Joseph J. (“J.J.”) Minioza and Maxwell (“Max”) Davis recently defended a personal injury case filed by a single plaintiff against Tressler’s client, Signet Nail Spa. The three-week trial took place in Sacramento County Superior Court before Judge Jill Talley. The plaintiff claimed that an MRSA infection, multiple lower leg surgeries, and other damages resulted from a cut sustained during a pedicure. Tressler’s team successfully disputed liability, arguing that our client did not breach the standard of care. J.J. and Max argued that Signet Nail Spa’s conduct was not a substantial factor in causing the infection, injuries, and damages. Multiple retained experts were called by both sides, including treating physicians by the defense.

The plaintiff’s counsel asked the jury to award $4.7 million in damages, after previously making a “policy limits demand” of $2 million. The defense’s best offer was a CCP Section 998 offer to compromise of $100,001. After about three hours of deliberation, the jury returned a verdict that Tressler’s client was not negligent. There was no discussion of an award for damages. J.J. and Max’s robust defense and impressive trial strategy achieved the best possible outcome for their client, who is now seeking to recover costs from the plaintiff that are likely to exceed the last settlement offer.

Congratulations on a fantastic result, J.J. and Max!

About Joseph J. (“J.J.”) Minioza

Joseph J. (“J.J.”) Minioza is the Managing Partner of Tressler’s San Francisco office. He brings over 27 years of experience and exceptional client service to the firm. J.J.’s practice focuses on general liability, personal injury, habitability, employment, D&O, E&O, and HOA cases. He has tried over 40 jury trials to verdict in every county in the San Francisco Bay Area with a 98% success rate. J.J.’s trials have included real estate, products liability, habitability, personal injury, employment, breach of contract, and construction defect cases.

About Maxwell N. Davis

Maxwell (“Max”) Davis is an associate attorney in Tressler’s Litigation Practice Group in our San Francisco, California office. Maxwell supports his clients through every stage of the dispute resolution process, which starts by digging into the facts by reviewing documents, interviewing witnesses, and researching the legal issues that shape the overall strategy. He then drafts motions, briefs, and memoranda that help frame the arguments, and he collaborates closely with partners to develop clear, persuasive positions that advance our clients’ goals.

About Tressler LLP

Headquartered in Chicago, with ten offices located in six states, Tressler LLP is a national law firm comprised primarily of attorneys who devote their practice to the representation of the insurance industry in coverage analysis and resolution, litigation, underwriting consultation, product development, claims management, and reinsurance.

In addition, Tressler has one of the most experienced and multi-faceted government law practices in Illinois, and has attorneys who represent clients in commercial litigation, defense litigation, corporate transactions, employment law and litigation, intellectual property, and condominium and common interest community association law.

For more information, please visit www.tresslerllp.com.