Scott L. Hengesbach

Scott L. Hengesbach is a Partner in the Los Angeles office of Murchison & Cumming, LLP and Chair of the firm's Toxic Tort and Environmental Law practice group. With more than 30 years of experience as a trial attorney, Scott focuses his practice on product liability, transportation, general liability, toxic tort and environmental litigation, and medically complex cases, including traumatic brain injury claims.

Scott has a successful track record in challenging and excluding expert medical testimony lacking an adequate scientific foundation. He leverages his extensive understanding of medical science to effectively evaluate cases and cross-examine expert witnesses. In a notable high-stakes product liability case, Scott defended a manufacturer against claims that its product caused acute liver failure, allegedly necessitating a liver transplant. After filing a motion for summary judgment, he seamlessly resolved the matter for nuisance value, securing a highly favorable outcome for his client.

Scott’s interest in legal advocacy began in high school when he was introduced to the debate program director has his local high school. His experience in public speaking, argumentation, and debate refined his ability to analyze arguments, think on his feet, and communicate persuasive reasoning—skills that have been instrumental in his career as a trial attorney. Scott earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Redlands, where he debated for four years, before obtaining his law degree from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law. While in law school, he served as Comment Staff Writer and Editor for the Law Review and Journal, utilizing his legal research and writing skills. Recognized for his strategic litigation approach and deep legal acumen, Scott is AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell.

Outside of the office, Scott is a dedicated sports enthusiast and leader. He coached AYSO soccer and girls' softball for several years and has captained his basketball team in the Landau Lawyer League for more than three decades. Away from the office, he enjoys tackling hands-on DIY projects, from rebuilding cabinets to designing new home features.

Representative Published Decisions

• Greb v. Diamond Int'l Corp., 2013 WL 628328 (CA S.Ct. Feb. 21, 2013)

Speaking Engagements

• Distinguished Guest Mock Trial Participant & Speaker, Gary Dordick's 3rd Annual Dordick Trial College, Cabo San Lucas, May 2023
• “Trends & Perspectives on Back Injury Litigation” Second Annual Meeting of the Western Energy Institute, August 14, 2014, Los Angeles, CA
• "Admissibility Of Expert Witness Testimony: The New Rule In California," 20th Annual National Forum on Environmental & Toxic Torts Issues (FETTI), Chicago, IL, September 10, 2013
• "When is a Dissolved Corporation Subject to Liability?" USLAW Network/Murchison & Cumming, LLP 2013 CLE Program & Summer Beach Bash, June 25, 2013, Santa Monica, CA
• "Sunshine and Hot Topics," USLAW Network/Murchison & Cumming, LLP 2013 CLE Program & Summer Beach Bash, June 25, 2013, Santa Monica, CA
• "Sargon v. USC; The Changing Playing Field of Expert Witness Testimony," Murchison & Cumming Year in Review, May 6, 2013, Los Angeles, CA
• "Recent Developments in Brain Damage Litigation," Murchison & Cumming Year in Review, April 24, 2012, Los Angeles, CA
• "Defending Traumatic Brain Injury Claims," Farmers Symposium, June 28-29, 2011, Westlake, CA
• "Recent Developments in Brain Damage Litigation," Chubb Insurance, Los Angeles, CA, April 27, 2011
• "Emerging Neuroimaging Techniques Influencing Brain Damage Claims," USLAW Network Five City Tour, Dallas, TX, January 18, 2011
• "Analysis of Medical Records," Southern California Edison in-house counsel and claims personnel, Rosemead, CA, January 27, 2010
• "Recent Developments and Trial Strategies in Benzene Litigation," 16th Annual National Forum on Environmental & Toxic Torts Issues (FETTI), Chicago, IL, October 2, 2009
• "Managing Experts and Utilizing Mold Science," Farmers Insurance National Mold Symposium, University of Farmers, Westlake, CA, July 18, 2007
• “Exploring the Poisoned Mind – Brain Injury Evidence in Toxic Tort Cases,” U.S. Law Network 2005 Client Conference, New Orleans, LA, March 11, 2005
• “Utilizing Expert Witnesses in Product Liability Litigation,” M&C’s 2004 Fall Symposium, 2004

Published Works

• "Finding the True Meaning of Sargon," Los Angeles Daily Journal, May 16, 2013
• US - Notizen (Re: Medtronic, Inc. v. Lohr), PHi, May, 1997
• "The Devolution of Failure to Warn Doctrine," (Co-Author), For the Defense, November, 1991
• "Comment K, A Prescription For the Over-the-Counter Drug Industry," 22 Pac. L.J. 43, 1990