffs in United States history. Learn more about Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP at
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Yahoo
Panish Ravipudi LLP Obtains $37,025,000 Settlement for Injured Motorcyclist Pursuant to High/Low Agreement Reached Prior to $27,727,630 Jury Verdict
SAN DIEGO, May 22, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Attorneys for a motorcyclist who suffered a below-the-knee amputation following a collision with a construction laborer's vehicle obtained a $37,025,000 settlement pursuant to a high/low agreement with defendants that was finalized just minutes before a jury awarded their clients $27,727,630. Plaintiff Michael LaPlante and his wife were represented in the case and at trial by Brian Panish, Tom Schultz, and Alex Behar of Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP as well as by co-counsel Joshua C. Braddock of Arendsen Braddock LLP. The case was tried before the Honorable Timothy B. Taylor in what was the last of his 189 jury trials following a 20-year judicial career. This verdict is believed to be the largest ever reached in San Diego County for this type of injury. "The Griffith Company fought us every step of the way in this case, asserting the Going-and-Coming Rule shielded it from liability, but the jury got it right and delivered a just verdict for our clients," said Brian Panish, founding partner at Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP. "We are grateful to the jury and thankful Mr. LaPlante will be able to receive the care he needs to move forward." On the morning of August 27, 2021, Griffith Company employee Antelmo Martinez was driving his truck to work when he made an unsafe U-Turn on SR-94, directly into Mr. LaPlante's path of travel. Unable to avoid the defendant's vehicle, Mr. LaPlante collided with the truck and was hospitalized with severe injuries including multiple rib fractures, kidney injury, hip fracture, femoral artery injury, open tibia and fibula fractures, talus fracture, labral tears to his right shoulder and bilateral knees, and a mangled left leg. In the months that followed the collision, Mr. LaPlante remained hospitalized and underwent 18 surgeries before ultimately having his leg amputated in November 2021. Only 42 years old at the time of the collision, Mr. LaPlante faces a lifetime of pain and physical limitations as a result of his injuries. Prior to trial, the parties agreed defendant Martinez was responsible for the collision but argued whether or not he was acting in the course and scope of his job responsibilities at the time, which would make Griffith Company vicariously liable for Mr. LaPlante's injuries. It was uncovered through discovery and developed through the testimony of dozens of witnesses over the course of the month-long trial that the defendant driver's employer, defendant Griffith Company, failed to comply with their own safety policies which led the jury to find in favor of plaintiffs on a direct negligence theory against the company. Specifically, an unsafe zero-tolerance late policy, failure to provide traffic control plans or directions, failure to monitor drivers for fatigue, and a failure to provide lodging to the commuting laborers were unsafe practices, which led to the collision after the defendant driver missed his turn into the job site and attempted to make a U-turn to avoid being late and sent home without pay. The jury also held Griffith Company vicariously liable for the negligent driving of defendant Martinez under multiple theories. Specifically, they found that the company's requirement that laborers drive their own personal vehicles to multiple, non-contiguous job sites through California, from Bakersfield to Needles to San Diego, with minimal notice, and further without providing reimbursement for the drivetime, provided a benefit to the company, and that the collision was a foreseeable risk of the business, which admittedly relied on its mobile workforce. The jury also found the 103-mile commute that Martinez was directed to make the morning of the collision, and which required him to leave his home at 3:00 a.m., was extraordinary, was reasonably related to his employment, and conferred a benefit to the employer who did not provide transportation or mileage reimbursement, but relied on defendant Martinez's personal vehicle. Following two days of deliberations, the jury found defendant Griffith Company directly negligent and apportioned 80 percent of fault on the company and 20 percent fault on defendant Martinez. They awarded Mr. LaPlante and his wife $27,727,630 including $18,000,000 to Mr. LaPlante for his past and future pain and suffering. Minutes before the jury reached its verdict, a high/low settlement agreement was reached with Griffith Company with a low of $37,025,000 and a high of $42,000,000. Defendant Griffith Company was represented in the matter and at trial by Christopher Patton and Marvin Amoroso of Patton Law Group. Defendant Antelmo Martinez was represented in the matter and at trial by Anthony T. Case of Case Harvey Fedor. LaPlante v. Griffith Company and Antelmo Bernardo MartinezSuperior Court of the State of California, County of San Diego, Central CourthouseCase No. 37-2023-00035872-CU-PA-CTLHon. Timothy B. Taylor ABOUT PANISH | SHEA | RAVIPUDI LLP Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP is a nationally recognized law firm representing plaintiffs in wrongful death, catastrophic injury, sexual abuse/assault, product liability, mass torts, and business litigation cases. With offices in California, Arizona, and Nevada, Firm attorneys have dedicated themselves to obtaining justice for clients who are often dealing with a life-altering injury, death of a family member, or other challenges caused by the wrongful act of another together. With this mission at the heart of its work, the Firm has obtained some of the most significant verdicts and settlements for plaintiffs in United States history. Learn more about Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP at View source version on Contacts MEDIA CONTACT: Angela Bailey abailey@
