In August 2016, Ray Gates defended at trial an owner and driver of a vehicle involved in a motor vehicle accident. Plaintiff alleged significant injuries as a result of this accident. Ray learned prior to trial that plaintiff had been involved in several other accidents and slip and falls resulting in other lawsuits both prior to and after the subject accident, none of which were disclosed by plaintiff in pre-trial discovery or in trial testimony. Ray was able to provide documentation to the court of these prior lawsuits and injuries, proved that plaintiff had committed perjury, and ultimately obtained a directed verdict of dismissal by the court after plaintiff’s case in chief. The court also referred the plaintiff for criminal prosecution. The case was tried in the Eighth Judicial District Court in Las Vegas, Nevada.
In May 2016, Ray Gates and Paul Cardinale successfully defended Renown Regional Medical Center and two of its physicians in a case filed in the Second Judicial District Court in Reno, Nevada. The matter involved an allegation of a failure to diagnose an aortic dissection. A defense verdict was returned by the jury.
In March 2016, Ray Gates and Robert Smith successfully defended a dentist in a case involving treatment for TMD/TMJ pain as well as orthodontic care. The matter was tried in the Eighth Judicial District Court in Las Vegas, Nevada. A defense verdict was returned by the jury.
In January 2016, Tony Lauria and Paul Cardinale successfully defend a dentist and dental practice involving dental care and treatment regarding standard of care. The matter was tried in the Second Judicial District Court in Reno, Nevada. A defense verdict was returned by the jury. As a result of this defense verdict, several other pending actions against the dentist were ultimately dismissed.
In February 2015, Tony Lauria successfully defends a dentist and dental practice involving dental care and treatment regarding standard of care. The matter was tried in the Eighth Judicial District Court in Las Vegas, Nevada. A defense verdict was returned by the jury.
In November 2014, Mark Tokunaga went to trial in a snowmobile case in which the plaintiff alleged brain injuries and sought a nine-figure judgment. The case settled during the second week of trial for less than the amount of medical expenses.
We are pleased to announce that in July 2014, attorneys Robert Smith, Brian Rosenthal and Paul Cardinale became equity members of the firm.
In a September 2011 jury trial, Ray Gates and Robert Smith presented evidence of inconsistent allegations and conduct of the plaintiff that brought into question the veracity of her claims. The jury also heard additional evidence that plaintiff had a history of making false claims of sexual misconduct against her ex-husband, former boyfriends and co-workers.
Raymond Gates and Brian Rosenthal defended a hospital and a number of their employees in an assault and battery action filed in San Luis Obispo County. The plaintiff was entering areas of the hospital that were restricted and got into an altercation with various hospital staff that were attempting to stop him. The matter was tried in August 2011. Ray and Brian argued that the hospital staff did not commit an assault or battery, but instead they took reasonable steps to protect patients. The jury unanimously found for the defense.
In June 2011, Ray Gates represented Renown Regional Medical Center, the sole trauma center in Reno, Nevada. This case involved a 2 ½ year old child with claims of failure to diagnose a small bowel obstruction resulting in permanent bowel damage and shortened life span. The jury returned a defense verdict after a four week trial.