AAC’s Chris Aitken Named One of 2024’s “Top Plaintiff Lawyers” by the Daily Journal
November 25, 2024
Congratulations to AAC partner Chris Aitken for being named one of the Daily Journal’s Top Plaintiff Lawyers in California for 2024! This honor recognizes Chris’s dedication and commitment to his clients. Chris told the Daily Journal, “From the moment we take on a case, everything we do is with trial preparation in mind—whether it’s pre-litigation work, discovery, or the litigation process itself. This level of preparedness is key to achieving the best results for our clients.” Well-deserved, Chris!
Chris R. Aitken
Aitken Aitken Cohn
Santa Ana
Personal Injury
Chris Aitken is a consumer safety advocate who consistently delivers in some of the most complex and emotionally charged personal injury cases. His legal journey began in 1987, but his true immersion started much earlier.
Mentored by his father, Wylie Aitken, the younger Aitken spent his formative years working at what is now Aitken Aitken Cohn.
“In high school, I was sorting medical records, assisting with various legal tasks and even helped develop case management software before the internet era,” Aitken said. “I continued doing legal work throughout college, including the production of day-in-the-life videos for settlement and trial, and eventually went on to law school, building a foundation in the field from an early age.”
Some of Aitken’s recent matters involved representing, along with partner Megan Demshki, a husband and father of six who was severely injured in a freeway crash caused by an unlicensed driver. Ruehle vs. California Republican Party, 30-2017-00912044 (Orange Super. Ct., filed March 30, 2017).
Despite the initial challenges, they were able to secure an $11 million settlement from one of the major political parties.
“To my knowledge, this had never been done before, and we are very proud of that accomplishment,” Aitken said.
In another significant case, he highlighted the importance of workplace safety and accountability. This wrongful death lawsuit, stemming from Cris Abraham’s alleged death due to carbon dioxide fumes at LAX, aimed to ensure that no other worker or family would have to endure such a devastating loss again. Abraham vs. City of Los Angeles; Los Angeles World Airports; Champion Fire System; Communication Technology Services Inc. et al., CIVSB2315202 (L.A. Super. Ct., filed July 6, 2023).
“This case, which is currently being litigated, is about justice for Cris and his loved ones, and about pushing for the necessary changes to protect all workers in the future,” Aitken said
Aitken has also been successful in helping clients with preexisting conditions overcome significant challenges in proving damages in auto accident cases.
For instance, he worked closely with medical professionals and a client’s family to emphasize the significant value of even one more year of life with loved ones. Skae v. Khademi Case, 30-2022-01266830-CU-PA-WJC (Orange Super. Ct., filed June 27, 2022).
“For example, one of my clients was initially directed to hospice care at the time of the incident,” Aitken said. “We worked closely with medical professionals to present opinions that extended his projected lifespan. More importantly, we collaborated with his family to emphasize the significant value of even one more year of life with his loved ones. As his life was tragically cut short, the family wasn’t given the opportunity to say proper goodbyes, something hospice care would have allowed. This loss of closure was invaluable, and we were able to secure a successful outcome by highlighting the profound emotional impact on the family.”