LANCASTER, Calif., Sept. 20, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Every year, Consumer Attorneys of California (CAOC) recognizes a select group of peers for their efforts to seek justice, preserve consumer rights and improve the legal profession through mentorship and the exemplary practice of law.
This year, Robert A. Parris, a partner with the R. Rex Parris Law Firm and Gregory L. Bentley, a partner with Shernoff Bidart Echeverria Bentley LLP, were nominated for the prestigious Consumer Attorney of the Year award for their outstanding legal work in proving the dangerous condition of a state highway.
A jury awarded a catastrophically injured man and his wife more than $31.5 million in a ruling against Caltrans, finding the state agency responsible for a dangerous roadway condition on a section of California State Route 138. The accident occurred at the intersection of SR 138 and Mountain Road on April 29, 2009, causing severe brain and spinal cord injuries to David Evans, who will require 24-hour nursing care for the rest of his life. Evans and his wife, both career LA County district attorneys within a few years of retirement prior to the incident, sued the state for failing to remedy the dangerous condition.
David Evans was riding his motorcycle eastbound on SR 138 when he was struck by a vehicle turning left at the intersection. Caltrans defines the intersection as "skewed" i.e., an intersection where the angle is over the preferred and typical 90 degrees. Located just 15 miles from Lancaster, SR 138 (the stretch of highway between Palmdale and Interstate 15) has earned the nicknames "Death Highway" and "Blood Alley" for its numerous hazards to drivers.
The driver of the other vehicle, who made a left turn in violation of California vehicle codes, was also named a defendant in the case. In handing down their multi-million-dollar verdict, the jury found Caltrans 15% responsible, and that the driver of the other vehicle was 85% at fault.
Robert A. Parris of R. Rex Parris Law Firm and Gregory L. Bentley and Danica Dougherty of Shernoff Bidart Echeverria Bentley LLP represented Evans.
Rob Parris has litigated hundreds of cases, resulting in verdicts and settlements in excess of Three Hundred Million Dollars ($300,000,000.00). Rob is passionate about helping people, which explains why he has dedicated his law practice to helping his clients obtain justice and regain control over their lives in the wake of catastrophic injury. Rob's straightforward, no-nonsense approach in taking on big trucking companies, government agencies, and insurance carriers has earned him a healthy respect from all. In his 16 years with the California Highway Patrol, Rob witnessed firsthand the devastation that occurs when commercial vehicles are involved in catastrophic injury crashes. He has been able to capitalize on the knowledge and expertise he gained as a CHP officer: in supervising a truck inspection facility, in investigating commercial vehicle collisions, and in serving as an emergency medical technician. This knowledge and expertise, coupled with his solid litigation experience, have proven to be a winning combination in his successful prosecution of major injury cases involving commercial vehicles.
Mr. Bentley is a trial attorney specializing in the representation of consumers on a wide variety of cases, including insurance bad faith and catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death matters. He has been recognized as a Super Lawyer by the Los Angeles Magazine in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013. Mr. Bentley has tried over 20 jury trials to verdict and is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates, serving on the Executive Committee of the San Bernardino/Riverside Chapter. His track record reflects a career dedicated to protecting consumers. He has been recognized as a Top 100 Trial Lawyer in the State of California by The National Trial Lawyers Association. Mr. Bentley was named the 2012 Trial Lawyer of the Year by the Consumer Attorneys of the Inland Empire and was a finalist in 2012 for the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles Trial Lawyer of the Year Award
Consumer Attorneys of California sponsors the award and the awards ceremony will be held on November 16th.
About The R. Rex Parris Law Firm
For over 25 years, R. Rex Parris has devoted his practice to protecting the rights of injured people and aggrieved employees. Rex and his dedicated team provide thorough, high-quality representation with integrity and compassion. From motor vehicle crashes to class actions and defective products, these lawyers fight aggressively against corporate defense attorneys and insurance companies to ensure their clients get the compensation they deserve. For more information please visit rrexparris.com
About Shernoff Bidart Echeverria Bentley LLP
Shernoff Bidart Echeverria Bentley LLP is a leading law firm that protects policyholders from insurance company abuse. The firm has been protecting the rights of insurance consumers, both individuals and businesses, for over 35 years after having set the legal precedent requiring insurance companies to act in good faith
About Consumer Attorneys of California
Consumer Attorneys of California (CAOC) is a statewide organization of attorneys who represent plaintiffs and consumers who seek responsibility from wrongdoers. Its mission is to seek justice for all, preserve the right to trial by jury for all consumers, and uphold the honor and dignity of the legal profession and the highest standards of ethical conduct and integrity.