Jim Goodman

James M. Goodman is a partner with Hassard Bonnington and is admitted to practice in Virginia and California. Chair of the firm’s Management Committee, Mr. Goodman is a litigator engaged primarily in the defense of professional liability and products liability cases, including matters referred because the issues present particular difficulty or sensitivity. Mr. Goodman also served as an Assistant District Attorney in San Francisco for six years, trying in excess of forty cases to verdict.

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  • HASSARD BONNINGTON LLP, San Francisco, CA
    Partner, 1982-Present
  • ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY, San Francisco, CA
    Trial Attorney, 1976-1982
  • MILLER AND RALSTON, San Francisco, CA
    Associate, 1974-1976
  • Alleged delay in diagnosis of brain tumor: 12-0 defense verdict. Plaintiff alleged he was not aware of the connection between his recurrent brain tumor and defendant neurologist’s care and treatment. 2021
  • Alleged misappropriated sperm: Defense judgment entered on behalf of fertility clinic and reproductive endocrinologist arising from allegations of negligence, breach of fiduciary duty, conversion, and receipt of stolen property. 2019.
  • Alleged negligent hospitalist management: Defense verdict on behalf of hospitalist in a claim of negligence care provided during hospitalization, including an infection following an intravenous line placement, ultimately progressing to osteomyelitis causing destruction to a level of the spine. 2015.
  • Alleged negligent NICU management of severely premature infant: Defense verdict on behalf of hospital and nursing defendants involving allegations of medical negligence in the management of a neonatal intensive care unit patient; 2013.
  • Complex Litigation Probate Dispute: The case involved a complex probate dispute amongst family members including allegations of undue influence, financial elder abuse, and breach of fiduciary duty. The bench trial lasted approximately seven weeks and to date remains unresolved with ongoing post-trial motions and appeals by both sides. 2013
  • Alleged failure to monitor medications: Defense trial verdict on behalf of physician in a claim alleging failure to monitor patient (also physician) taking prescription medication; 2011.
  • Alleged negligent hiring of health care provider: Defense trial verdict on behalf of hospital involving allegations of negligent hiring and supervision of health care provider employee accused of sexual misconduct; 2008.
  • Alleged negligent hiring of health care provider: Defense trial verdict on behalf of hospital involving allegations of negligent hiring and supervision of health care provider employee accused of sexual misconduct; 2008.
  • Alleged wrongful death following cardiac stenting procedure: Defense trial verdict on behalf of a hospital and physicians involving allegations of medical negligence and wrongful death due to a ruptured aorta during stenting procedure; 2006.
  • Alleged clergy abuse: Defense of clergy abuse case involving a deceased catholic priest; following a pre-trial settlement offer of $1.5 million, plaintiff received a jury verdict of $437,000; 2005.
  • Alleged negligent back surgery:Defense verdict following three-week trial in a case involving allegations that plaintiff suffered complications while undergoing fusion back surgery which utilized an internal fixation device invented and distributed by defendants. Plaintiff challenged the factual basis for his “informed consent” to use of pedicle screw devices; 2001.
  • Alleged negligent obstetrical care: Defense verdict after a four-week trial on behalf of physician in a claim alleging that defendant failed to report absence of fetal movement and that an earlier cesarean section would have prevented severe brain damage; 1991.
  • Kent State University, B.B.A
  • American University, J.D.
  • Article, “Commentary: Legal Aspects of Bacterial Meningitis,” Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal, 1992, 11:700-1
  • Article, “How to Litigate Pediatric Bacterial Meningitis Cases,” Medical Malpractice Law & Strategy,” Vol. XI, 1-2 (1994)
  • Co-Author, Article, “Medical Malpractice in California,” National Business Institute, 1996
  • American College of Trial Lawyers
  • American Board of Trial Advocates
  • International Academy of Trial Lawyers
  • International Society of Barristers

Hassard Bonnington LLP

111 Pine Street, Suite 1530

San Francisco CA 94111

Main (415) 288-9800

Direct (415) 494-4421

jmg@hassard.com