Brian Panish, a Los Angeles attorney, was awarded Trial Lawyer of the Year by Consumer Attorneys of Los Angeles, is ranked among the 100 Most Influential Attorneys in California and most recently, succeeded in in securing a settlement for the family of Chris Baker, who died in a 2008 South Carolina plane crash while traveling with the late DJ AM and Travis Barker. The settlement includes more than $7.5 million for Baker's widow and more than $17 million for Baker's son, who was three at the time of the crash. Following the settlement offer, Panish says, “It's a very sad case, but we're glad they were able to avoid a trial and receive full compensation”. Other lawsuits from this accident have already been settled and this recent agreement, completed in March, 2010, signals closure for many involved in this tragic case.
Another highlight of Panish's career includes his work as lead counsel against General Motors. The suit was brought due to injuries to six people - 4 children and 2 adults, caused by defective fuel systems. The liability verdict, the largest in American justice system, came to more than $4.9 billion. You might also know his name from his involvement in the tryptophan litigation and his time spent on the Fen-Phen diet drug litigation. Panish's firm, Panish, Shea and Boyle have worked tirelessly in their efforts of protecting consumers in product liability suits, civil rights suits, aviation suits and personal injury suits, including a 3.3 billion settlement in the Los Angeles County Tobacco Litigation.
Panish is currently a member of the Consumer Attorneys Association of California and is currently serving on the Board of Governors. He is also a lecturer throughout both California and the U.S. Other highlights in the career of the brilliant legal mind includes time spent as the co-chairperson of the Consumer Attorneys of California Annual Lake Tahoe Seminar for two years, recipient of the American Jurisprudence Award in Wills and Trusts, Legal Professions Secured Transactions and Entertainment Law and Product Liability.
He is an active member of Trial Lawyers for Public Justice, Inner Circle of Advocates, International Society of Barristers, and Association of Business Trial Lawyers. He is admitted in the U.S. District Court, Central, Southern and Northern Districts of California.
Now that the award has come down involving the settlement for Chris Baker's family, it appears his firm, Panish, Shea & Boyle, LLP will begin representing those injured due to the recent Toyota auto defects. Currently, the firm is reviewing cases and posting the most recent breaking Toyota and Lexus news on the site's home page.
You can learn more about Brian Panish and his many accolades by visiting his firm's site at www.psblaw.com.
