Attorney James W. Vititoe
40 Years of Legal Experience
Jim graduated from Northside High School in Warner Robins, Georgia, where he was President of the Student Body, Honorary Mayor of the Town and selected as Most Versatile Student. He attended the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia and graduated with a degree in psychology. He thereafter attended Southwestern University School of Law. He was on the Dean's List, President of the Student Bar Association, and was the recipient of the prestigious Frederick Graff Award for most outstanding student.
After graduation from Law School, Jim became an associate in the Law Offices of Edward L. Masry. Jim worked for several years as an associate attorney. In 1982 Jim became a partner. The Law Offices of Edward L. Masry was renamed The Law Offices of Masry & Vititoe.
Noteworthy Cases
In the 1990's, Jim and Ed handled the case now made famous by the movie Erin Brockovich, receiving what was then the largest toxic tort recovery in the history of American law on behalf of hundreds of residents of Hinckley, California, injured or affected by chemicals and toxins in their groundwater as a result of operations of Pacific Gas & Electric Company. In 2005, Ed Masry died and Jim and Steve became partners in the Accident Attorneys firm.
Over the past 20 plus years, Jim has specialized in civil tort litigation and has handled thousands of the following cases:
- Wrongful death
- Work-related injuries
- Auto collisions
- Product liability
- Premises liability
- Medical malpractice
- Environmental exposure
- Brain injuries
Award-Winning Representation
Trial Lawyers for Public Justice (TLPJ), a national trial lawyers organization, awarded Jim their President's Award in July 2001. He was appointed to the Board of Governors for the American Association for Justice (formerly American Trial Lawyers Association) in 2001. Jim received the United States Congressional Award for Trial Lawyer of the Year in 1990, 1991 and 1992.
Jim has earned a number of prestigious accolades, including:
- Super Lawyers by Southern California Super Lawyers Magazine for 10 consecutive years
- Trench Soldier of the Year Consumer Attorneys of California (1996)
- Presidential Recognition for Exceptional Contribution (1996)
- Outstanding Consumer Advocate (1997)
- President's Award of Merit (2000)
- Trial Lawyer of the Year, nominated (2011)
Jim is currently a member of the American Association for Justice, American Bar Association, Trial Lawyers for Public Justice, Consumer Attorneys of California, Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles, and the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He has been named to Super Lawyers by Southern California Super Lawyers Magazine for 10 consecutive years. He also speaks around the country to lawyer groups on traumatic brain injury litigation, his specialty.
In his off hours, Jim enjoys traveling and has visited most of the major countries of the world.
DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS?
WE HAVE ANSWERS
Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 661-261-4929 today!
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What is the minimum amount for a personal injury settlement?
There is no minimum amount of money allowed for a personal injury settlement; every case is determined by the unique facts surrounding the claim. Additionally, most jurisdictions do not have a cap on the amount of my money that you can receive through a personal injury settlement.
In California, the amount of money that you can receive for noneconomic damages (pain, suffering, etc.) for a medical malpractice case is limited to $250,000; however, other injury settlements are not subject to this restriction.
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How will I receive my personal injury settlement?
If you file a claim against an individual, his / her insurance company is probably aware of the judgment. If the insurance is unaware of the settlement, you can notify the insurer. At this point, the insurance provider should issue a check for the settlement.
If the responsible party does not have insurance, you may need to enter the settlement with the court. The court has the authority to enforce the judgment if the responsible party refuses to pay.
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How much is my personal injury case worth?
Every case is different. A variety of circumstances determine the value of your claim. Property damage, medical expenses, hospitalization fees, pain, and suffering, missed wages, and many other factors can affect the outcome of your case.
You can even collect damages for future unemployment / missed wages and ongoing medical costs. Speak with a member of the legal team at Accident Attorneys to learn more about the potential value of your case.
