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GEORGE L. GUTIERREZ

EDUCATION

GEORGE L. GUTIERREZ graduated cum laude from California State University, Long Beach, with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.  He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of San Francisco School of Law and was admitted to the California State Bar in 2014. During law school, Mr. Gutierrez earned a Certificate in Intellectual Property & Technology Law with Honors, served as a Survey Author for the USF Intellectual Property Law Bulletin, and was a Technical Editor for the USF Maritime Law Journal.  He also authored multiple legal publications.

BACKGROUND

Prior to joining Samuelsen, Gonzalez, Valenzuela & Brown, LLP, Mr. Gutierrez was a Partner at a prominent maritime law firm, where he defended multinational insurance carriers and employers in defense of claims brought under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act and its extensions. His extensive litigation background includes conducting hundreds of depositions, evaluating and litigating high-exposure claims before the Office of Administrative Law Judges and Benefits Review Board, and consistently securing favorable outcomes through strategic negotiation and trial advocacy. 

Mr. Gutierrez also previously worked as a Senior Associate Attorney at a Los Angeles-based law firm, where he represented insurance carriers and third-party administrators in all phases of California workers’ compensation litigation.  

Mr. Gutierrez is known for his client-focused approach, prioritizing clear communication and tailored legal strategies to achieve optimal outcomes. He is committed to delivering results through meticulous preparation, aggressive defense strategies, and effective advocacy. He takes pride in guiding his clients through the litigation process with dedication and clarity, ensuring their goals are always his top priority. 

Mr. Gutierrez handles both California state workers’ compensation claims and federal claims in the firm’s San Diego office. 

August 2019

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Recent Take Nothing Award – Jeffrey J. Whitelaw – Mar 2017

Applicant, a 58 year-old, claimed they suffered a right knee injury while working at a landfill as an employee of a placement agency. The claim was denied following an employer-level investigation.

Applicant received significant conservative medical treatment and underwent a right knee MRI revealing significant damage. Applicant’s treating physician issued multiple reports indicating that applicant’s condition remained temporarily totally disabling. He also referred applicant to a specialist and thought applicant would ultimately require surgery on their knee. The parties also went to a PQME who opined that applicant’s injury was consistent with the described mechanism of injury.

Prior to trial, the parties had agreed to settle this matter for a $20,000.00 Compromise and Release. Applicant, however, then fired his attorney and retained new counsel. Applicant’s new attorney informed defendants that the case value was closer to $100,000.00, given the nearly 15 months of TTD potentially owed as well as expected permanent disability and future medical care.

After further settlement negotiations stalled, the parties conducted the AOE/COE trial. Applicant testified on his behalf and claimed that he had stepped into a sinkhole while working at the landfill causing the right knee injury. Applicant further testified that, immediately after injuring himself, they informed a co-worker, the landfill supervisor and their supervisor. Defendants presented two witnesses: applicant’s co-worker and their supervisor. Both denied that applicant had reported the injury on that day. Applicant’s supervisor further testified applicant had later come to his office and was paid for the week.

After hearing testimony, the trial Judge, ruled in defendants’ favor and issued a Take Nothing. The Judge found a number of inconsistencies in applicant’s testimony and found that defendants’ witnesses testified credibly.

AUGUST 2016

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SEPTEMBER 2015

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MARCH 2015

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January 2014

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September 2013

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Irvine

19900 MacArthur
Suite 910
Irvine, CA 92612

TEL:  949.252.1300
FAX:  949.252.1399

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