Experts Look for Indemnification from Law Firm in Professional Negligence Case

SAN DIEGO - A California appellate court has reinstated expert witnesses' cross-complaint for indemnification against the law firm that retained them, saying a trial court erred in finding such claims barred by public policy. Forensis Group Inc. v. Frantz, Townsend & Foldenauer, No. D044211 (Calif. Ct. App., 4th Dist.).

Cross-complainants Forensis Group, an expert referral firm, and Malcolm Robbins, an engineer, sought indemnification after agreeing to settle professional negligence claims brought by the plaintiff-client in the underlying products liability lawsuit (Hernandez v. Bosa Development Corp., et al., 2000, No. GIC 751162, Calif. Super., San Diego).

The Hernandez family, plaintiffs …