Representative Matters

Print to PDF

Solis v. Brake Parts Inc.
James Ostertag and Steve Smelser successfully defended Brake Parts Inc. LLC in the case of Solis v. Brake Parts Inc. LLC, $65 million lawsuit that multiple other defendants settled.
Los Angeles County Superior Court, Los Angeles, CA – October 30, 2024
Steven D. Smelser, James J Ostertag
Gardner v. American Honda Motor Co. Inc.

James J. Yukevich and Cristina M. Ciminelli successfully defended American Honda Motor Corporation Inc. inGardner v. Honda Motor Co., a precedent-setting $32.5M personal injury case.

Orange County Superior Court, Orange County, CA – March 25, 2024
James J. Yukevich, Cristina M. Ciminelli
Ramon Tinoco Lopez v. Michelin North America Inc.
Los Angeles County Superior Court, Los Angeles County, CA – March 22, 2024
James J. Yukevich, Thomas Borncamp, Justin M. Marvisi
Brown v. Estenson Logistics
In Los Angeles, the law firm Yukevich Cavanaugh successfully defended a trucking company, Estenson Logistics (operating as Hub Group), against a substantial $48 million lawsuit related to a dock worker's injuries during a loading incident.
Kern County Superior Court, Kern County, CA – October 18, 2023
Thomas Borncamp
Sobenna Dunu et al. v. Griffith Company et al.
Led by Delmar Thomas, the firm successfully represented Griffith Company in Sobenna Dunu et. al v. Griffith Company et al. Dunu, a Caltrans safety inspector overseeing a paving project at the time.
Kern County Superior Court, Kern County, CA – September 22, 2023
Delmar S. Thomas
Dunu et al. V. Griffth Company et al.
Led by Delmar Thomas, the firm successfully represented Griffith Company in Sobenna Dunu et. al v. Griffith Company et al. Dunu, a Caltrans safety inspector overseeing a paving project at the time.
Kern County Superior Court, Kern County, CA – September 22, 2023
Delmar S. Thomas
Oliva Poche, et al. v. Nobu Corp., et al.

Steve Smelser, Jacquelyn Sugapong, and Hassan Elrakabawy won summary judgment for Yukevich | Cavanaugh clients: Nobu Hospitality, Evolution Music, and Music Getaways in a premises liability case.

United States District Court, Chicago, Illinois – August 6, 2023
Steven D. Smelser, Hassan Elrakabawy, Jacquelyn J. Sugapong
Plunkett v. Fox Head, Inc.
Yukevich | Cavanaugh achieved a significant victory for its client, motocross leader Fox Head, Inc. ("Fox")
United States District Court, Southern District of California, San Diego – October 2, 2019
Thomas Borncamp, Hassan Elrakabawy
Camacho v. R.D. Olson Construction, Inc.
Yukevich | Cavanaugh achieved a significant victory for general contractor R.D. Olson Construction, Inc.
Orange County Superior Court, Orange County, CA – Aug 29, 2019
James J. Yukevich
Lainez v. STAT Services, Inc.
Yukevich | Cavanaugh achieved a noteworthy victory for water damage remediation company STAT Services, Inc.
Orange County Superior Court, Orange County, CA – Aug 20, 2019
James J. Yukevich
Aslan v. Ferrari North America, Inc.
Federal jury renders a unanimous defense verdict in less than 25 minutes following a six-day trial.
United States District Court, Los Angeles, CA – April 24, 2019
James J. Yukevich, Cristina M. Ciminelli, Jeffrey W. Caligiuri
Johnson v. Systems XT, Inc.
Yukevich | Cavanaugh achieves a significant Motion for Summary Judgment victory.
California Court of Appeal, Second District, Los Angeles, CA – March 27, 2019
James J. Yukevich, Raymond H. Hua
Sailors v. City of Fresno; SMG Holdings, Inc., et al.
Yukevich | Cavanaugh affirms a significant Motion for Summary Judgment victory in quadriplegic case.
California Court of Appeals, Fifth District - Fresno, CA – March 20, 2019
Wisdom v. Easton Diamond Sports, LLC
Yukevich | Cavanaugh achieves a significant victory for Easton Diamond Sports, LLC in a purported class action.
United States Disrict Court, Los Angeles, CA – February 11, 2019
Thomas Borncamp
Gross v. Rolando Lazatin et al.
Yukevich | Cavanaugh achieves a significant Motion for Summary Judgment victory.
United States Disctrict Court, Los Angeles, CA – January 4, 2019
Cristina M. Ciminelli
Capps et. al. v. Safariland, LLC
Yukevich | Cavanaugh obtains a full defense verdict.
Stanley Mosk Superior Court, Los Angeles, CA – March 12, 2018
Steven D. Smelser
Linares v. Crown Equipment Corporation
Federal jury renders a unanimous defense verdict in less than 45 minutes following a seven-day trial.
United States District Court, Riverside, CA – February 28, 2018
Todd A. Cavanaugh
Tieu v. Sina International, Inc.
Admitted liability bus accident resulting in fatal injuries to a passenger. Secured favorable verdict after jury trial.
Riverside Superior Court, Riverside, California – February 16, 2018
Michel v. Safariland LLC, et al.
Yukevich | Cavanaugh achieves a significant victory as the court granted a Motion for Summary Judgment dismissing all claims against Safariland.
United States District Court, San Diego, CA – October 31, 2017
Steven D. Smelser
Herod v. PDC et al.
Yukevich | Cavanaugh achieves a significant Motion for Summary Judgment victory.
Alameda Superior Courthouse, Alameda, CA – August 31, 2017
Cristina M. Ciminelli
Grossman v. The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District
Yukevich | Cavanaugh achieves a significant Motion for Summary Judgment victory.
Santa Monica Superior Court, Santa Monica, CA – April 20, 2017
Cristina M. Ciminelli
Currie v. Ford Motor Company
Jury returns unanimous defense verdict in mesothelioma case.
Pasadena Superior Court, Pasadena, CA – March 22, 2017
Steven D. Smelser, Jacquelyn J. Sugapong
Herbert v. Takata Corporation
Jury gives full defense verdict in seat belt case.
San Bernardino Superior Court, San Bernardino, CA – March 16, 2017
James J. Yukevich
Khosh, Al v. Staples Construction Company
Yukevich Cavanaugh Prevails in Published Appellate Opinion – No Recovery Granted Under Privette Doctrine.
California Court of Appeal, Second District, Los Angeles, CA – October 27, 2016
James J. Yukevich, Cristina M. Ciminelli
Cervantes v. Nijjar Realty, Inc.
Arbitrator rejects former employee's claim of retaliation. Defense verdict.
Los Angeles, CA – June 30, 2016
Justin M. Marvisi
Jensen v. BNSF
Federal jury returns with a defense verdict for BNSF Railway Co.
United States District Courthouse, San Francisco, CA – November 6, 2015
James J. Yukevich, Cristina M. Ciminelli
Caro v. MPN-14
Norwalk, CA – December 1, 2014
Cristina M. Ciminelli
Hendelman v. Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, LLC et al.
Alleged brain injury arising from snowmobile accident. Favorable settlement two weeks into jury trial.
Mammoth Lakes Court, Mamoth Lakes, CA – November 10, 2014
Marquez v. Chevron U.S.A, Inc. et. al.
Santa Monica Jury Rejects Asbestos Claim Against Landowner. Defense verdict.
Santa Monica Superior Court, Santa Monica, CA – October 6, 2014
James J. Yukevich
Osborne v. Todd Farm Service, et al.
Judge Grants Motion for Terminating Sanctions and Dismisses Entire Action with Prejudice During Plaintiff’s Case-in-Chief.
Ventura Superior Court, Ventura, CA – July 30, 2014
James J. Yukevich, Cristina M. Ciminelli
Acuna v. Riddell, Inc.
Helmet maker not to blame in footbal player's injury. Defense verdict.
Stanley Mosk Superior Court, Los Angeles, CA – March 20, 2014
James J. Yukevich, Thomas Borncamp, David A. Turner
Garcia v. Ford Motor Company
Defense Verdict in multiple-vehicle accident, alleged design defect in restraints system and crashworthiness, plaintiffs alleged neck, spine and rib fractures.
Torrance Superior Court, Torrance, CA – September 26, 2013
Steven D. Smelser
Sohn v. Easton-Bell Sports, Inc.
Easton-Bell Sports bike helmet found safe at trial. Defense verdict.
Van Nuys Superior Court, Van Nuys, CA – August 15, 2013
James J. Yukevich, Thomas Borncamp, David A. Turner
Pillars v. BNSF Railway Co.
Improper body mechanics caused injury. Defense verdict.
Norwalk Superior Court, Norwalk, CA – May 9, 2013
James J. Yukevich, Cristina M. Ciminelli
Kransky v. DePuy Orthopaedics Inc.
Plaintiff alleged defective metal hip caused severe physical injury.
March, 2013 , Alexander Calfo
Runflat America, LLC v. Michelin North America, Inc. et al.
Shareholder derivative action alleging trade libel, interference with contractual relations, and violation of California Unfair Competition Law. Result: Demurrer sustained without leave to amend and affirmed on appeal.
Stanley Mosk Superior Court, Los Angeles, CA – December 18, 2012
Todd A. Cavanaugh
Petitpas v. Ford Motor Company
Plaintiff alleged asbestos bystander exposure. Defense verdict.
Stanley Mosk Superior Court, Los Angeles, CA – August, 2012
James J. Yukevich, Steven D. Smelser
McGowan v. Par 3 Landscape Corporation
Admitted-liability case in which plaintiff sought damages for neck/back injuries, leading to cervical fusion surgery. Result: Verdict of $85,000.
Las Vegas Justice Center, Las Vegas, NV
Todd A. Cavanaugh
Padilla v. Enterprise Rent-A-Car Company
United States District Court, Los Angeles, CA – 2012
James J. Yukevich, Cristina M. Ciminelli
Goldberg v. Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company et al.
Wrongful death action arising out of a plane crash. Plaintiffs alleged a hotel concierge negligently referred guests to air charter company. Defense verdict.
Long Beach Superior Court, Long Beach, CA – July 1, 2012
Thomas Borncamp , Alexander Calfo
Imaging Advisor, Inc. v. General Plastic Industrial Co., Ltd.
Alleged breach of consulting contract, where plaintiff alleged in excess of $4 million in damages. Favorable judgment after bench trial.
Orange County, California – 2012
Pappalardo v. Easton-Bell Sports, Inc. et al.
Putative federal class action brought by parents who purchased composite youth baseball bats. Suit alleged false advertising, consumer fraud, and breach of warranties. Case dismissed at pleading stage.
United States District Court, New Jersey – December 23, 2011
Thomas Borncamp
Steiner v. Ford Motor Company et. al.
Santa Barbara Superior Court, Santa Barbara, CA – October 3, 2011
James J. Yukevich
Charles v. Mountain View Mobile Home Estates
San Bernardino Superior Court, San Bernardino, CA – 2011
James J. Yukevich, Cristina M. Ciminelli
Morrison v. Ford Motor Company
Jury sides with Ford Motor Company in asbestos suit. Defense Verdict.
Stanley Mosk Superior Court, Los Angeles, CA – May 20, 2011
Steven D. Smelser , Alexander Calfo
Rodriguez v. General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products, Inc.
United States District Court, Honolulu, HI – November 30, 2010
James J. Yukevich, Cristina M. Ciminelli
Eubanks v. KBC America Inc.
Jury Rejects Parents' Lawsuit Against Helmet Maker. Defense Verdict.
Stanley Mosk Superior Court, Los Angeles, CA – November 23, 2010
James J. Yukevich, Delmar S. Thomas
Bostani v. Whitehall St. et. al.
San Diego Superior Court North Division, Vista, CA – August 20, 2010
James J. Yukevich, Cristina M. Ciminelli
Estate of Bobby Lee Herring, Sr. v. Ford Motor Company
Stanley Mosk Superior Court, Los Angeles, CA – July 29, 2010
Houck v. Enterprise Rent-A-Car Co.
Alameda Superior Court, Alameda, CA – June 1, 2010
James J. Yukevich, Cristina M. Ciminelli
Zhao v. Cox Enterprises, Inc.
Verdicts & Decisions – 2010
James J. Yukevich, Cristina M. Ciminelli
Harsha v. ServiceMaster Co. et. al.
San Bernardino Superior Court, San Bernardino, CA – February 1, 2010
James J. Yukevich, Cristina M. Ciminelli
Novak v. Pizza Hut, Inc.
San Diego Superior Court, San Diego, CA – January 4, 2010
James J. Yukevich, Cristina M. Ciminelli
Goebel v. Ford Motor Company
Ford Scores Rare Win in Asbestos Case. Defense Verdict.
Stanley Mosk Superior Court, Los Angeles, CA – November 23, 2009
James J. Yukevich, Steven D. Smelser
Clarendon National Ins. Co. v. Ford Motor Company
Garage and vehicle fire alleged to have been caused by a recalled speed control component. Result: Defense verdict.
Imperial County Superior Court, El Centro, CA – August 1, 2009
Steven D. Smelser
Deal v. Michelin North America, Inc.
Rollover of full-size pickup truck following right rear tread separation, alleged manufacturing defects in tire, two occupants fatally injured. Result: Defense verdict.
United States District Court, Las Vegas, NV – April 21, 2009
James J. Yukevich, Todd A. Cavanaugh, Cristina M. Ciminelli
Jones v. American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Single-vehicle rollover accident, alleged design defects in roof structure, plaintiff sustained spinal injury resulting in quadriplegia. Defense Verdict.
Central Civil West Superior Court, Los Angeles, CA – March 13, 2009
James J. Yukevich, Todd A. Cavanaugh, Delmar S. Thomas
National RV Co. v. Crane Corp.
Action for breach of contract and fraud regarding sidewall materials on 73 motor homes. Plaintiff sought $28 million in compensatory damages, plus punitive damages and attorney fees. $3.5 million verdict.
United States District Court, Riverside, CA – 2008
Keddington v. Michelin North America, Inc.
March 3, 2008
James J. Yukevich, Cristina M. Ciminelli
Gaudry v. Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
Two-vehicle accident alleged design and warning defects in Honda Reflex scooter, plaintiff sustained severe leg injury requiring amputation. Result: Defense verdict.
Burbank Superior Court, Burbank, CA – December 24, 2007
James J. Yukevich, Todd A. Cavanaugh
Arroyo v. Ford Motor Company
Single-vehicle accident following claimed unintended acceleration, alleged cruise control system defect, moderate injuries, punitive damages allegations. Result: Defense verdict.
Miami-Dade County Court, Miami, FL – October 2, 2007
James J. Yukevich, Todd A. Cavanaugh
Pineda v. Deere & Company
Fatal injury to contruction worker, alleged design and warning defects in front-end loader/backhoe. Result: Defense Verdict.
Chatsworth Superior Court, Chatsworth, CA – April 6, 2007
Todd A. Cavanaugh, Cristina M. Ciminelli
Baez v. L&L Machinery Inc
Jury Rejects Quadriplegic's Suit Against Manaufacturer
Rancho Cucamonga Superior Court, Rancho Cucamonga, CA – February 11, 2007
James J. Yukevich
Delloro v. Michelin North America, Inc.
Cargo van rollover, alleged tire defect, brain injury. Defense verdict.
Los Angeles, California – August 18, 2006
James J. Yukevich, Thomas Borncamp
Wheeler v. The Burlington Northern Sante Fe Railroad Company
Orange County Central Justice Center, Santa Ana, CA – 2006
James J. Yukevich, Cristina M. Ciminelli
Hidaka/Hartman v. Michelin North America, Inc.
Verdicts & Decisions – 2006
James J. Yukevich
Cabrera v. Isuzu Motors, Ltd.
Sport-utility vehicle rollover, alleged seat defect, catastrophic injuries, punitive damages allegations. Mistrial due to hung jury; directed verdict for defense on punitive damages claim.
Central Civil West Superior Court, Los Angeles, CA – October 1, 2005
James J. Yukevich
Parks v. Michelin North America et. al.
Jury exonerates Michelin Tires in van accident injuring six
Riverside Superior Court, Riverside, CA – March 14, 2005
James J. Yukevich, Cristina M. Ciminelli
Quinney v. Hyundai Motor America
Single-vehicle accident following unintended acceleration, moderate injuries. Defense verdict.
Los Angeles, California – 2004
Thomas Borncamp
Tepei v. Michelin North America
Lewis County Court, Chehalis, WA – April 23, 2004
James J. Yukevich, Todd A. Cavanaugh, Cristina M. Ciminelli
Knott’s Berry Farm v. Togo International
Orange County Central Justice Center, Santa Ana, CA – October 29, 2003
James J. Yukevich, Cristina M. Ciminelli
Watts v. Ford Motor Company
Single-vehicle accident following claimed unintended acceleration, alleged cruise control system defect, catastrophic injury. Result: Defense verdict.
Sacramento County Superior Court, Sacramento, CA – October 1, 2003
James J. Yukevich, Todd A. Cavanaugh
The Boeing Company v. ArvinMeritor, Inc.
Breach of contract action arising out of corporate merger. Result: Defense award at binding arbitration.
Los Angeles, California – October 1, 2002
Corinthian v. Harutian
Verdicts & Decisions – 2002
Cristina M. Ciminelli
Nia v. Harutian
Verdicts & Decisions – 2002
Cristina M. Ciminelli
Reyes v. Hyundai Motor Company
Single-vehicle accident, fatal injury to parent, catastrophic injuries to minor, multiple alleged crashworthiness defects. Defense verdict.
Orange County Superior Court, Santa Ana, CA – October 1, 2001
James J. Yukevich, Thomas Borncamp
Carver v. Michelin North America
Pick-up truck rollover, alleged tire defect, quadriplegic injury. Settled during trial.
San Diego Superior Court, San Diego, CA – September 4, 2001
James J. Yukevich, Thomas Borncamp
Vandenburg v. Honda Research & Development Co.
Orange County Superior Court, Santa Ana, CA – November 21, 2000
James J. Yukevich, Thomas Borncamp
Jenkins v. Hyundai Motor Company
Single-vehicle accident, alleged roof and restraint system defects, quadriplegic injury. Defense verdict.
Rancho Cucamonga Superior Court, Rancho Cucamonga, CA – October 1, 1997
James J. Yukevich
Park v. Mazda Motor Corporation
Minivan rollover, seatbelted child ejected, alleged restraint system defect, severe head injury. Defense verdict.
Riverside Superior Court, Riverside, CA – October 1, 1995
James J. Yukevich
Moore v. American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
All-terrain vehicle accident, alleged stability and warning defects, catastrophic spinal cord injury. Defense verdict.
San Francisco Superior Court, San Francisco, CA – October 1, 1993
James J. Yukevich

Representative Matters

Sample Modal Window

This is just a sample…