“Bad Faith Delay” Trial Ends in Defense Verdict
San Francisco Managing Partner John Brydon obtained a 12-0 defense verdict in a Napa County bad faith trial. Plaintiff Brenda Woods and her husband Carlos Rodriguez sued Mid-Century (a Farmers Company) over alleged delay in paying underinsured motorist policy benefits. San Francisco attorney Stephen Purtill claimed that Mid-Century should have immediately tendered the full amount … Continue reading “Bad Faith Delay” Trial Ends in Defense Verdict
Edison J. Demler
Edison J. Demler was born on November 23, 1916, and passed away on April 15, 2008, at the age of 91. He received both his Bachelor and law degrees from the University of California at Berkeley, served in the Navy during World War II, and was a highly successful trial attorney with an extraordinary record … Continue reading Edison J. Demler
Premises & Professional Liability
Demler, Armstrong & Rowland has successfully defended property owners in a wide variety of cases arising out of the ownership, maintenance and use of commercial and residential property and alleged landowner responsibility for criminal acts of third parties. Since the firm also specializes in the fields of insurance coverage and construction litigation, we also assist … Continue reading Premises & Professional Liability
Insurance Coverage
In the course of handling hundreds of insurance coverage matters for insurers and insureds, Demler, Armstrong & Rowland has saved clients hundreds of thousands of dollars in defense and indemnification costs by timely identification of appropriate insurance coverage issues and rapid prosecution of declaratory relief actions to establish the rights and liabilities of its clients. … Continue reading Insurance Coverage
Insurance Bad Faith
For nearly three decades, Demler, Armstrong & Rowland has been a leader in the field of insurance bad faith, representing various carriers in litigation arising under commercial, homeowner, auto, life and disability policies. The firm has handled bad faith matters in California in both state and federal courts, and has also successfully defended insurers in … Continue reading Insurance Bad Faith
Construction Litigation
For over 20 years, Demler, Armstrong & Rowland has successfully represented contractors, subcontractors and product manufacturers in lawsuits arising out of allegedly defective workmanship or products in thousands of residential and commercial construction projects throughout California. The firm’s construction attorneys are well-known throughout the state and are frequently asked to speak at industry functions and … Continue reading Construction Litigation
Casualty Defense
Demler, Armstrong & Rowland, LLP, is a litigation firm, first and foremost. We are called upon by our clients to try their toughest cases, frequently having the files transferred to us on the eve of trial. Our focus over the years has been insurance bad faith, including insurance coverage, and high-end personal injury cases as … Continue reading Casualty Defense
Asbestos Litigation/Products Liability
Demler, Armstrong and Rowland has extensive trial and litigation experience in products liability; toxic tort and asbestos cases usually found only in much larger firms. Our lawyers have represented dozens of product defendants in hundreds of lung cancer and mesothelioma cases in State and Federal Courts throughout California, and partner John Brydon serves as National … Continue reading Asbestos Litigation/Products Liability
Wigfall v. R. K. Properties
Plaintiff rented an apartment in defendant’s apartment complex. During an altercation she was pushed or fell through a floor to ceiling window on the second floor, rendering her paraplegic. Plaintiff contended that the window should have been protected with safety glass or protective bars and said she had complained about the flimsy window before her … Continue reading Wigfall v. R. K. Properties
Sun v. Winter
Assault and battery claim arising out of a “gang fight” between two groups of high school students. Plaintiff sued the parents of his assailants, claiming they were vicariously liable per Civil Code section 1714.1 and Education Code section 48904. He claimed a permanent brain injury and severe memory deficits. Defendants argued that there was no … Continue reading Sun v. Winter
Reynolds Seafood v. Matlow Kennedy
Lawsuit against a commercial realtor for breach of contract and fiduciary relationship wherein plaintiff claimed that his real estate broker negligently failed to investigate whether the City of Long Beach would allow him to operate a seafood processing business before the lease was signed. Plaintiff claimed a total of $8,600,000 in damages for lost profits, … Continue reading Reynolds Seafood v. Matlow Kennedy
Paragon v. Weber-Madgwick
Following a flood at a condominium project which caused over $2 million in damages, developer Paragon and its insurer, North American Specialty Insurance Company sued defendant Weber-Madgwick for contractual indemnity and subrogation, claiming that the defendant’s grading operations on the project created an artificial dam which flooded after being filled with rain water.Weber-Madgwick contended that … Continue reading Paragon v. Weber-Madgwick
Niguel Summit v. Zanderson
The owner of a Laguna Niguel apartment complex sued the general contractor and its subcontractors, alleging various construction defects and associated damages. Our client, the drywall subcontractor for the project, was accused of creating structural and fireproofing deficiencies in the project, and was sued for negligence, breach of express and implied warranty, breach of contract … Continue reading Niguel Summit v. Zanderson
Marzbetuny v. Safeco
This was a case of insurance bad faith resulting from a claim for earthquake damages following the Northridge earthquake. Safeco determined that the damage to the dwelling was below the plaintiff’s $35,000 deductible but plaintiff’s expert claimed that there was major hidden damage to the home caused primarily by the movement of a 30 ton … Continue reading Marzbetuny v. Safeco
Martinez v. Willamette Industries
Personal injury lawsuit wherein plaintiff claimed over $200,000 in present and future medical expenses for multi-level lumbar surgery and fusion following a commercial truck rollover on the I-5 Freeway near Castaic. Plaintiff contended that the defendant improperly loaded waxed produce boxes in his flatbed trailer, causing the trailer and cab to flip over when the … Continue reading Martinez v. Willamette Industries
Lampert v. Evanston Insurance Company
Federal court lawsuit for insurance bad faith. Plaintiff was an attorney who obtained an errors and omissions policy with the defendant and later sought a defense and indemnity against a claim by the Lutheran Synod Foundation for the alleged conversion of $1.9 million from an estate which the insured was hired to administer. Coverage counsel … Continue reading Lampert v. Evanston Insurance Company
Khawaja v. Toyota Motor Sales
Plaintiff Hussain Khawaja purchased a new 2005 Lexus from Lexus of Westminister and, after driving it about 3,000 miles, complained to the dealer of rattling noises from the dashboard and driver’s door. Repairs were performed on several occasions over the next several months and plaintiff filed suit against Lexus, asking that they repurchase the vehicle. … Continue reading Khawaja v. Toyota Motor Sales
Handley v. Springdale West Apartments
Plaintiff, a 31-year-old African American tenant at the Springdale West Apartments, claimed that he was attacked by defendant’s security guards and repeatedly subjected to pepper spray, baton strikes and choke holds. After receiving emergency medical treatment at St. Mary’s hospital, plaintiff was charged with battery and spent six days in jail. Thereafter, the charges were … Continue reading Handley v. Springdale West Apartments
Dunham v. 20th Century
Insurance bad faith case where plaintiffs sued their insurer under various theories, claiming that they were owed an additional $140,000 for earthquake damages, despite the fact that the carrier had already paid $630,000. We cross-complained against the insureds, contending that they had made material misrepresentations and submitted some fraudulent receipts in the course of presenting … Continue reading Dunham v. 20th Century
DeArmond v. Shanfeld
Lawsuit for retaliatory eviction, violation of Rent Stabilization Ordinance and negligence seeking damages for emotional distress, attorneys fees and punitive damages. Plaintiff contended that defendants unlawfully attempted to evict her and improperly sued for unlawful detainer under a pretext, all for the purposes of raising the rents in violation of the Rent Stabilization Act. Defendants … Continue reading DeArmond v. Shanfeld
Bubonic v. Safeco
Plaintiffs Thomas and Mary Ann Bubonic claimed that while they were staying at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Rancho Mirage, jewelry with a value of over $300,000 was stolen from them. Their insurer, Safeco, denied the claim based upon their lack of cooperation and based upon Safeco’s conclusion that the theft simply did not occur. … Continue reading Bubonic v. Safeco
Barnett v. Safeco
Heavy rains entered the home of Richard and Paula Barnett as a result of defective roof construction and surface water against the home. First National paid $33,000 on the claim but the insured sued for breach of contract and bad faith, claiming that at least $70,000 was due for the damages to the home, that … Continue reading Barnett v. Safeco
Arshad v. Colonial Penn
Bad faith claim following Oakland Hills fire which totally destroyed plaintiffs’ hillside residence. Plaintiffs were paid $320,000 but after discovering that plaintiffs had lied about their living expense claim, defendant denied further payments. Demand $1,098,000 in repair costs plus “millions” in punitive damages, plus $185,000 on contents, plus $432,000 for six years loss of use. … Continue reading Arshad v. Colonial Penn
Bruce Sample
Bruce Sample joined Demler, Armstrong & Rowland shortly after graduating from Southwestern University School of Law, where he attended on a full academic scholarship, was a member of the Law Review and graduated with Honors in the top 10% of his class. In over two decades of practice at the firm, Bruce was a shining … Continue reading Bruce Sample
Timothy Lippert
Timothy Lippert, a litigation and trial partner, practices personal injury defense and insurance bad faith litigation. Early in his career, Mr. Lippert gained experience in employment litigation and defending physicians and hospitals in medical malpractice lawsuits. He handles all types of insurance defense matters, having taken many cases through arbitrations and trials. He currently focuses … Continue reading Timothy Lippert
Paul M. Bessette
Paul Bessette is a senior litigator with over twenty-five years of experience in corporate defense, products liability, construction defect, toxic tort and asbestos litigation. Mr. Bessette’s work has included all aspects of litigation, including multiple trials. He has represented a wide array of clients, including national defense contractors, elevator/escalator manufacturers, construction contractors, motor vehicle manufactures, … Continue reading Paul M. Bessette
Randy A. Moss
Randy A. Moss is an attorney in the firm’s San Francisco office, where his practice focuses on insurance bad faith litigation, personal injury defense, and general civil litigation. He has extensive experience in insurance defense litigation, representing the interests of insurance companies and protecting the interests of their insureds. He has also handled professional negligence … Continue reading Randy A. Moss
David A. Ring
David Ring has broad experience in insurance coverage and litigation, including commercial general liability, homeowners, auto, fidelity, directors and officers, professional liability, and commercial crime, as well as insurance bad faith. His practice also includes appellate work; personal injury defense; commercial lease disputes and the economic loss rule; product liability; homeowner liability for injury to unlicensed … Continue reading David A. Ring
John R. Brydon
John R. Brydon, the firm’s managing partner of the San Francisco office, is an AV-Preeminent rated attorney by Martindale-Hubbell. He has been a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates for nearly 30 years, where he holds the rank of Diplomate and has been a Certified Specialist in Civil Trial Law and Diplomat of … Continue reading John R. Brydon
Brian C. Dunn
Brian Dunn, a litigation and trial partner in the firm’s Long Beach office, specializes in the representation of contractors, manufacturers, and material suppliers in complex construction, product liability, contract, and business disputes. His extensive litigation experience has encompassed multi-million dollar construction defect claims involving residential, commercial, industrial, and governmental projects, multi-million dollar product liability claims, … Continue reading Brian C. Dunn
Edward P. Tugade
As a partner in the firm’s San Francisco office, Mr. Tugade helps clients with a range of cases involving products liability, general liability, professional liability, premises liability, and toxic torts litigation. He has worked extensively on multiple trials, appeals, and in the management of complex cases in different jurisdictions, both as, and with, national counsel … Continue reading Edward P. Tugade
Tamara A. Laskin
Tamara Laskin is a partner in the Long Beach office and focuses her practice on construction defect litigation. She has extensive experience representing subcontractors throughout California involving construction deficiencies in both residential and commercial settings. Ms. Laskin has successfully resolved numerous construction defect matters through litigation, arbitration and trial, and has also defended numerous bad … Continue reading Tamara A. Laskin
Bjorn C. Green
Bjorn Green has been with the firm for 22 years and currently divides his time between handling general liability cases and managing the firm’s Construction Law practice, which primarily focuses on the defense of contractors, subcontractors, product manufacturers and component part suppliers in defect and product liability cases. His background in construction law is a … Continue reading Bjorn C. Green
James P. Lemieux
James Lemieux, a litigation and trial partner, practices insurance bad faith and coverage litigation, personal injury defense, fraud/SIU investigations, and small business claims involving contracts and fraud. He also handles broker/agent liability cases involving their liability for placement of coverage on auto, homeowners’ and commercial liability policies, including a matter where the broker failed to … Continue reading James P. Lemieux
Terry A. Rowland
Terry A. Rowland is America’s Top 100 Lawyer, an A-V-rated jury trial specialist in serious personal injury, wrongful death, complex business, and bad faith litigation. He is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates, with a rank of “Advocate” (which requires in excess of 75 jury trials). He is also a Certified Specialist … Continue reading Terry A. Rowland
Robert W. Armstrong
Robert W. Armstrong has been AV-rated by Martindale Hubbell for 25 years, a Certified Specialist in civil litigation, and a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates and the National Board of Trial Advocacy for over 20 years. He has also been recognized as a Southern California “Super Lawyer” (top 5%) every year since … Continue reading Robert W. Armstrong
Defense verdict on $450,000 fire loss
State Farm v. Nakano | Trial partner James Lemieux recently obtained a directed verdict for our client, Sheryl Nakano, sued by State Farm for $450,000 in fire damages to an apartment building. State Farm alleged Nakano negligently caused the fire by placing a small table over a floor furnace grate, or that the table placement … Continue reading Defense verdict on $450,000 fire loss
New Expansion
Demler, Armstrong & Rowland is pleased to announce the opening of its Northern California office located at 201 Spear Street, Suite 1100, in San Francisco. John Brydon is managing the new office following his recent departure from Brydon, Hugo & Parker, where he was a founding partner. John is an Advocate in ABOTA, A-V rated, … Continue reading New Expansion
Long Beach
4500 E. Pacific Coast Highway, 4th Floor
Long Beach, CA 90804
San Francisco
101 Montgomery St., Suite 1800
San Francisco, CA 94104
Sacramento
3626 Fair Oaks Blvd., Suite 100
Sacramento, California 95864
Walnut Creek
1990 N California Blvd.
8th Floor
Walnut Creek, CA 94596