Oct. 17, 2013
Michael J. Ney
See more on Michael J. NeyJudicate West San Francisco Specialties: personal injury, professional negligence, construction defect, employment and business disputes
Attachments
"I have an extensive litigation background, and I've certainly been down a lot of the same paths that they're going down," he said. As a result, his clients often seek out his opinions and advice.
In a recent multiparty personal injury case involving disputed liability and high financial stakes, Ney helped the parties settle by encouraging the plaintiff's attorneys to disclose a video they had considered saving for trial.
"It looked like a case from the get-go around a minor who made a bad call running in front of a bus, but as the case was developed by the plaintiff's attorneys, they came up with a lot of reasons why actions by the driver contributed to the accident," he said.
Most important was a video that recreated the accident and was able to show the view the driver had while approaching the intersection where the incident occurred.
When the attorney asked Ney's advice on whether to share the findings, Ney told him that the video would help put everything into perspective, bringing both parties closer to settlement.
"It's one thing to talk about this stuff conceptually, but it's another thing to see how something actually evolved and know that this is what the jury will see."
Ney, whose mediation practice also includes medical malpractice, wrongful death and construction defect cases, said the matter settled for an undisclosed amount after a two-day mediation.
- Caitlin Johnson
For reprint rights or to order a copy of your photo:
Email
jeremy@reprintpros.com
for prices.
Direct dial: 949-702-5390
Send a letter to the editor:
Email: letters@dailyjournal.com