June 20, 2007
Using Voir Dire to Secure a Winning Verdict
By: Wylie Aitken I. Introduction The modern day trial lawyer finds he or herself in a very interesting, difficult and serious dilemma. More and more inroads are being made to substantively and procedurally limit a trial lawyer’s role in voir dire, while at the same time more and more resources are devoted to manipulating the public… read more
June 7, 2007
Business Torts: Fertile Land For The Skilled Plaintiff Lawyer (And More Particularly For The Skilled Evaluator)
By Wylie A. Aitken INTRODUCTION This article was inspired by some of the great mentors I have had in my career, including Herb Hafif and Vern Hunt. The theme of this article is that accomplished plaintiff jury trial lawyers, whether aspiring, upcoming, seasoned or veterans can apply their skills in areas otherwise reserved for “litigators”… read more
April 30, 2007
Truck Safety
The recent tragic events surrounding the death of a well known optometrist in Anaheim Hills has re-focused the Orange County community on truck safety. On March 8, 2001, a dump truck with attached trailer apparently lost its brakes traveling down Imperial Highway at the intersection of Nohl Ranch Road, in Anaheim Hills. Due to the… read more
April 30, 2007
Secrecy in the Courts
Currently, there is an effort by pro-consumer interests in California to push for new legislation that would prohibit (or at least limit) “secret” or “confidential” settlements of certain types of legal cases. Those supporting such legislation believe that secrecy in the courts permits wrong-doers to quietly resolve meritorious cases, with no fear of negative publicity;… read more
April 30, 2007
Chapman Law Dedicates Wylie A. Aitken Courtroom
A supporter of Chapman University’s School of Law from its inception, Wylie Aitken and his wife Bette have given the school a financial endowment to establish what will be called the Center for Lawyering and Advocacy Skills. The new center enables students to build skills in negotiation, mediation, client counseling and trial and appellate advocacy,… read more
April 30, 2007
‘Playing With Fire’ Case Resolved, $2 Million Paid Under $100,000 Policy
In a unique settlement, heretofore unprecedented under California law, a young Riverside boy, severely injured in an automobile accident is to receive over two (2) million dollars pursuant to a policy issued by Amex Assurance Company, a subsidiary of American Express. The policy provided only $100,000 in coverage. This result was obtained when the carrier… read more
April 30, 2007
New Legislation To Benefit All California Citizens
Through the hard work of the statewide consumer attorneys’ organization, a group with which Aitken * Aitken * Cohn, proudly supports and participates, new legislation was recently signed by Governor Davis that will benefit all Californians in general, and the victims of the September 11, 2001, tragedies in particular. This legislation bore the title SB… read more
April 30, 2007
Aitken * Aitken * Cohn Lawyers Win $23.5 Million Verdict
In a matter tried by Wylie, Chris and Casey at the Orange County Superior Court, a jury returned a verdict in Aitken * Aitken * Cohn’s client’s favor in the amount of $23.5 million. Fourteen year old Cade F. suffered a traumatic brain injury and has had more than 24 surgeries after the defendant ran a red light… read more
April 30, 2007
Recreational Injury Law Update
When a person participating in a recreational activity is injured due to the negligent and/or careless conduct of another person, common sense would seem to dictate that the injured person should be compensated for his/her injuries and damages caused by the wrongdoer. Unfortunately, under California law the rule is far from clear — and recently… read more
April 30, 2007
Medical Malpractice – Plaintiffs Often Victimized Twice
Victims of medical malpractice are often disillusioned when they learn just how unfriendly California law is to them, and how many legal hurdles they face. Because of these obstacles, many are victimized twice: first by the injurious medical treatment; and second by California’s woefully unfair laws that limit or preclude compensation. Through aggressive and creative… read more