Ms. Low argued before the Third District Court of Appeal in a medical negligence action where the pro per plaintiff attempted to have the court’s ruling granting our Motion for Summary Judgment overturned. The case involved alleged negligent attempts to place a Foley catheter. The appellate court sustained the trial
Chloe Saenz obtained her law degree from Lincoln Law School while working full-time and was admitted to practice in California in May 2025. Prior to joining Low McKinley & Salenko, LLP, Ms. Saenz was an associate attorney for a well-known Sacramento law firm handling civil defense litigation on their personal
In a published opinion issued by the California Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District, Partner Steven McKinley and Attorney George “Ernie” Washington successfully defended the dismissal of an action on appeal. The Court affirmed the trial court’s judgment sustaining the defendant’s demurrer to the plaintiffs’ fifth amended complaint, upheld the
We have recently welcomed two experienced attorneys, Nicole Valentine and Carlos Ambriz, to our team. Attorney Nicole Valentine joined the firm in December 2025. She received her Juris Doctorate from McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific in 2005. Her practice will consist of the civil and criminal defense
Steven McKinley has been accepted as a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (“ABOTA”). ABOTA membership is by invitation only and requires the lawyer to have at least five years of active trial experience, served as lead counsel in at least seven civil jury trials and must demonstrate
We are pleased to announce that Nicholas “Nick” Ponce joined our firm as an Associate Attorney. Mr. Ponce received his Juris Doctorate from McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific. His practice will consist of the defense of professional negligence, including medical malpractice, dental malpractice, and professional licensing.
Partner Steven M. McKinley defended a pain management physician and medical clinic in a professional negligence civil action in the Sacramento County Superior Court obtaining a defense verdict.
Partner Bruce E. Salenko defended a medical group in a civil action for intentional misrepresentation, concealment, negligence, breach of contract and fiduciary duty in the Placer County Superior Court obtaining a defense verdict.
Obtained a voluntary dismissal on the eve of trial in a medical malpractice/wrongful death case involving an aortic valve replacement surgery performed on a 68-year-old woman in Napa County.
Partner Bruce E. Salenko defended a doctor of osteopathic medicine in a wrongful death/medical malpractice action filed in the Yuba County Superior Court receiving a defense verdict.
Ms. Low settled a negligence/elder abuse action involving a 73-year-old resident of a care facility who left the facility without supervision and was never found. Settlement on behalf of the care facility was under applicable policy limits.
Partner Steven M. McKinley defended a colorectal surgeon in a civil rights/wrongful death action filed in the United States District Court, Eastern District of California obtaining a nonsuit judgment against plaintiff.
Ms. Low settled an alleged elder abuse case involving a 74-year-old woman with a history of early Alzheimer’s. The settlement, on behalf of the care facility, was a significantly lower amount than demanded.
Partner Bruce E. Salenko defended an OB/GYN in a medical malpractice action filed in the Butte County Superior Court receiving a defense verdict.
May 2025 Ms. Low obtained dismissals of four complex products liability cases against Dignity Health related to baby formula following the filing of dispositive motions.
Partner Bruce E. Salenko defended a sports medicine physician in a breach of medical and professional obligations action filed in the Nevada County Superior Court obtaining a defense verdict.
Donna Low was recognized in The Daily Journal as top-rated attorney in Healthcare Law.
Evaluation of claims involving alleged hypoxic-ischemic injuries occurring during labor or delivery typically require an assessment of the child’s anticipated life expectancy. This information is necessary to plan for the medical, educational and vocational needs of these children, as well as to calculate the potential economic damages. Read More »
We have recently encountered attempts by plaintiffs’ attorneys to further expand the already broad scope of the Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act (“Elder Abuse Act”). Specifically, they argue that there are two kinds of elder neglect — (1) “simple” elder neglect, and (2) reckless, oppressive, fraudulent or
Ms. Low tried a personal injury/slip and fall case against a care facility which settled for a confidential sum following a verdict in favor of the plaintiff.v
A central issue in many medical malpractice cases is whether any alleged breach of the applicable standard of care caused the plaintiff’s injury. California courts have made clear that the appropriate test for causation is the “but-for” test, not the “substantial factor” test currently set forth in California Civil Jury
In Crenshaw v. Mony Life Insurance Company (S.D. Cal. 2004) 318 F. Supp.2d 1015, the United States District Court analyzed the propriety of ex parte contacts with health care providers under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)(42 U.S.C. section 1320d, et seq.). The court reviewed applicable case law
Ms. Low obtained a defense verdict in a 20-day medical negligence/wrongful death trial in Sacramento County involving the death of a 64-year-old woman following a neck lift under general anesthesia.
Teamwork is a broad topic. A lot can be—and has been—written about it. Teamwork is not always at the forefront in the practice Of law which, as an industry, has a powerful emphasis on individual achievements and independent activity. However, a collaborative approach to legal work can provide very substantial
A law film’s ability to provide legal services of the highest quality depends on its success in retaining skilled and committed attorneys. This in turn requires firm management to focus on its attorneys’ performance and professional development. While meaningful and frequent informal feedback suggests the firm is committed to developing
