BG+W PRACTICES
Practices | Litigation
Skilled defense attorneys who deliver exceptional results
Since 2000, Bradley, Gmelich & Wellerstein LLP has earned a strong reputation for quality representation at all stages of civil litigation: negotiations, alternative dispute resolution, trial, and appeal. We are large enough to marshal the resources for high-stakes lawsuits, yet committed to providing each client with close, personal attention. Our litigators have varied backgrounds in civil trial work and criminal prosecutions and draw on this rich experience to deliver effective representation that strives for exceptional results.
California defense attorneys with broad experience
We handle a variety of matters ranging from negligence claims to commercial contractual disputes to defense of intentional torts. We have enjoyed success defending against claims of unsafe conditions of property, third-party liability for criminal conduct, products liability, construction liability, allegations of failure to exercise reasonable care, employment law disputes and other claims of general negligence.
In addition, we have represented insurance companies in many automobile cases, ranging in complexity from minor impact cases to those involving death or permanent disability. Often these cases involve fraudulent (SIU) claims, which we are extremely successful in ferreting out. The premises liability actions that we routinely handle involve injuries not only from the condition of the property itself but also from dangerous or nearby criminal activity.
A focus on early case resolution
Many of our cases can be won — and should be won — prior to trial. In our law and motion department, we develop legal arguments geared toward the crafting of a tight, well-reasoned motion for summary judgment. We have an outstanding record of developing successful motion work, employing such defenses as lack of causation, assumption of the risk, waiver and release, and lack of any legally enforceable duty of care. Resolving cases early mean achieving successful results for our clients and lower defense costs.
Saving time and expense through Alternative Dispute Resolution
We make full use of alternate dispute resolution (ADR) options, such as mediation or binding arbitration, when such participation is appropriate and cost-effective for our clients. However, the members of our business firm also enjoy a successful track record in trying our cases before juries throughout the state. In either case, we remain client-centered, keeping in mind our clients’ interests and needs.
Appellate attorneys at the ready
Our appellate lawyers have strong backgrounds in multiple areas of civil litigation and work closely with trial counsel to help preserve issues for appeal. Consequently, they are able to help draft motions for summary judgment with an eye on the appellate ramifications, before the matter is even heard by the trial court. The depth and range of our experience increases efficiency in our pretrial and trial work. Our appellate attorneys are always available to assist our trial counsel, whether before, during or after trial. If an appeal becomes necessary, our appellate attorneys provide clients with skilled representation. Our success on appeal has won our firm an enviable reputation.
Our Litigation Practices
Construction Defect
The attorneys at Bradley, Gmelich & Wellerstein LLP have extensive experience defending builders and developers against construction defect claims. In the construction field, the builder/developer is generally held responsible for all defective conditions, even if the actual work was performed by a subcontractor or if the defective materials used in construction are manufactured by someone else. This can require “chasing” of the subcontractors, who might not be insured.
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Insurance Defense
The insurance defense attorneys at Bradley, Gmelich & Wellerstein LLP defend the policyholders of local, national and international insurance companies. Our insurance defense practice focuses on the defense of both individuals and business insureds in a wide range of industries.
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Premises Liability
The premises liability attorneys at Bradley, Gmelich & Wellerstein LLP draw on years of experience to aggressively defend premises liability matters with thoughtful and innovative methods. Although we have handled our fair share of classic premises liability cases, such as slip-and-falls or trip-and-falls, we also handle less common cases, such as explosions and third-party criminal attacks.
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Products Liability
Bradley, Gmelich & Wellerstein LLP knows that the potential harm that a product liability action can cause to a product manufacturer or retailer goes far beyond the cost of litigation and potential damages. Vigorous defense is vital.
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Professional Liability
The attorneys at Bradley, Gmelich & Wellerstein LLP have extensive experience defending medical, legal and other professionals in malpractice claims. Our team has particularly deep experience in the healthcare industry, defending malpractice and other claims against physicians, hospitals, healthcare systems, skilled nursing facilities, home health care, detox centers and emergency medical transport providers. We also defend accountants, attorneys, architects and engineers and other professionals.
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Security Guard Defense
The attorneys at Bradley, Gmelich & Wellerstein LLP are leaders in security guard defense. In fact, we have nearly two decades of experience as the leading law firm in California regarding private security company issues. Our attorneys are intimately familiar with the standards in the security industry in California, and we have assisted in drafting legislation related to the security industry.
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