Maynard Nexsen Achieves Complete Defense Trial Victory for Blue Shield of California in Significant Class Action Lawsuit
Maynard Nexsen recently secured a decisive trial victory on behalf of Blue Shield of California in a high-stakes class action lawsuit. The plaintiffs alleged that Blue Shield was improperly calculating deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums for all individual and family insurance plans issued between 2020 and the present. This lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, sought over $55 million in damages and encompassed a proposed class of more than 200,000 individuals. On August 4, 2025, Maynard Nexsen partners John Fogarty and Charles Chineduh achieved a complete defense victory after an intense trial regarding the critical issue of insurance policy interpretation, effectively eliminating all liabilities and damages alleged in the case. The proceedings are now moving into the post-trial phase, with final judgment expected after addressing some procedural matters.
Key Players Behind the Victory
John Fogarty, a seasoned litigator with over 27 years of experience in insurance and commercial litigation, played a pivotal role in this success. His extensive courtroom experience spans numerous jury trials in California, including significant cases involving healthcare insurance coverage litigation. John is known for handling complex, high-stakes business cases, and his notable work includes defense trial victories in cases involving insurance bad faith and commercial disputes. John’s sharp analytical skills and strategic approach were instrumental in interpreting the disputed insurance policies and dismantling the plaintiffs' claims.
Charles Chineduh, also a partner at Maynard Nexsen, brought his deep expertise in insurance and business litigation to the case. Charles represents life, health, and disability insurers in various disputes, including breach of contract and bad faith claims. His comprehensive legal background covers high-exposure insurance disputes, ERISA-governed litigation involving employee welfare benefit plans, business and commercial disputes, and general corporate matters. Charles’ meticulous attention to detail and vast experience in handling multi-party and high-value litigation were critical assets in achieving this landmark victory for Blue Shield of California.
Implications and Next Steps
This ruling represents a significant milestone in the interpretation of insurance policies and reinforces the commitment to clear and precise policy language. Employers and insurers must remain vigilant in their policy calculations and compliance practices to avoid similar legal challenges. The outcome of this case underscores the importance of robust legal representation in defending complex class action lawsuits.
About Maynard Nexsen
Maynard Nexsen is a full-service law firm of 600 attorneys in 31 locations from coast to coast across the United States. Maynard Nexsen was formed in 2023 when two successful, client-centered firms combined to create a powerful national team. Maynard Nexsen’s list of clients spans a wide range of industry sectors and includes both public and private companies.
