The applicant alleged a cumulative trauma injury from May 20, 2007 to May 20, 2008, to his back, psyche, abdomen, eye, lower extremities, upper extremities, head, internal, and reproductive systems. On August 6, 2019, the case-in-chief resolved by Compromise and Release for $778,886.29. Once settlement was reached, the case issues turned to seeking contribution from the codefendant who had 38% of coverage for the cumulative trauma period.

Given the large settlement amount and extensive injuries, benefits paid were in excess of $1,500,000. Thus, seeking contribution was essential to recoup costs for which the codefendant was liable. However, further discovery was pursued by the codefendant in an attempt to decrease their liability. This included the deposition of Dr. Lane, who confirmed his prior favorable opinion regarding apportionment and supplemental reporting from the QME, Dr. Bernicker, which we successfully argued was not substantial. Following codefendant’s discovery attempts, Mr. Chazen aggressively continued to pursue contribution through arbitration.  Numerous conferences were held where Mr. Chazen continued to advocate for full pro rata recovery, despite resistance by codefendant regarding date of injury, pro rata percentage, charges incurred and whether there were additional dates of injury.

Ultimately, due to the aggressive efforts by Mr. Chazen and persuasive advocacy, an agreement was reached where codefendant would pay $527,121.99, nearly the full exposure.

You can read a redacted version of the Arbitration Decision, Findings and Order (re Settlement) below:

Arbitration Decision, Findings and Order (re Settlement):  Click here                                                     

Media Contacts:
Company Name: Dietz, Gilmor & Chazen, APC
Full Name: David Jankosky, DGC Client Services (213-278-1513)
Email Address: djankosky@dgcattorneys.com

Dietz, Gilmor & Chazen Promotes Mya Gibson to Partner and Managing Attorney.

San Diego, CA – 02/27/2023 – Dietz, Gilmor & Chazen, APC, a California statewide law firm practicing exclusively in workers’ compensation defense, subrogation, asbestos, Labor Code §132a, and serious and willful misconduct claims, announces the promotion of Mya Gibson to Partner and Managing Attorney.

Having joined forces last year with San Diego based DGC Attorneys, Mya Gibson, Esq., an experienced statewide workers’ compensation defense attorney, has been promoted to Partner and Managing Attorney.

DGC Managing Partner Avery Chazen, Esq., shared “Mark [Gilmor] and I are thankful to have such a reputable and high-caliber talent based here with us in San Diego for the benefit of all our California clients.  We want to recognize Mya for her proven talents and show our support for her future with DGC.”

Mya has brought nearly two decades of workers’ compensation defense litigation expertise to DGC Attorneys with strong success in exceeding client expectations for rapid settlements, with significant financial savings.

Clients benefitting from Mya’s litigation success include public and private self-insured and self-administered employers, insurance and reinsurance carriers, and brokers and risk management experts in the field of workers’ compensation claims.

Mya will serve as an experienced attorney manager and mentor for associate attorneys for DGC San Diego.

About Dietz, Gilmor & Chazen, APC

DGC was established in 1997 and has now grown to eight California Offices, with 46 attorneys, providing defense for insurance carriers, brokers, third-party administrators, private and public employers, and large self-insured groups. The firm’s guiding principles are based on providing exceptional customer service and legal representation. DGC provides the expertise needed to reduce claim costs and achieve prompt case resolution. Please visit the firm’s website for more information at https://dgcattorneys.com.

Media Contacts:                                                                                                                      

Company Name: Dietz, Gilmor & Chazen, APC
Full Name: David Jankosky, DGC Client Services (213-278-1513)
Email Address: djankosky@dgcattorneys.com

DGC is pleased to announce that Alan Cooper, DGC Partner (Greater Los Angeles) is to be honored in the July 2022 Edition of Southern California Super Lawyers Rising Stars Magazine. Only 2.5% of eligible attorneys are selected each year.

Patented by The United States Patent and Trademark Office, the Super Lawyers Rising Stars selection process includes an evidence based rating system of awarding points that includes not only extensive research and regional peer evaluations but also formal credentials and certifications within an area of legal specialization.

Known in Southern California workers’ compensation circles for his rigorous defense and timely settlements of complex workers’ compensation cases, Alan earned his Certificate of Specialization in Workers’ Compensation Law from the State Bar of California’s Board of Legal Specialization in April of 2021.  Statewide, Certified Specialists are recognized as authorities on issues of importance in their field.

Rising Stars for Super Lawyers Magazine must be 40 years of age or under.  Read more about Alan here: https://dgcattorneys.com/alan-cooper/

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Media Contacts:                                                                                                                      

Company Name: Dietz, Gilmor & Chazen, APC
Full Name: David Jankosky, DGC Client Services (213-278-1513)
Email Address: djankosky@dgcattorneys.com

DGC Attorney in Long Beach, Brandon Thorson, as of December 28, 2021, has earned his Certificate of Specialization in Workers’ Compensation Law from the State Bar of California’s Board of Legal Specialization.

Becoming a Certified Specialist in Workers’ Compensation Law with the State Bar of California is a process which can only be undertaken every two years.

The process begins with a comprehensive exam lasting 6 ½ hours.  There are eight essays to write in a morning session lasting 4 hours, and 75 multiple-choice questions to answer in an afternoon session lasting 2 ½ hours.

In addition, applicants must submit written evaluations from judges and other attorneys, along with at least 45 MCLE hours.  Subsequently, a final decision on certification generally takes six months.

Certified Specialists are recognized as Statewide authorities on issues of importance within their specialization and are identified as such when interviewed by media.  Only specialists can be searched by practice area on the California State Bar website.

Dietz, Gilmor & Chazen Congratulates Brandon Thorson on his most recent accomplishment.

More information can be found here:

http://www.calbar.ca.gov/Attorneys/Legal-Specialization/About-Certified-Specialization

Media Contacts:                                                                                                                      

Company Name: Dietz, Gilmor & Chazen, APC
Full Name: David Jankosky, DGC Client Services (213-278-1513)
Email Address: djankosky@dgcattorneys.com