Gary Eto is a Torrance attorney whose claims to fame we may recognize from the movies. For example, when cars collide with each other in a movie, for some reason one (or both) explodes. Today, we know these types of explosions are unlikely, but Gary has seen the days when these types of explosions were very real. Gary has won a case against General Motors (GM) in a defective gas tank case that caused explosions in rear end collision situations. This led GM to redesign their vehicle’s fuel delivery systems to be safer for drivers and passengers. I drive a GM vehicle, and I’m glad to not have to worry about these types of dangers because of the GM safety redesign that Gary helped initiate.

Gary has also worked on cases relating to defective tires against both the manufacturer (Firestone) and the vehicle (Ford Explorers). I remember years ago when the news was broadcasting vehicle rollovers, and Firestone and Ford were pointing fingers at each other. Gary had won one of the first cases in this defective tire scandal, causing a change in practice where tire manufacturers now have to put manufacture dates on tires. This also prevents a manufacturer from selling 10-year old tires as brand new. Even if that tire has never been used, over a decade, the tire ages and breaks down like most materials.

Gary’s focus is to help people in our California southbay community recover damages when they have been wrongfully injured or intentionally harmed. When I checked around Gary’s website, I was immediately struck by Ms. Barbara Walton’s testimonial about working with Gary after her husband was brutally murdered by a disgruntled coworker. I can’t begin to imagine what this experience must be like for Ms. Walton, but it was apparent that she found Gary’s approach compassionate and at the same time, showing strength to see the family through a horrible ordeal.

Gary pointed out some information about tort reform and a famous case that most of us think we know about, but we – at least I – have been misinformed. Remember that McDonald’s spilt coffee case? It had been the subject of many jokes and lawyers were portrayed as greedy influences who encourage frivolous lawsuits that hurt companies and society. Before Gary shared the facts on his website, I had no idea what the tort case surrounding McDonald’s was really about, and I couldn’t count on the media to give us a thorough story in under 2 minutes. Now that I’ve read this information on Gary’s website, it gave me new appreciation of how important lawyers can be to not only protect the consumer, but to cause change in business practices or product safety.

I liked that Gary added a link to his “Philosophy” and how he works with clients. Even when the website has a professional presence, this page, and different pictures of Gary, helps remind you that you will be working with someone who cares about your side of the story and getting you the help you need when you’ve been wrongly hurt.

Disclosure: This review is sponsored through ReviewMe.com.