Attorney Spotlight: Garrett Fry

Don’t overlook the person in personal injury attorney. This person should be someone you can confide in, communicate with, receive advice from and, most importantly, trust. At the Law Offices of Belgum, Fry & Van Allen, the most experienced and successful attorneys in Southern California demonstrate these qualities each and every day—but you probably want to know a little more about us.

In this attorney spotlight, meet Garrett Fry, a partner in the firm and one of just 2.5% of attorneys in Southern California listed as a Super Lawyers Rising Star.

What made you decide to get into law?

Originally, I wanted to play linebacker for the Raiders, but it turns out I’m not exactly NFL material. My interest in law was first spurred on by my parents, who hoped to channel my propensity for arguing with them into a career arguing with others. This interest was deepened by my best friend’s dad, who was a deputy district attorney and top-tier Little League coach. Since then, I have been blessed to encounter many lawyers who have helped to mentor me and develop my skills.

What is your most vivid memory of law school?

I have many fond memories involving great friends and amazing professors, but my most vivid memory is of a Civil Procedure final in my first year of law school. I was so convinced I would fail that I stopped for a few minutes in the middle of the exam to figure out what I would do when they kicked me out of law school. Fortunately, I still managed to finish the exam and miraculously ended up with a B in the class.

What practice areas do you specialize in?

Personal injury litigation and trial, with an emphasis in catastrophic injury cases and wrongful death. I also have a background in medical malpractice and physical elder abuse and am slowly increasing my product liability practice.

Describe one of your most rewarding and fulfilling cases.

I represented a woman and her daughter who were hit by a car while crossing the street on the way to the young girl’s elementary school. Initially, the insurance company denied my clients’ version of the incident and belittled the clients’ injuries. I was able to find an independent witness who supported our version of the events and the insurance company eventually paid its insurance policy limits for both claims. We used the young girl’s settlement to set up an annuity to fund her college education.

What is the largest settlement or award you have secured for a client?

I helped to secure a $1.75 million settlement in a dependent adult abuse case.

What is the single most helpful piece of advice you can give to a client?

The best thing you can do to help your case is to be a good patient. Get the medical care that you need and listen to your doctors. If you are not getting the medical attention you need, let your attorney know. Our advocacy and ability to do our job are guided by medicine.

One fun fact that clients might not know about you:

I’m a huge Third Eye Blind fan (yes, the band you haven’t listened to since 1997). I own most of their stuff on vinyl and have seen them in concert 10+ times.

Quick, a restaurant recommendation in the area:

I’m not sure if this qualifies, but The Donut Man is a Glendora classic that everyone should try. There’s also a great place in Monrovia called Sena on Myrtle that I highly recommend.

Favorite place to vacation?

Anything involving nice weather and a pool or a beach. Locally, I enjoy going to Julian, Palm Springs, or anywhere along the California coast. Internationally, I have had some amazing trips to different parts of Mexico and Costa Rica.

Hobbies and pastimes?

Playing and watching sports, mainly football, baseball, basketball, and golf. I also enjoy doing anything with my wife and introducing my son to new experiences. I am trying to develop my artistic side but it’s off to a slow start so far.

What are you most passionate about?

Sports would have been the obvious answer for most of my life. These days, I spend most of my free time obsessing over my young son, James, and my beautiful wife, Stacy.

Learn more about Garrett and the rest of the team at the Law Offices of Belgum, Fry & Van Allen here.