Malpractice

For 35 years, Borrell & Riso, LLP, has been a general practice law firm with locations in Staten Island, Brooklyn, the New York Metropolitan area; and New Jersey. Our practice areas include Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice, Matrimonial Law, Family Law, Workers' Compensation, Wills and Estates, and Landlord/Tenant. We are a dedicated firm and will make house calls for the seriously injured, elderly or infirmed on a case by case basis.

For nearly 35 years, Dean Burnetti dedicated his career to helping people who were injured by someone else's negligence. Though his years of experience and legal expertise, he helps his clients seek the best possible settlements for their injuries. Dean grew up in his hometown of Elgin, Illinois where he was born. From an early age, he knew God called him to the pulpit. As soon as he graduated from high school, he headed to Oklahoma and attended seminary training. He earned a degree in Pastoral Ministries, then relocated to Florida to find a church that needed a pastor. But before he could step up to the lectern, God called on him to move in a different direction.After earnest prayer, Dean realized that God was directing him to assist wrongful injury victims. Dean vividly recalled a time in his youth when his own father was injured in a construction site accident; an injury that impacted his entire family. So, Dean registered at Warner University in Lake Wales and earned his Bachelor’s Degree. Then, he returned to Oklahoma and attended Oral Roberts University where he earned his law degree. Afterward, he came back to Florida and took the Florida Bar examination to become a licensed attorney. In his early years as a lawyer, Dean centered his practice on clients with workplace injuries. He became so intrigued with Florida’s Workers’ Compensation laws, that he decided to become Board Certified in Workers’ Compensation Law. He then took The Florida Bar’s challenging examination and passed the test on his first attempt. After the new millennium, God called upon Dean to expand his practice. Consequently, Dean opened his doors to victims of all types of accidents. Since Florida's Civil Injury Laws piqued his interest, Dean aspired to become Board Certified again. So, he took and passed The Florida Bar’s difficult test which Board Certified him in Civil Trial Law. Because Dean Burnetti is Florida Bar Board Certified in Civil Trial Law and Workers’ Compensation Law, the Florida Bar recognizes him as an expert attorney in these areas. Florida’s Board-Certified attorneys are the only lawyers allowed to call themselves “specialists” or “experts” in their field of certification. Additionally, Board Certified attorneys must participate in hours of continuing legal education each year and be re-examined every five years to maintain their Board-Certified status. Only about 7% of Florida attorneys are actually Board Certified, and only a small fraction of those have the distinct honor of being Double Board Certified. Dean Burnetti is ONE OF ONLY FOUR attorneys in all of Florida who is Florida Bar Board Certified in both Civil Trial Law and Workers’ Compensation Law!

For nearly 35 years, Dean Burnetti dedicated his career to helping people who were injured by someone else's negligence. Though his years of experience and legal expertise, he helps his clients seek the best possible settlements for their injuries. Dean grew up in his hometown of Elgin, Illinois where he was born. From an early age, he knew God called him to the pulpit. As soon as he graduated from high school, he headed to Oklahoma and attended seminary training. He earned a degree in Pastoral Ministries, then relocated to Florida to find a church that needed a pastor. But before he could step up to the lectern, God called on him to move in a different direction.After earnest prayer, Dean realized that God was directing him to assist wrongful injury victims. Dean vividly recalled a time in his youth when his own father was injured in a construction site accident; an injury that impacted his entire family. So, Dean registered at Warner University in Lake Wales and earned his Bachelor’s Degree. Then, he returned to Oklahoma and attended Oral Roberts University where he earned his law degree. Afterward, he came back to Florida and took the Florida Bar examination to become a licensed attorney. In his early years as a lawyer, Dean centered his practice on clients with workplace injuries. He became so intrigued with Florida’s Workers’ Compensation laws, that he decided to become Board Certified in Workers’ Compensation Law. He then took The Florida Bar’s challenging examination and passed the test on his first attempt. After the new millennium, God called upon Dean to expand his practice. Consequently, Dean opened his doors to victims of all types of accidents. Since Florida's Civil Injury Laws piqued his interest, Dean aspired to become Board Certified again. So, he took and passed The Florida Bar’s difficult test which Board Certified him in Civil Trial Law. Because Dean Burnetti is Florida Bar Board Certified in Civil Trial Law and Workers’ Compensation Law, the Florida Bar recognizes him as an expert attorney in these areas. Florida’s Board-Certified attorneys are the only lawyers allowed to call themselves “specialists” or “experts” in their field of certification. Additionally, Board Certified attorneys must participate in hours of continuing legal education each year and be re-examined every five years to maintain their Board-Certified status. Only about 7% of Florida attorneys are actually Board Certified, and only a small fraction of those have the distinct honor of being Double Board Certified. Dean Burnetti is ONE OF ONLY FOUR attorneys in all of Florida who is Florida Bar Board Certified in both Civil Trial Law and Workers’ Compensation Law!

For nearly 35 years, Dean Burnetti dedicated his career to helping people who were injured by someone else's negligence. Though his years of experience and legal expertise, he helps his clients seek the best possible settlements for their injuries. Dean grew up in his hometown of Elgin, Illinois where he was born. From an early age, he knew God called him to the pulpit. As soon as he graduated from high school, he headed to Oklahoma and attended seminary training. He earned a degree in Pastoral Ministries, then relocated to Florida to find a church that needed a pastor. But before he could step up to the lectern, God called on him to move in a different direction.After earnest prayer, Dean realized that God was directing him to assist wrongful injury victims. Dean vividly recalled a time in his youth when his own father was injured in a construction site accident; an injury that impacted his entire family. So, Dean registered at Warner University in Lake Wales and earned his Bachelor’s Degree. Then, he returned to Oklahoma and attended Oral Roberts University where he earned his law degree. Afterward, he came back to Florida and took the Florida Bar examination to become a licensed attorney. In his early years as a lawyer, Dean centered his practice on clients with workplace injuries. He became so intrigued with Florida’s Workers’ Compensation laws, that he decided to become Board Certified in Workers’ Compensation Law. He then took The Florida Bar’s challenging examination and passed the test on his first attempt. After the new millennium, God called upon Dean to expand his practice. Consequently, Dean opened his doors to victims of all types of accidents. Since Florida's Civil Injury Laws piqued his interest, Dean aspired to become Board Certified again. So, he took and passed The Florida Bar’s difficult test which Board Certified him in Civil Trial Law. Because Dean Burnetti is Florida Bar Board Certified in Civil Trial Law and Workers’ Compensation Law, the Florida Bar recognizes him as an expert attorney in these areas. Florida’s Board-Certified attorneys are the only lawyers allowed to call themselves “specialists” or “experts” in their field of certification. Additionally, Board Certified attorneys must participate in hours of continuing legal education each year and be re-examined every five years to maintain their Board-Certified status. Only about 7% of Florida attorneys are actually Board Certified, and only a small fraction of those have the distinct honor of being Double Board Certified. Dean Burnetti is ONE OF ONLY FOUR attorneys in all of Florida who is Florida Bar Board Certified in both Civil Trial Law and Workers’ Compensation Law!

Practicing law in the state of Florida for over 20 years, attorney Kevin Gallagher has earned an outstanding reputation in the field of personal injury law. Working with victims of automobile accidents, wrongful death, nursing home negligence, medical malpractice, and other serious injuries, Kevin works tirelessly to ensure that every client receives the best possible verdict and/or settlement for their injuries. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Kevin attended Bowling Green State University where he earned a B.S., B.A. He then went to the Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan where he received his Juris Doctor, Cum Laude. In addition, Mr. Gallagher was a member of the Law Review at Cooley Law School. While in law school, Kevin also interned for a Federal District Court Judge. An extremely caring individual, Kevin’s experience, knowledge, work ethic, determination, and will to win are applied to every case. In addition to caring for his clients, Kevin is also a strong community supporter and believes in giving back. He supports numerous charities, both in the community and in his home state. Kevin is a member of the Million Dollar Advocate Forum and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocate Forum which are two of the most prestigious groups of trial lawyers in the United States. Membership is limited to attorneys who have won million-dollar verdicts and settlements. Fewer than 1% of U.S. lawyers are members. Also a member of The Verdict Club and Superior Lawyers of America, Kevin is recognized as an elite litigator for his achievements and abilities in obtaining superior verdicts and settlements.

Rob grew up the son of a renowned San Jose injury lawyer, Bob Bohn, so he has been around the law his entire life. In college, Rob was a psychology major initially planning to practice as a clinical psychologist. It was there that he learned what would eventually be critical information in understanding people who have suffered trauma and studying the brain's structures and function. As he neared graduation, Rob realized he could do more good by becoming a trial lawyer. So, off to law school he went. After earning his Juris Doctor degree from Santa Clara University School of Law in 1995, Rob took the California state bar and passed the first try, even being invited to return to grade the exam for future examinees. He then embarked on his journey helping people who needed the most help by caring for and representing people with serious life-changing injuries and families of those killed by others. Through the years, Rob has lectured to lawyers and paralegals about brain injury, jury selection and how to handle various kinds of injury claims. He has held leadership positions in local and state trial lawyer organizations and been recognized for his excellent results and service to his clients and, more generally, to the people of California. Rob is known to preach to other lawyers, "You must be a believer in our cause. This isn't a job - it's a calling to help others", a mantra he lives and practices by. Rob finds the practice of personal injury litigation interesting and rewarding. As a former competitive athlete and current youth sports coach (for more than 30 years now), he enjoys the competition and the strategy common in coaching sports and litigating major injury cases. Each take creativity, commitment, knowledge and grit. Each require good communication and teaching others. The thrill of victory keeps his juices going. With this unique background, you will not find Rob plastered on billboards, screaming at you on TV, claiming (like everyone else) "we'll fight for you", standing on a truck, wielding a baseball bat or all those other silly things that lawyers who consider practicing law to be "their business" do. The best lawyers do not need to resort to such silly tactics. The best lawyers, who are recognized by their peers and judges at the best at their craft and the most ethical, do not do those things. The best lawyers who are recognized and awarded by their peers for their good work, do not do those things. The best lawyers give back by leading other trial lawyers. When looking for a truly good and effective lawyer, these are the things lawyers look for. This is Rob's history. Golden State Lawyers, APC is a boutique firm that cares about and knows our clients. We are not a client mill where clients never even get to know their lawyer and are seen as financial resources rather than as human beings who need meaningful and effective help. Come let Rob take care of you.

Todd Miller was born in Fargo, North Dakota where he attended school and graduated from Fargo North High School. He is an Eagle Scout. After graduating from high school, Todd went to college at the University of North Dakota and graduated from law school at UND. Todd’s practice will focus on mass tort litigation, including representing people injured by defective and unsafe drugs and defective medical devices. He will also handle personal injury litigation including representation of people hurt in automobile accidents, animal attacks and slip and falls, as well as the general practice of law.

Todd Miller was born in Fargo, North Dakota where he attended school and graduated from Fargo North High School. He is an Eagle Scout. After graduating from high school, Todd went to college at the University of North Dakota and graduated from law school at UND. Todd’s practice will focus on mass tort litigation, including representing people injured by defective and unsafe drugs and defective medical devices. He will also handle personal injury litigation including representation of people hurt in automobile accidents, animal attacks and slip and falls, as well as the general practice of law.

From a young age, Gary Shipman knew he was destined for the courtroom. After graduating from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, he earned his law degree from Campbell University School of Law at the age of 24. Two years later, Gary founded his own firm, and he hasn’t looked back since. Gary has spent over forty five years trying cases nationwide, including complex and consequential cases involving personal injury, commercial litigation, professional negligence, and class actions. His courtroom presence and dogged advocacy have earned him a national reputation, and his peers have recognized him as one of the Best Lawyers in America since 2007 and as a Super Lawyer since 2006. At his firm, Gary prioritizes the needs of his clients. When the Great Recession hit, he shifted his practice towards business reorganization and loan workouts. He now represents debtors and creditors in lender liability actions and is a consultant for businesses and investors in various asset transactions. Gary is also passionate about giving back to his community. He has served as the former chairman of the New Hanover County Democratic Party and as a former member of the UNC-Wilmington Board of Trustees. He has also spent twenty years as a youth baseball coach and developed a full-service sports agency, Atlantic Sports Management, in 2013. Gary is certified as a contract advisor and agent by the NFL and NBA, and his clients include coaches and athletes. Gary and his wife, Mary Jo, have three sons. In addition to his legal and community work, Gary is a frequent speaker and lecturer in continuing legal education seminars and at his alma maters, UNC-Wilmington and Campbell University School of Law. Gary’s dedication to his clients, community and passion for sports has made him an exceptional attorney and leader in Wilmington.

J. Tooson is a proven Trial Lawyer and negotiator at Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP. Attorney J. Tooson attended Harvard Business School’s negotiation mastery certificate program and received his Juris Doctorate from Loyola Law School where he was Student Body Vice-President. Attorney J. Tooson earned his stellar reputation in the legal community for his unique ability in the court room to try any case, with any facts, at any time and attain the most favorable outcome. Attorney J. Tooson is a National Top 100 Trial Lawyer, California Super Lawyer Rising Star three years in a row and a Legal Analyst for ABC Good Morning America and People magazine. Prior to launching his private practice, Attorney J. Tooson worked for the government for more than 7 years where he amassed over 60 Jury Trials and led his peers in not guilty verdicts year after year. Attorney J. Tooson is no stranger to helping good individuals in tough situations. Attorney J. Tooson has successfully defended the most complex Felony cases from murder to kidnapping, to DUI with serious bodily injury. Attorney J. Tooson is equally accomplished in litigating civil cases where he has amassed millions in verdicts and settlements in complex personal injury and employment suits. Attorney J. Tooson sits on several boards and has cultivated outstanding relationships with Judges, Prosecutors and high ranking Politicians throughout Southern California. Attorney J. Tooson has been featured in the Los Angeles Times, New York Times, Rolling Stone Magazine, Billboard Magazine and The Huffington Post for cases he has handled. Prior to practicing law, Attorney J. Tooson represented NFL Athletes as a NFL Agent handling their multi-million dollar contract negotiations.