Keith P. More

More added to his long list of big wins in February when he secured a $44.1 million binding arbitration award for Erick Gonzalez, who became a quadriplegic after falling 25 feet while constructing a multistory commercial building in 2014.

More and his partner, Greg Bentley, settled a personal injury case for Gonzalez confidentially, then battled Gonzalez's employer, Herrick Corp., and its insurer, Arch Insurance Comp., over proposed credits in a worker's compensation case.

Herrick wanted credit for the confidential settlement that would have eliminated Gonzalez's right to benefits, but More opposed that based on the company's fault for Gonzalez's fall, which occurred after he tripped over unmarked banding straps.

Gonzalez required spinal surgery and was separated from his family for years while undergoing treatment. He's now on 100% disability, and the arbitration award ensures Herrick can't credit anything until they pay benefits exceeding $44.1 million.

"It's a huge case, and it was a huge victory for the client. Now he'll continue to receive all his benefits for the rest of his life," More said.

More's other major matters include a worker's compensation case on behalf of an amputee, which remains in Sacramento in what More described as "bureaucratic hell." More's client, Jason Morris, lost an arm when it was ripped out by a sawdust collector because the machine turned on while he was trying to repair it. He's requested five new prosthetic arms since the 2012 injury because of overuse or technological advances.

More also secured a $1.26 million settlement for a victim of the San Bernardino County mass shooting and terrorist attack after a two-year worker's compensation battle.

Other recent settlements include $5.2 million for a warehouse manager who was paralyzed after a 700-pound box fell on him and severed his spine, and $6 million from the Los Angeles Unified School District for a man who was paralyzed during a fall that occurred while he was taking a class.

More's experience requires a specialized understanding of the tactics companies use to stifle big payments and get credit for their settlements.

"The two key terms that most people don't understand when they do crossover cases are liens and credit, and just over time I've handled so many that that's what I lecture on," More said.

"Sometimes I don't even consider it a job because I just love what I do, and it is so rewarding," More said.

-- Meghann M. Cuniff