SHK Law is proud to announce that two of our founding partners, Brian Kim and Maureen Hennessey, secured an $18.79 million jury verdict in a slip and fall case in Santa Monica, California, back in February 2023, while they were attorneys at Savin Bursk Law. This is believed to be one of the largest, if not the largest, slip and fall verdicts in the nation for a lumbar spine injury not resulting in quadriplegia.

As detailed in a February 2023 article by Trial Guides, Brian and Maureen represented Jonathan Choto, a 28-year-old who slipped and fell on a spilled liquid at a McDonald’s in 2018, severely aggravating a prior lumbar spine injury. The fall caused damage to the nerve roots in Mr. Choto’s already susceptible spine, ultimately necessitating surgery to implant a permanent spinal cord stimulator.

Over the course of the 5-day trial, Brian and Maureen presented a compelling case highlighting how this life-altering injury occurred and its profound impact on Mr. Choto’s life. Key to their success was a powerful voir dire that established trust with the jury, a masterful opening statement that preemptively diffused the defense’s main arguments, and an empathetic direct examination that allowed the jury to connect with Mr. Choto’s story on a human level.

The Santa Monica jury awarded Mr. Choto $18,794,132.14 in total damages, including $16 million for future pain and suffering alone. This outstanding result demonstrates Brian and Maureen’s exceptional trial advocacy skills and their dedication to fighting for justice on behalf of the catastrophically injured.

Since this landmark victory, Brian and Maureen have gone on to establish SHK Law, where they continue their mission of providing zealous, client-focused representation to those who have suffered life-changing injuries due to the negligence of others. If you or a loved one has been seriously hurt in a slip and fall or other accident, contact our experienced team of trial lawyers today for a free consultation. We’re here to help you get the compensation you deserve.