Khail A. Parris

Lancaster • Personal Injury

Khail A. Parris has carved out a niche for himself in the realm of personal injury law, accumulating a track record that includes more than $200 million in verdicts and settlements for his clients.

One of his significant victories involved a lawsuit against Moon Mountain Farms, LLC, resulting in a $9.6 million verdict, later resolved for $10 million. Horner v. Banda, BC722801 (L.A. Super. Ct., filed Sept. 20, 2018).

The case centered around a car crash caused by a distracted driver employed by the defendant. Despite the lack of severe injuries documented on paper, Parris managed to secure an eight-figure result, highlighting his ability to empathetically understand his clients' struggles and convey the same compellingly to the jury.

"We delved deep into their lives, empathetically recognizing the challenges they faced post-crash," Parris said. "This shift in perspective transformed how we approached the case; we ceased to view it solely as lawyers and instead embraced the mindset of compassionate individuals."

In another significant matter, Parris represented California Highway Patrol Officer Eric Bejar, who suffered extensive injuries after being rear-ended while on duty. Bejar v. Lopez, BC675339 (L.A. Super. Ct., filed Sept. 8, 2017).

The case concluded with a combined verdict of $49.6 million. It stood out for shedding light on questionable tactics employed by some insurance carriers to evade responsibility. The case underscored unethical efforts, including a dubious "settlement" agreement that sought to manipulate the insured into testifying against the plaintiff and declaring bankruptcy to prevent the pursuit of personal injury claims.

"Bejar v. Lopez stands out as a landmark case, shedding light on the tactics some insurance carriers employ to shirk responsibility and emphasizing the severe consequences these actions can have for both the insurer and the plaintiff," Parris said. "This case should serve as a stark warning to insurance carriers, defense lawyers, and insured parties, cautioning against engaging in such unethical conduct."

Parris has voiced concerns about emerging trends in the legal profession, particularly the integration of artificial intelligence. He believes that while AI offers considerable advantages, it could inadvertently overshadow the emotional and personal aspects of cases. According to Parris, AI tends to focus on objective factors such as medical diagnoses and property damage assessments, potentially overlooking the nuanced human experiences that define each case.

"It is imperative that we strike a balance, ensuring that AI complements, rather than replaces, our capacity to empathize and truly comprehend the unique complexities of each case," Parris said. "Only by integrating AI thoughtfully and responsibly can we harness its potential while upholding the principles of justice and fairness for our clients."