Robert was voted the 2016 Trial Lawyer of the Year by the Consumer Attorneys of San Diego for — among other cases — the recent work he did on a complex product liability case. The litigation arose from a 2014 incident, when a defective power assist wheelchair failed — seriously injuring the plaintiff, an incomplete quadriplegic at the time of the incident, who was descending the ramp from his van in the wheelchair. Without warning the wheelchair’s power assist mechanism failed, sending the plaintiff crashing into an adjacent vehicle causing him to break his tibia and fibula. Although the plaintiff did not require surgery for his injuries, he now experiences chronic permanent pain. Following the trial, the jury returned a $7.6 million verdict for Robert’s client.
A CaseyGerry attorney for over 30 years, partner Robert J. Francavilla says his most important job is to get to know each client – and their inherent qualities as human beings – in order to completely understand their harms and losses. “Believing in and having compassion for the people I represent helps drive me to fight for the justice to which they are entitled.”
Adapting this approach has helped Robert make an important difference in the lives of many, as well as earn many accolades and high profile verdicts and settlements over the years. Specializing in serious personal injury, premises liability and highway design cases, he has successfully handled the gamut of complex cases, including tragic losses involving wrongful death, paraplegia, quadriplegia, severe burns, loss of limbs and major orthopedic injuries.
A highly respected trial lawyer, fellow attorneys often request that he try lawsuits on hehalf of their clients. In his free time between trials, Robert, who is a native of Los Angeles and has lived in San Diego for 35 years, enjoys spending time with his wife Carla and their two sons. He also enjoys running, weight training and attending his children’s activities.