Hon. Catherine A. Gallagher (Ret.) is a full time neutral with JAMS and frequently mediates personal injury disputes. Prior to becoming a neutral, she spent 25 years as a trial court judge in Santa Clara County, including two years as the Presiding Judge, and handled law and motion matters, trials, settlement conferences, and case management conferences in all types of disputes, including personal injury matters. Her diverse experience has provided her great insight to the resolution of complex, contentious, and highly emotional matters. Her personal manner, calm demeanor, and positive approach to resolution allow her to successfully deal with the emotional factors which commonly create obstacles to settlement.
Representative Matters
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Mediated various highly sensitive Domestic Violence civil cases including violations of restraining orders, as well as physical and psychological abuse cases
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Handled numerous design defect cases and work place hazards at construction sites involving falling off a ladder, bodily injury to pedestrians near building site and faulty manufacturer of construction products
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Resolved a number of dog bite cases including facial scares to young children and permanent injury to limbs
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Resolved a police officer shooting case alleging use of excessive force resulting in paralysis to young man
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Settled multiple elder abuse cases involving physical, psychological and financial abuse of the elderly
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Resolved cases regarding negligent supervision of children at day care centers and highly emotional cases involving sexual abuse of children and developmentally delayed adults
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Resolved case involving exposure to toxic chemicals in uterus resulting in birth defects
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Handled wide variety of automobile accidents including injuries to pedestrians, persons of all ages from child to the elderly, individuals with pre existing conditions and cases with severe, permanent injuries
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Resolved several cases involving black mold, mildew and property damage