Murchison & Cumming Welcomes Of Counsel to Los Angeles Office

October 5, 2023

Murchison & Cumming, LLP is pleased to announce Brian C. O'Hara has joined the Los Angeles office as Of Counsel. He brings more than 30 years of experience in various matters, including SIU matters for different carriers on suspected fraudulent claims, transportation, and general liability cases. Brian is currently focusing on general liability defense.

Brian is from a family of attorneys and naturally gravitated toward a career in law. He received his bachelor's degree in English, and before entering law school, he taught English and coached high school basketball and softball. Brian earned his law degree from Loyola Law School in Los Angeles.

Brian understands that legal challenges may be the most difficult experience his clients could ever face. He is an aggressive advocate who works well with clients and carriers on litigated matters. In a recent matter, Brian succeeded in a motion for summary judgment for the defendant, a college fraternity member, being sued by his fraternity brother, who was injured while weightlifting. The plaintiff had several surgeries for his severe nasal fracture and shattered cheekbones and argued that the defendant negligently "spotted" him and knocked the heavily weighted barbell onto his face while he lay unprotected on the bench doing his dumbbell presses. The motion for summary judgment was granted based on the testimony of the parties and case law regarding the assumption of risk in recreational activities, saving multiple tens of thousands of dollars in defense costs for the carrier, and avoiding the risk of a nuclear verdict.