SAN FRANCISCO, CA – August 3, 2018: Yesterday nine jurors in a Los Angeles Superior courtroom agreed with the arguments made by Fred M. Blum and Michael E. Gallagher and exonerated the firm’s client, Catalina Cylinders.
“Edlin Gallagher Huie + Blum handled this case beautifully from start to finish,” said Catalina Cylinders President & CEO Rick Hill. “They are brilliant trial lawyers who know how to defend clients against costly catastrophic injury claims. We would hire this dream team again in a heartbeat.”
The case, Lasarte v. Catalina Cylinders, involved a wrongful death action against Catalina Cylinders, a manufacturer of compressed gas cylinders. The decedent was allegedly filling one of Catalina’s cylinders with nitrous oxide when it suddenly exploded, resulting in the decedent’s death and injuries to others who were present. Plaintiffs alleged causes of action for strict liability failure to warn and negligent sale. EGHB argued that Catalina provided sufficient safety warnings and the decedent took unnecessary risks. The jury deliberated for just a few hours. The plaintiffs were represented by Browne Greene and Daniel Balaban.
“Plaintiffs’ counsel repeatedly argued that ‘justice’ required a plaintiffs’ verdict. In our opinion, the jury got it right, and justice was served, despite it not knowing the truth about the decedent’s business operation – something we were not allowed to present at trial,” said Fred Blum.
EGHB attorneys have a strong track record of achieving favorable outcomes for clients by winning motions for summary judgment, obtaining greatly reduced settlements, and trying cases to defense verdict. To learn more about Edlin Gallagher Huie + Blum, visit behblaw.com.
Media Contact: Jen Ruppert | 415-515-2070 | [email protected].