Significant Settlements and Verdicts

Hadsell Stormer Renick & Dai LLP has a proven track record of success when it comes to serving the needs of its clients. Our experienced lawyers have recovered hundreds of thousands to tens of millions of dollars in cases representing workers and other individuals throughout California, the nation, and around the world. Recent successes include a $17.3 million settlement in a wage and hour class action against a major energy company, and a $4.6 million jury verdict in a retaliation case against a large property management employer.

Our Powerhouse Litigators Have Secured Groundbreaking Victories

• Estate of Michael Lee v. California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (United States District Court, Eastern District of California, Case No. 2:20-cv-01161, 2021). 
  $1,400,000 settlement in wrongful death lawsuit filed on behalf of mother and Estate of Michael Lee. Mr. Lee was entered the custody of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation with a documented history of mental illness and suicide attempts. Once incarcerated, Mr. Lee was denied constitutionally adequate mental health care and committed suicide.
• A.G. v. County of Los Angeles (United States District Court, Central District of California, Case No. 2:17-cv-00074, 2021). 
  $3,840,000 settlement in wrongful death lawsuit filed on behalf of mother and minor son of 26-year old Bryan Pickett II. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputies responding to Mr. Pickett’s mental health crisis entered his home, ignored his requests that they leave, and tased him in the chest for 34 seconds, killing him. Mr. Pickett was unarmed. The California Court of Appeal published a precedential decision in the preceding state court establishing new rights for non-biological children by reversing the lower court’s decision that Mr. Pickett’s non-biological son lacked standing to sue simply based only on his biology.
• Karla Garcia Aranda, et al. v. County of Los Angeles, et al., (United States District Court, Central District of California, Case No. 19-cv-01770, 2021). 
  $400,000 settlement for minor child and his parents after Los Angeles County social workers removed child from his parents’ care and placed him in the unlicensed home of a sexual predator without conducting required background checks, resulting in child’s abuse.
• Darrell Allen, Sr. et al v. County of San Bernardino et al. (United States District Court, Central District of California, Case No. 5:20-cv-00283, 2021). 
  Our firm represented the parents of a Black man killed by a San Bernardino County Sheriff’s deputy in July 2019. Case settled for $1,600,000.
• Erika Sepulveda v. City of Whittier, et al. (United States District Court, Central District of California, Case No. 2:17-cv-4457, 2020). 
  Lawsuit filed against the City of Whittier and its police officers on behalf of family subjected to armed robbery after the officers abandoned them at a crime scene. $405,000 settlement obtained in 2020.
• Estate of Mark Pajas, Sr., et al. v. County of Monterey, et al. (United States District Court, Northern District of California Case No. 16-cv-00945, 2019). 
  Our firm represented the family of Mark Pajas, Sr., who died within 24 hours of arriving at Monterey County Jail because jail staff refused him urgent medical attention. A federal jury awarded the family $1,600,000 and the case subsequently settled for $2,875,000.
• Jacob Parenti, et al. v. County of Monterey, et al. (United States District Court, Northern District of California Case No. 14-cv-05481, 2019). 
  $365,000 settlement in wrongful death lawsuit brought by minor child and mother of 33-year old Jacob Parenti for denying Mr. Parenti necessary health care, resulting in his death.
• Zion, et al. v. County of Orange, et al. (United States District Court, Central District of California Case No. 14-cv-01134 2019). 
  $360,000 jury verdict in a lawsuit brought by the mother of a 21-year old man, who was shot and killed by Orange County Sheriff’s Deputies. After the shooting, an officer stomped repeatedly on the son’s head as he lay dying. The case settled for $1.1 million after the jury reached its verdict. The trial was very challenging because the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals had previously ruled that the deadly portion of the shooting by the police officer was justified and, thus, lawful. As a result, the jury could only award damages for the Deputies’ excessive force against the son as he lay dying, when the officer stomped repeatedly on the son’s head.
• Jasmin Salcido et al. v. City of Whittier et al. (United States District Court, Central District of California, Case No. 2:17-cv-08819, 2019). 
  We represented the parents of a 27-year-old man experiencing a mental health crisis whom Whittier Police Department officers crushed and suffocated to death. The case settled for $1,900,000 just before trial.
• Estate of Erika Rocha v. California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation et al. (United States District Court, Central District of California, Case No. EDCV 17-0869, 2019). 
  Lawsuit filed on behalf of family of mentally ill woman who committed suicide while incarcerated at the California Institution for Women, after a federal court ordered prison officials to correct the mental health care deficiencies that contributed to her death. The parties reached a $1,501,500 settlement in 2019.
• Joshua Mayfield, et al. v. Ivan Orozco, et al. (United States District Court, Eastern District, Case No.: 13-cv-02499, 2019). 
  Settled during trial for $5,000,000. Case brought on behalf of family of a19-year-old man with quadriplegiaagainst County of Sacramento where Plaintiff attempted suicide after being beaten by jail guards. Case settled after finding that County improperly excluded African Americans from serving on the jury.
• Heleine Tchayou, et al. v. City of Los Angeles, et al. (United States District Court, Central District of California, Case No.: 16-cv-06073, 2018). 
  Our firm represented the family of Charly “Africa” Keunang, a mentally ill man shot to death by LAPD officers near his encampment on Skid Row. The parties reached a $1,950,000 settlement following a jury verdict finding two LAPD officers liable for excessive force.
• Estate of Bertram Hiscock, et al. v. County of Yuba, et al. (United States District Court, Eastern District of California, Case No.: 17-cv-02706, 2018). 
  We represented the family of a mentally ill man who committed suicide while incarcerated at the Yuba County Jail after two prior suicide attempts. The parties settled the lawsuit for $1,000,000.
• Estate of Sandra Vela, et al. v. County of Monterey, et al. (United States District Court, Northern District of California, Case No. 16-cv-02375, 2018). 
  Lawsuit filed on behalf of the family of a 52-year-old woman who committed suicide after she was prematurely discharged from suicide watch and placed in a cell with known suicide hazards. The case settled for $2,850,000 after the Court granted in part Plaintiff’s motion for partial summary judgment.

EMPLOYEE & WORKERS' RIGHTS

• Martin v. Texaco Refining and Marketing, Inc. (Los Angeles County Superior Court, 1991). 
  In this historic gender discrimination case, Dan Stormer represented a woman who was passed over numerous times for promotion, in favor of less qualified men, by her long-time employer Texaco. In 1991, after a lengthy trial, the jury returned a verdict of $20.3 million. The award was reduced by a judge and considered on appeal. The case was scheduled for a second trial and settled before that second trial concluded. Over 30 years later, the verdict still stands as one of the largest ever obtained in a single plaintiff gender discrimination case.
• Wysinger v. Automobile Club of Southern California (Los Angeles Superior Court, Case No. 01132996, 2015). 
  Disability discrimination and retaliation claims tried to a jury resulting in judgment of over $2.85 million.
• Steffens v. Regus Group PLC (United States District Court, Southern District, Case No. 08 CV 1494 LAB WVG, 2013). 
  Jury verdict of $4,646,252 against property management giant Regus, for retaliatory firing its general manager in a San Diego facility after she reported break and overtime violations.
• Schell v. City of Los Angeles (United States District Court, Central District, Case No. CV 00-01454, 2001). 
  Whistleblower lawsuit filed on behalf of civilian employee of Los Angeles Police Department who was transferred and then fired for refusing to change her testimony in a prior lawsuit. Trial resulted in $4.3 million verdict for plaintiff, including a punitive damage award of $500,000 against Chief of Police Bernard Parks and $250,000 against his assistant, Commander Watson.
• Allison v. City of Long Beach (United States District Court, Central District, Case No. CV 89-3240, 1991). 
  In a historic matter that became a television movie, Barbara Hadsell represented two female Long Beach police officers who had been sexually harassed. Case resulted in $4 million verdict for plaintiffs.
• Booker v. County of Los Angeles, et al. (Los Angeles County Superior Court, Case No. 20STCV02257, 2021). 
  $175,000.00 Settlement on behalf of a fired Black employee who believed that the was being harassed on account of his race. Despite a finding that the harassment was not based on race, Plaintiff obtained a settlement including payment and a full pension valued at over $1,500,000.
• Sarah Murphy v. West Los Angeles College, et al. (Los Angeles County Superior Court, Case No.18STCV07332, 2020). 
  We represented student worker with a disability employed by West Los Angeles College, who was sexually assaulted and sexually harassed by one of her supervisors, a former dean. The case settled for $795,000.
• Duchan v. Los Angeles Unified School District, et al. (Los Angeles County Superior Court, Case No. BC591524, 2019). 
  Lawsuit filed on behalf of Los Angeles Unified School District art teacher whom LAUSD suspended and publicly defamed after an ex-student created a fake Facebook account in his name and posted sexually explicit posts. The case settled for $499,999.
• Crystal Losorelli v. State of California et al. (San Bernardino Superior Court, Case No. CIVDS 1418794, 2017). 
  Pregnancy and sex discrimination case filed on behalf of California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation employee who was constructively terminated after her employer refused to engage in the interactive process and provide reasonable accommodations. The lawsuit settled for $925,000.
• Confidential Arbitration (2020). 
  $3,069,729.84 arbitration award including $1,000,000 in punitive damages in arbitration on behalf of a senior global sales executive fired for whistleblowing.
• Mara Pelsman v. Gateways Hospital and Mental Health Center et al. (Los Angeles County Superior Court, Case BC699392, 2019). 
  Whistleblower lawsuit filed by female CEO of hospital who was fired after she reported concerns about the all-male Board of Director’s improper conduct. The parties settled the case after opening statements on the first day of trial.
• Frost v. Hesperia School District (San Bernardino Superior Court, Case No. CIVDS1313980, 2019). 
  $850,000 settlement for teacher terminated in retaliation of her defense of LGBT high school students.
• Estrada v. City of LA Habra Heights (Los Angeles County Superior Court, Case number: BC 502851, 2015). 
  $500,000 settlement for city employee with disabilities for disability discrimination.
• Mango v. City of Maywood (Los Angeles County Superior Court, 2015). 
  $750,000 settlement on behalf of Assistant City Manager who alleged that he was retaliated against for assisting FBI in criminal probe.
• Tostado v. City of Los Angeles (2003). 
  Our lawyers brought one of the first discrimination cases against the City of Los Angeles Police Department on behalf of an officer for wrongful demotion based upon gender discrimination. The settlement of $1.3 million was at the time the largest such settlement in the City’s history.
• Lopez v. City of Alhambra (Los Angeles County Superior Court, Case No. BC 209 442, 2000). 
  Latina police sergeant sued city of Alhambra for failure to promote her because of her sex and race. Case settled for $800,300, plus a retroactive promotion to lieutenant making the Plaintiff the first Latina promoted to management.
• Cameron v. City of Los Angeles (United States District Court, Central District, Case No. CV 95-2127 WMB, 2000). 
  Case by four female firefighters alleging sexual discrimination and harassment against the Los Angeles Fire Department. Case settled for $795,000.
• Mosleh v. City of El Segundo (YC 025 903, 1999). 
  In the cutting edge case brought by two City employees who were harassed and discriminated against because of their gender and race, our firm obtained the clients a settlement of $1.33 million.
• Henry v. JAMS/Endispute, Inc (BC 171 321, 1998). 
  Breach of contract action by retired Judge Dana Senit Henry against JAMS. Plaintiff won nearly $600,000 in a case heard by referee.
• Draper v. USC (1997). 
  In a matter brought by a female professor against the University of Southern California for sexual harassment, retaliation, failure to tenure case, our attorneys obtained a then record settlement of $550,000.
• Vitale v. City of Long Beach (Los Angeles County Superior Court, Case No. BC 126 134, 1996). 
  Female city prosecutor alleged sexual discrimination and harassment by male prosecutors. Settled for $750,000.
• Bonsangue v. ADP (1993). 
  Verdict in age discrimination case of over $1 million.
• Confidential (2021). 
  Confidential settlement for $845,000 in action brought on behalf of long term employee alleging sexual harassment, sex-based discrimination, hostile work environment, retaliation, and sexual and emotional abuse against her former employer.
• Confidential (2021). 
  $1,250,000 settlement in action alleging race discrimination and wrongful termination.
• Confidential (2018). 
  $4.5 million confidential settlement on behalf of a senior entertainment industry executive fired for whistleblowing.
• Confidential (2017). 
  $500,000 settlement in 2017 for Executive Director who claimed that he had been harassed and ultimately terminated on account of race and sexual orientation.
• Confidential(2017). 
  Settlement of $2,300,000 on behalf of Executive Director terminated for complaining of about sex harassment by a Board member.
• Confidential (2017). 
  2017 Settlement of $975,000 for associate denied partnership.
• Confidential (2016). 
  $250,000 settlement in 2016 on behalf of janitor illegal terminated from his job in retaliation for complaining of illegal activity.
• Confidential (2016). 
  $630,000 involving allegations of unlawful termination in retaliation for Plaintiffs claims of race discrimination.
• Confidential (2014). 
  Settlement for $2,750,000 in discrimination and Harassment case brought on behalf of African-American employee harassed by co-workers where supervisors refused to take corrective measures.
• Confidential (2014). 
  $165,200 settlement against employer accused of having its Executive Director arrested for allegedly stealing a computer.
• Confidential (2009). 
  A workplace sexual harassment and retaliation lawsuit involving a gay male who was terminated from his employment after complaining to the owners of graphic harassment by the owners against himself, based on his sexual orientation, and other employees based on sex and race. Settled on the eve of trial for $1.3 million.
• Confidential (2009). 
  Settlement of a sex/pregnancy discrimination case against a music publishing company settled for $450,000.
• Confidential (2009). 
  $1.1 million settlement against public entity on behalf of three plaintiffs who alleged retaliation for prior complaints and/or support for the others’ complaints of discrimination.
• Confidential (2004). 
  Retaliation for whistleblowing claims settled for $1.2 million.
• Confidential (2004). 
  Arbitrator’s award of $770,000 million for retaliation on behalf of client who complained of discrimination.
• Confidential (2003). 
  In one of the largest settlements of its kind, our firm resolved claims of salesperson wrongfully terminated based on race in the amount of $3.4 million.
• Confidential (2001). 
  After years of litigation, our lawyers obtained a $3.2 million settlement against a major tele-communications company where they were denied their commissions on a multi-million dollar services contract.
• Confidential (2000). 
  Our attorneys obtained a settlement on behalf of investment broker wrongfully terminated on account of her gender in the amount of $9 million.
• Confidential (1998). 
  Settlement of sexual harassment case against a national law firm settled for $1.1 million.
• Confidential (1997). 
  Settlement of sexual harassment case against a television company resolved for $870,000.
• Confidential (1995). 
  Confidential settlement: $800,000 settlement in a sexual harassment, retaliation case brought on behalf of a female working in the male-dominated aerospace industry.

WAGE & HOUR CLASS ACTIONS

• Wang v. Chinese Daily News (United States District Court, Central District, Case No. CV-04-1498 CBM, 2015). 
  In one of the largest and most significant class action matters to go to trial in California, our attorneys obtained a verdict of $5,200,000, following a jury and bench trial, in action brought by hourly newspaper employees against Chinese Daily News for claims of unpaid overtime and other wage and hour violations. Link to opinion for Wang v. Chinese Daily News, Inc. (9th Cir. 2010) 623 F.3d 743.).
• Diaz v. Grill Concepts Services, Inc., dba Daily Grill (Los Angeles County Superior Court, Case No. BC 542720, 2018). 
  In another precedent setting matter that went to trial, our attorneys obtained a verdict of $864,756.84 in an action to recover back wages, interest and waiting time penalties against hotel restaurant under the City of Los Angeles’ Airport Hotel Living Wage Ordinance. The judgment was affirmed on appeal. Diaz v. Grill Concepts Services, Inc. (2018) 23 Cal.App.5th 859 (link).
• Flores v. Albertsons, Inc (United States District Court, Central District, Case No. 2:01-cv-00515, 2005). 
  We obtained a $22,400,000 settlement in a significant and complex action brought on behalf of janitors against three major supermarket chains in California – Albertsons, Ralphs, and Safeway (Vons) for failure to pay the state minimum wage or the required premium for overtime.
• Craig, et al. v. Corteva, Inc., et al. (United States District Court, Northern District, Case No. 3:17-cv-07923, 2021). 
  $3,900,000 settlement preliminarily approved in 2021 in action brought by hourly employees against Dow Agrosciences, LLC, and the Dow Chemical Co. The Plaintiffs alleged violations of California’s wage and hour laws, including the failure to provide duty-free meal and rest periods.
• Class Action Against Major Energy Company (2021). 
  Our firm obtained a $15,250,000 settlement in 2021 on behalf of hourly shift workers against a California oil refinery. The Plaintiffs alleged violations of California’s wage and hour laws, including the failure to provide rest breaks and accurate wage statements. The settlement was one of the largest in the state in 2021.
• Class Action Against Major Energy Company (2020). 
  $17,375,000 settlement in 2020 in action brought by oil field and refinery operators against major energy company. The Plaintiffs alleged violations of California’s wage and hour laws, including the failure to provide rest breaks and accurate wage statements. The settlement was the fourth largest class action settlement in California in 2020.
• Hoang, et al. v. Gdlele Corp, et al. (Orange County Superior Court, Case No. 30-2015-00770823, 2019). 
  Orange County Superior Court. Lawsuit filed on behalf of four Vietnamese nail salon workers alleging unlawful wage and hour practices, such as wage fraud and missed meal and rest breaks. The parties reached a monetary settlement in 2019.
• USW v. ConocoPhillips (United States District Court, Central District, Case No. CV08-2068 (2013). 
  Our attorneys obtained a $15,500,000 settlement in action brought by refinery workers against ConocoPhillips after having summary judgment reversed by the Ninth Circuit. The Plaintiffs alleged the failure to provide meal periods as required by California law.
• Kendig, et al. v. ExxonMobil Oil Corp, et al. (United States District Court, Central District, Case No. 2:18-cv-9224, 2020). 
  $4,391,585 settlement in 2020 in action brought by refinery operators against ExxonMobil. The Plaintiffs alleged violation of California’s wage and hour laws, including the failure to provide rest breaks and accurate wage statements.
• Aguilar v. Flying Food Group Pacific, Inc (Los Angeles County Superior Court, Case No. BC 553539, 2018). 
  $4,150,000 settlement in action brought by employees against Flying Food Group Pacific, Inc. The settlement for claims of unpaid overtime and other wage and hour violations was the 8th largest Labor and Employment Settlement in California for the year.
• Berlanga, et al. v. Equilon Enterprises LLC, et al. (United States District Court, Central District, Case No. 4:17-cv-00282, 2019). 
  In another action brought on behalf of hourly shift workers, we reached a $7,750,000 settlement in action brought by refinery operators for rest break violations. Class members received on average more than $9,000.
• Buzas v. Phillips 66 Company (United States District Court, Central District, Case No. 4:17-cv-00163, 2018). 
  $5,500,000 settlement in action brought by refinery operators against Phillips 66 Company for rest break violations.
• Murphy v. CVS Caremark (Los Angeles County Superior Court, Case No. BC 464785, 2017). 
  After protracted litigation, our attorneys obtained the 2nd largest wage and hour class action settlement in California for 2017 in the amount of $12,750,000 in action brought by hourly employees against CVS. The Plaintiffs alleged wage and hour violations, including the failure to pay employees while subject to employer control during security checks.
• Diaz v. Accor Business and Leisure North America, Inc. dba Sofitel Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills (Los Angeles County Superior Court, Case No. BC 621422, 2017). 
  $690,000 settlement in 2017 in action brought by hotel employees against Sofitel Hotel. The Plaintiffs alleged violation of the Los Angeles Citywide Hotel Worker Minimum Wage Ordinance, the failure to provide meal and rest periods, and the failure to pay minimum wage and overtime compensation.
• Ochoa v Brisam LAX (Los Angeles County Superior Court, Case No. BC 493242, 2014). 
  $390,000 settlement in 2014 in action brought by workers against hotel. The Plaintiffs alleged wage and hour violations for failing to pay employees the Living Wage under the City of Los Angeles’ Airport Hotel Living Wage Ordinance.
• Diaz v. Ampco (Los Angeles County Superior Court, Case No. BC 362932, 2012). 
  $4,700,000 settlement in 2012 in action brought by parking attendants against Ampco for wage and hour violations, including the failure to provide meal and rest breaks and to pay minimum wage and overtime compensation.
• Parmer v. Ziba Beauty Center, Inc. (Los Angeles County Superior Court, Case No. BC 392872, 2012). 
  $250,000 settlement in 2012 in action brought by individuals who were employed by Ziba Beauty Center, Inc. The Plaintiffs alleged violations of California’s wage and hour laws, including the failure to provide rest breaks, failure to fully and timely pay terminated employees, and the failure to provide accurate wage statements.
• Andrade v. Terra Universal (Orange County Superior Court, Case No. 00473739-CU-OE-CX, 2011). 
  $450,000 settlement in action brought by all nonexempt current and former employees at Terra Universal. The Plaintiffs alleged the failure to be paid in accordance with the law and to be provided accurate wage statements. (link to article)
• Barrientos v. Hilton Los Angeles Airport (Los Angeles County Superior Court, Case No. BC 403925, 2011). 
  $2,500,000 settlement in action brought by hourly hotel workers against Hilton Hotels. The Plaintiffs alleged meal and rest break and overtime violations.
• Small v. Brinderson (Orange County Superior Court, Case No. No. 04CC00717, 2010). 
  $5,250,000 settlement in action brought by construction trade employees against Brinderson Constructors, Inc. The Plaintiffs alleged violations of wage and hour laws, including unpaid overtime and the failure to provide meal and rest breaks.
• Morales v. Aramark Corporation (United States District Court, Central District, Case No. CV-09-05565, 2010). 
  $3,900,000 settlement in action brought by food service workers against Aramark Corporation. The Plaintiffs alleged the failure to provide meal and rest break and overtime violations.
• De La Rosa v. ICC Collision Centers (Los Angeles County Superior Court, Case No. BC 389024, 2009). 
  $250,000 settlement in action brought by body shop workers who were denied overtime.
• Hernandez v. Tyco International (US) Inc (Los Angeles County Superior Court, Case No. BC315749, 2008). 
  In one of the fist wage and overtime class action matters brought on behalf of factory workers, our attorneys obtained a $4,900,000 settlement against Tyco International for unpaid overtime and meal and rest break violations.
• Navarro v. Pacifica Hosts Hotels, Inc (Los Angeles County Superior Court, Case No. BC352017, 2008). 
  In one of the first class actions of its kind, our attorneys filed suit against owner of 19 hotels alleging unpaid overtime and the failure to provide meal and rest breaks. After years of contentious litigation, we obtain $6,500,000 settlement for our clients.
• Amaro v. the Ritz-Carlton, Huntington Hotel & Spa (Los Angeles County Superior Court, Case No. BC 376739, 2008). 
  $975,000 settlement in action brought by hotel workers against the Ritz-Carlton, Huntington Hotel & Spa. The Plaintiffs alleged the failure to pay wages and provide meal and rest breaks.
• Soto v. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc (Los Angeles County Superior Court, Case No. BC 352849, 2007). 
  $3,000,000 settlement in action brought by hourly hotel workers at Westin LAX hotel. The Plaintiffs alleged meal and rest break and overtime violations.
• Rogers v. Weyerhaeuser Corp (United States District Court, Central District, Case No. CV-05-06076 NM, 2006). 
  $1,500,000 settlement in action brought by hourly employees against Weyerhaeuser Corp. alleging meal and rest break and overtime violations.
• Levitan v. TV Fanfare Media Inc (Los Angeles County Superior Court, Case No. BC 241713, 2004). 
  $1,850,000 settlement in action brought by individuals misclassified as independent contractors.

CIVIL & HUMAN RIGHTS

• Adree Edmo v. Idaho Department of Corrections, et al. (United States District Court, District of Idaho, Case No. 1:17-cv-00151, 2021). 
  Lawsuit filed on behalf of Native American transgender prisoner who was denied medically urgent treatment for her severe gender dysphoria. Successfully obtained the first appellate court decision ordering a state to provide a prisoner gender confirmation surgery.
• Confidential (2018). 
  $1,900,000 settlement for employer’s denial of health benefits to spouse of employee.
• Meares v. Rim of the World Unified School District (United States District Court, Central District of California, Case No. CV-02096, 2017). 
  Lawsuit brought by high school student with disabilities and his mother against public high school for denying student the opportunity to participate on the school mountain biking team on account of his disabilities. The District Court issued the first federal court decision recognizing an equal right under the IDEA for students with disabilities to participate in extracurricular activities. Settlement of $1,000,000, development of policies setting forth procedures for encouraging disabled students to participate in extra-curricular activities, and creation of a permanent Superintendent/Parent Advisory Board to discuss issues significant to special education students and students with a plan under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Published opinion at 269 F. Supp. 3d 1041 (C.D. Cal. 2016).
• Sara Khalil Farsakh, et al. v. Urth Caffe Corporation, et al. (Orange County Superior Court, Case No. 30-2016-00849787, 2018). 
  Our firm and co-counsel settled a lawsuit on behalf of seven Muslim women forced to leave Urth Caffe because of they were visibly Muslim. The settlement agreement required the restaurant chain to hold diversity trainings and update its policies.
• Advokids v. County of Los Angeles (Los Angeles County Superior Court Case No. BS150163, 2017). 
  Settlement for Injunctive Relief and $500,000 in lawsuit against Los Angeles County Department of Children & Family Services for failing to give notice to foster parents and grandparents prior to moving children to another placement. Settlement resulted in change in policy and three years of court supervision to ensure that the County complies with settlement terms.
• Christian Rodriguez et al. v. City of Los Angeles (United States District Court, Central District, Case No. CV11-01135, 2016). 
  Represented two plaintiffs arrested by the LAPD on suspicion of violating a curfew provision of a gang injunction filed this landmark class action lawsuit. Plaintiffs enjoined the City of Los Angeles from enforcing unconstitutional provisions in 26 gang injunctions or serving any of the injunctions without required notices, and created a Jobs and Education program valued between $4.5 and $30 million dollars for 5,700 class members and their families, an expedited process to apply to be removed from the gang injunction, and a City-funded program providing tattoo removal services.
• Former Men’s Central Jail Inmate v. Los Angeles County (2013). 
  Settlement of $475,000 from Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department for civil rights violations involving excessive force at the Men’s Central Jail.
• Bardzik v. Orange County Sheriff’s Department (United States District Court, Central District, 2012). 
  Precedent establishing $950,000 settlement against the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and former Orange County Sheriff Michael Carona for violating Bardzik’s First Amendment freedom of speech rights by retaliating against him for supporting Carona’s opponent in the election for sheriff. Not only did HSRR secure a published decision from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit upholding Bardzik’s claims and finding that Carona was not entitled to qualified immunity but the settlement of $950,000 is one of the largest settlements of its kind in the history of Orange County.
• South Central Farmers Feeding Families v. City of Los Angeles (Los Angeles County Superior Court, Case No. BC 311110, 2004). 
  Represented over 300 low-income families in a struggle to preserve land for a much-needed urban community garden in South Los Angeles. In 2004, Plaintiffs filed a lawsuit challenging the City of Los Angeles’ sale of the 14-acre community garden to a private developer. The City of Los Angeles had acquired the property by eminent domain from the developer in the 1980s, and for many years thereafter, the property was used by members of the community as an urban farm and community garden. Then, in 2002, the developer filed a lawsuit against the City of Los Angeles for alleged breach of an agreement to sell the property. Despite prevailing in the early stages of the litigation, the City suddenly and inexplicably agreed to settle the lawsuit with the developer in 2003. Plaintiffs then filed suit in February 2004, alleging a taxpayer claim for waste by the City for expending public funds to settle litigation without adequate consideration. The case was hard fought but ultimately lost at trial. The South Central Farmers garnered nationwide support for its cause, and the grassroots organization continues today in its commitment to engaging and empowering community members around attaining food sovereignty and access to high quality organic produce. The Oscar-nominated 2008 American documentary film The Garden details the story of the South Central Farmers and the struggle to keep the community garden.
• Doe v. Unocal (Los Angeles County Superior Court, Case No. BC 237980, 2006). 
  Represented Burmese villagers in landmark lawsuit against U.S. oil and gas company Unocal for human rights abuses relating to the Yadana natural gas pipeline project. In 2005, the plaintiffs reached a settlement with Unocal that compensated plaintiffs and provided funds enabling plaintiffs and their representatives to develop programs to improve living conditions, health care and education and protect the rights of people from the pipeline region. This historic settlement was the first human rights lawsuit against a multinational corporation for abuses committed abroad that resulted in compensation for the survivors.
• Doe v. Newport-Mesa Unified School District (2009). 
  In one of the first cases of its kind, our attorneys obtained a settlement of claims for sexual orientation and sexual discrimination and harassment, providing for extensive mandatory training for school administrators, teachers, and staff on the harmful impacts of discrimination and harassment and how to maintain a safe and nondiscriminatory learning environment for all students.
• Avery v. OCTA (Orange County Superior Court, 2009). 
  Our attorneys achieved a $3 million class action settlement and extensive injunctive relief on behalf of plaintiffs who were assessed excessive and unreasonable fines for nonpayment of Orange County toll penalties.
• Trujillo v. City of Ontario (Los Angeles County Superior Court, 2009). 
  In one of the first cases of its kind, we represented employees who had been videotaped by police without their knowledge or consent (2009). After extensive litigation, the City agreed to pay $2.75 million to settle class action right to privacy claims.
• Ruiz v. Jackson (Los Angeles County Superior Court, 2004). 
  Our firm obtained a jury verdict of $825,000 on behalf of Philippine plaintiff brought to Los Angeles and forced to work 18 hours per day while captive in defendants’ home. Prevailed on all claims, including false imprisonment, fraud, assault, battery, and negligence against defendants, one of whom was a lawyer and executive at Sony Pictures.
• Blair v. City of Pomona (United States District Court, Central District, 2001). 
  In one of the first cases brought by an officer against its department, our attorneys represented a whistleblower who was retaliated against for his role in bringing forward allegations of police misconduct. Settled for $635,000 and agreement to allow client to return to job.
• Hail v. DPSS (1991). 
  Our firm obtained a significant settlement during trial of a due process denial for a provider of developmental services — $1.4 million.
• Compton v. Baca (1991). 
  Pursuing novel legal claims, Hadsell & Stormer recovered $14 million on civil rights for client wrongfully deprived of property in violation of the United State Constitution.
• Zinzun v. City of Los Angeles (1991). 
  Precedent setting case on behalf of a Black Panther running for public office against the City of Los Angeles for the unlawful use of police resources in order to create a false public image of the Plaintiff. The matter was tried to a jury and resulted in a verdict of $3.84 million, which was a record result at the time. Link to Los Angeles Times Article.
• Troffer v. United States (1986). 
  Judgment for over $1 million based upon a denial of due process for firefighters wrongfully denied access to their jobs.

POLICE MISCONDUCT & PRISONERS' RIGHTS

• Estate of Michael Lee v. California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (United States District Court, Eastern District of California, Case No. 2:20-cv-01161, 2021). 
  $1,400,000 settlement in wrongful death lawsuit filed on behalf of mother and Estate of Michael Lee. Mr. Lee was entered the custody of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation with a documented history of mental illness and suicide attempts. Once incarcerated, Mr. Lee was denied constitutionally adequate mental health care and committed suicide.
• A.G. v. County of Los Angeles (United States District Court, Central District of California, Case No. 2:17-cv-00074, 2021). 
  $3,840,000 settlement in wrongful death lawsuit filed on behalf of mother and minor son of 26-year old Bryan Pickett II. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputies responding to Mr. Pickett’s mental health crisis entered his home, ignored his requests that they leave, and tased him in the chest for 34 seconds, killing him. Mr. Pickett was unarmed. The California Court of Appeal published a precedential decision in the preceding state court establishing new rights for non-biological children by reversing the lower court’s decision that Mr. Pickett’s non-biological son lacked standing to sue simply based only on his biology.
• Karla Garcia Aranda, et al. v. County of Los Angeles, et al., (United States District Court, Central District of California, Case No. 19-cv-01770, 2021). 
  $400,000 settlement for minor child and his parents after Los Angeles County social workers removed child from his parents’ care and placed him in the unlicensed home of a sexual predator without conducting required background checks, resulting in child’s abuse.
• Darrell Allen, Sr. et al v. County of San Bernardino et al. (United States District Court, Central District of California, Case No. 5:20-cv-00283, 2021). 
  Our firm represented the parents of a Black man killed by a San Bernardino County Sheriff’s deputy in July 2019. Case settled for $1,600,000.
• Erika Sepulveda v. City of Whittier, et al. (United States District Court, Central District of California, Case No. 2:17-cv-4457, 2020). 
  Lawsuit filed against the City of Whittier and its police officers on behalf of family subjected to armed robbery after the officers abandoned them at a crime scene. $405,000 settlement obtained in 2020.
• Estate of Mark Pajas, Sr., et al. v. County of Monterey, et al. (United States District Court, Northern District of California Case No. 16-cv-00945, 2019). 
  Our firm represented the family of Mark Pajas, Sr., who died within 24 hours of arriving at Monterey County Jail because jail staff refused him urgent medical attention. A federal jury awarded the family $1,600,000 and the case subsequently settled for $2,875,000.
• Jacob Parenti, et al. v. County of Monterey, et al. (United States District Court, Northern District of California Case No. 14-cv-05481, 2019). 
  $365,000 settlement in wrongful death lawsuit brought by minor child and mother of 33-year old Jacob Parenti for denying Mr. Parenti necessary health care, resulting in his death.
• Zion, et al. v. County of Orange, et al. (United States District Court, Central District of California Case No. 14-cv-01134 2019). 
  $360,000 jury verdict in a lawsuit brought by the mother of a 21-year old man, who was shot and killed by Orange County Sheriff’s Deputies. After the shooting, an officer stomped repeatedly on the son’s head as he lay dying. The case settled for $1.1 million after the jury reached its verdict. The trial was very challenging because the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals had previously ruled that the deadly portion of the shooting by the police officer was justified and, thus, lawful. As a result, the jury could only award damages for the Deputies’ excessive force against the son as he lay dying, when the officer stomped repeatedly on the son’s head.
• Jasmin Salcido et al. v. City of Whittier et al. (United States District Court, Central District of California, Case No. 2:17-cv-08819, 2019). 
  We represented the parents of a 27-year-old man experiencing a mental health crisis whom Whittier Police Department officers crushed and suffocated to death. The case settled for $1,900,000 just before trial.
• Estate of Erika Rocha v. California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation et al. (United States District Court, Central District of California, Case No. EDCV 17-0869, 2019). 
  Lawsuit filed on behalf of family of mentally ill woman who committed suicide while incarcerated at the California Institution for Women, after a federal court ordered prison officials to correct the mental health care deficiencies that contributed to her death. The parties reached a $1,501,500 settlement in 2019.
• Joshua Mayfield, et al. v. Ivan Orozco, et al. (United States District Court, Eastern District, Case No.: 13-cv-02499, 2019). 
  Settled during trial for $5,000,000. Case brought on behalf of family of 19-year-old quadriplegic against County of Sacramento where Plaintiff attempted suicide after being beaten by jail guards. Case settled after finding that County improperly excluded African Americans from serving on the jury.
• Heleine Tchayou, et al. v. City of Los Angeles, et al. (United States District Court, Central District of California, Case No.: 16-cv-06073, 2018). 
  Our firm represented the family of Charly “Africa” Keunang, a mentally ill man shot to death by LAPD officers near his encampment on Skid Row. The parties reached a $1,950,000 settlement following a jury verdict finding two LAPD officers liable for excessive force.
• Estate of Bertram Hiscock, et al. v. County of Yuba, et al. (United States District Court, Eastern District of California, Case No.: 17-cv-02706, 2018). 
  We represented the family of a mentally ill man who committed suicide while incarcerated at the Yuba County Jail after two prior suicide attempts. The parties settled the lawsuit for $1,000,000.
• Estate of Sandra Vela, et al. v. County of Monterey, et al. (United States District Court, Northern District of California, Case No. 16-cv-02375, 2018). 
  Lawsuit filed on behalf of the family of a 52-year-old woman who committed suicide after she was prematurely discharged from suicide watch and placed in a cell with known suicide hazards. The case settled for $2,850,000 after the Court granted in part Plaintiff’s motion for partial summary judgment.
• Khanly Saycon, Jr. et al. v. City of Long Beach et al. (United States District Court, Central District of California, Case No. 2:16-cv-05614, 2018). 
  Hadsell Stormer Renick & Dai LLP represented the family of a 39-year-old man with paranoid schizophrenia, who was shot and killed by Long Beach Police Department officers. The lawsuit settled for $2,000,000 before trial.
• Jermaine Padilla, et al. v. California Dept. of Corrections & Rehabilitation (United States District Court, Central District, Case No.: 14-cv-01118, 2017). 
  Settled after jury selection for $950,000. Plaintiff suffering from mental health issues pepper sprayed and beaten by guards then left strapped down for three days without medical attention.
• De La Trinidad v County of Los Angeles (Los Angeles County Superior Court, Case No. BC 027679, 2016). 
  Wrongful death settlement of $487,500 obtained on behalf of family of individual shot and killed by Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department.

ANTITRUST & CONSUMER PROTECTION

• Pinney v. Great Western Bank (United States District Court, Central District, Case No. CV 95-2110 IH, 1996). 
  In a ground-breaking matter brought on behalf of a class of elderly bank customers, our attorneys obtained the largest settlement of its kind against Great Western for fraudulent sales practices of $16.2 million.
• In Re TFT-LCD (Flat Panel) Antitrust Litigation (MDL 7269, 2014). 
  Antitrust class action on behalf of direct purchasers of LCD screens alleging a nationwide class for price-fixing. The case settled for more than $400,000,000.
• In Re Dynamic Random Access Memory Antitrust Litigation (MDL 1486, 2007). 
  Antitrust class action on behalf of consumers and business consumers of dynamic random-access memory (DRAM). The case settled for more than $330 million.
• In Re Western States Wholesale Natural Gas Litigation (MDL 1566). 
  Settlements of over $150,000,000 in antitrust class action on behalf of California buyers of natural gas.
• In Re Methionine Antitrust Litigation (MDL 1311, 2002). 
  A nationwide class action on behalf of direct purchasers of methionine alleging price-fixing. The case was settled for $107,000,000.
• In Re Compact Disk Cases (J.C.C.P. No. 4123). 
  Antitrust class action on behalf of California consumers of prerecorded compact disks. Settled for more than $100,000,000.
• In Re Smokeless Tobacco Cases I-IV (J.C.C.P. Nos. 4250, 4258, 4259 and 4262, 2008). 
  Certified antitrust class action on behalf of California consumers of smokeless tobacco products. The case settled for $99,000,000 with over $25,000,000 allocated cy pres.
• Vitamin Cases (J.C.C.P. No. 4076, 2003). 
  Antitrust class action on behalf of California consumers of vitamins. The case was settled for $96 million.
• In Re California Indirect Purchaser MSG Antitrust Cases, (No. 304471). 
  Antitrust class action on behalf of California indirect purchasers of Monosodium Glutamate. The case settled for more than $11,000,000 (2005).
• In Re Urethane Cases (J.C.C.P. No. 4367, 2018). 
  Settlements of over $9,000,000 in antitrust class action on behalf of all California indirect purchasers of urethane and urethane chemicals. Served as Co-Liaison Counsel for Plaintiffs and investigated and vetted the 42 California organizations that were approved as recipients of the nearly $8 Million allocated cy pres.
• In Re California Polychloroprene Cases (J.C.C.P. 4376, 2006). 
  Statewide class on behalf of indirect purchasers for polychloroprene. The matter settled in excess of $4.5 million, with more than $3 million contributed to California environmental groups.
• In Re Richard Villa et al. v. Crompton Corporation et al. (Consolidated Case No. CGC-03-419116, 2011). 
  Settlements of over $2,000,000 antitrust class action on behalf of California indirect purchasers of EPDM.

HOUSING RIGHTS

• Orange County Communities Organized for Responsible Development v. City of Garden Grove (Orange County Superior Court, Case No. 30-2019-01102770, 2019). 
  Represented non-profit community organization and successfully obtained a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction preventing the illegal sale of an approximately 100-acre greenfield in park poor area of Santa Ana. This lawsuit forced the City of Garden Grove, which owns the land, to comply with the Surplus Land Act, which requires cities to prioritize land they no longer need for use as affordable housing and park space.
• Kirshman v. Airbnb, Inc. et al (Los Angeles County Superior Court Case No.: BC-604504 2018). 
  In the first case of its kind, Plaintiffs alleged that landlords and Airbnb were liable for evicting long term tenants from their apartments and then renting the apartments as short term rentals. Landlords settled for $775,000. (link to KCRW show).
• Flores v. Stern (2009). 
  In a ground-breaking Los Angeles case against a slumlord, Hadsell & Stormer represented 15 families in a fiercely litigated habitability suit against the current and former landlords of an apartment building at 721 Westlake Avenue in the MacArthur Park district of the Los Angeles. Our attorneys recovered a record setting settlement of more than $4.5 million against the defendants who allowed the property to fall into egregious disrepair.
• Confidential Slumlord Case (2003). 
  In this high-profile matter, Hadsell & Stormer represented 11 Latino families whose Echo Park apartment building collapsed in the middle of the night resulting in significant injuries and a loss of housing. The matter settled for more than $4.75 million, one of the largest settlements of its kind.