Articles
July 2, 2020
Focus Groups on a Shoestring Budget
By Casey Johnson Every case has its warts. How many warts a case has and how bad those warts usually determine whether or not a case ultimately gets sent to a jury for determination. There are many excellent jury consultants and companies that do focus groups and mock trials (many of whom are loyal sponsors… read more
July 1, 2020
Is Negligent Supervision and Hiring Covered by Commercial General Liability (CGL) Policies?
By Michael Penn Hard Hat Construction Corp. employs Carl, a retired teacher that now works as a nighttime security officer. Carl is often under the influence while on the job. One evening, Carl decides to take a forklift off property for a spin on the open road and causes a car accident when several drivers… read more
June 24, 2020
Bicycles v. Motor Vehicles: Who Owns the Road?
By Atticus Wegman Who owns the road between bicyclists and motor vehicles? Both, technically. For the most part, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers (see California Vehicle Code section 21200). Our firm handles many cases involving this area of the law where bicyclists’ rights are pitted against drivers’ rights. Oftentimes,… read more
June 17, 2020
Assembly Bill 3262 Will Hold Online Marketplaces Responsible for Selling Dangerous Products
By Megan Demshki In an exciting step forward for consumers, the California Assembly approved legislation on June 11, 2020, that will hold online marketplaces like Amazon to the same legal standard as brick and mortar stores when they sell dangerous products. Assembly Bill 3262 was developed because online retailers frequently attempt to skirt consumer protection… read more
May 19, 2020
Icing on the Cake (From the OCTLA’s The Gavel)
By Atticus Wegman and Ryan Drakulich This piece was originally published in the OCTLA’s print edition of The Gavel in the Winter 2020 edition (Volume 23, Number 1) as the cover story. Sounds good, right? Well let’s go get some. Here’s the scenario: your client is injured in a motor vehicle crash. You attempt to… read more
September 10, 2019
Conception Dive Boat Scrambles to Avoid Liability and Accountability: Tragedy Strikes us in Anaheim Hills — A Note from Wylie Aitken
Aitken Aitken Cohn, through Megan Demshki and I, have been working on a boating tragedy where “The Attessa IV,” a 337 foot mega yacht, struck a fishing boat, “The Prowler,” just outside of the San Diego Harbor on October 26, 2018 injuring 21 fisherman. This collision also caused the death of an Orange County resident… read more
February 13, 2019
Ashleigh and Michael’s Love Story Published in KUDOS Newport Beach Magazine
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, KUDOS Newport Beach published the story of how a blind date led Ashleigh Aitken and Michael Penn to their happily ever after. Aitken Aitken Cohn partner Michael Penn and of counsel Ashleigh Aitken have shared 18 joyous years and 3 beautiful daughters together, but how did it all start?… read more
July 13, 2018
Governmental tort liability warning: Beware of 23 U.S.C. 409 – a defense tactic that is a blatant attempt to “impede the search for truth”
As published in the May/June 2018 CAOC’s The Forum Magazine Governmental tort liability warning: Beware of 23 U.S.C. 409 – a defense tactic that is a blatant attempt to “impede the search for truth” By Wylie A. Aitken and Megan G. Demshki Our client was enjoying the final months of her senior year of high… read more
June 27, 2018
June Is Safety Awareness Month: Tips to Stay Safe
The National Safety Council (NSC) is committed to educating people of all ages across the United States in order to keep us all from harm whenever possible. In June, the NSC is observing National Safety Month – an entire 30 days dedicated to learning how to stay safe and decreasing risks of injuries. Families, schools,… read more
May 10, 2018
Adventures with the Aitken Family
As published on South of the Pier Magazine, February 2018 For a family that loves to travel, it’s fitting that Christopher and Maureen Aitken met while abroad. The couple, both attorneys, met while at a legal seminar in Puerto Vallarta in 1997 and married two years later. The family now includes four children: Tyler (18),… read more