For the Best Defense of Workers’ Compensation, Liability, and Employment Tort Claims
Now in our fifth decade, The Law Firm of Friedman + Bartoumian provides exemplary, cost-effective legal services.
About the Law Firm of Friedman + Bartoumian
Friedman + Bartoumian offers a broad range of legal expertise. Our attorneys have earned the respect of other attorneys, judges and clients throughout California and the nation. In recognition of our legal ability and ethical standards, we have received a high rating from the Martindale-Hubbell organization, the most respected source of authoritative biographical information about members of the legal community worldwide.
Our team of attorneys and paraprofessionals are ready to collaborate with you to find positive solutions to your legal concerns.
Our Areas of Legal Expertise
Honored By Ventura County
The Board of Supervisors for the County of Ventura has bestowed honors on our founder, Heywood G. Friedman, and Friedman + Bartoumian in recognition of our decades of service to the community and pro bono legal work. Examples of such service include sponsorship of academic, athletic, and arts programs at Conejo Valley schools and volunteer legal services to numerous churches, synagogues, charitable institutions, and non-profit organizations.
Our Attorneys
Our reputable, talented team members are among the top in their respective fields. We care about our clients and our community and will work tirelessly to achieve exceptional results for you.
Partners
Heywood G. Friedman, Esq.
Haik K. Bartoumian, Esq.
Associates
Jeremy M. Shatzer, Esq.
Robert Grethel, Esq.
Karri L. Fischer, Esq.
Marla B. Shah, Esq.
Chad R. Fine, Esq.
Maureen T. Blair, Esq.
Arman Shirinian, Esq.
Jon Klein, Esq.
John C. Peterson, Esq.
Donna Lineberry, Esq.
Sheena Ghassemi, Esq.
Nada Elshaari, Esq.
Shirin Namini, Esq.
Susana Valiente, Esq.
Deborah Park, Esq.
News & Events
Stay up to date on our latest articles, press releases, and what we are doing to serve and bring positive change to our community.
The Gambler: A 60-Second Seminar in Workers’ Compensation Claims Handling
It is truly puzzling how certain parties at the appeals board gamble by proceeding to trial when they have no realistic chance of successfully litigating a dispute. It’s as if they somehow convinced themselves they are holding…
The Gambler: A 60-Second Seminar in Workers’ Compensation Claims HandlingRead More
Bypassing UR and the $10,000 Rule: A 60-Second Seminar in Workers’ Compensation Claims Handling
We believe it is fair to state that for the most part, workers’ compensation administrators are aware that injured workers are entitled up to $10,000 in medical treatment while compensability is under investigation. However, several rules…
A Promise to Pay: A 60-Second Seminar in Workers’ Compensation Claims Handling
We will begin today’s blog with a question. “Is it possible for someone to be declared a dependent in a death claim based solely on a decedent’s promise to provide financial support?” In other words, “Is…
A Promise to Pay: A 60-Second Seminar in Workers’ Compensation Claims HandlingRead More
GAF Scores: A 60-Second Seminar in Workers’ Compensation Claims Handling
Although several states do not recognize the compensability of psychiatric injury claims, here in California mental injuries have long been an integral part of our workers’ compensation system. The medical authority used in California to diagnose…
GAF Scores: A 60-Second Seminar in Workers’ Compensation Claims HandlingRead More
Throwing out a QME Report: A 60-Second Seminar in Workers’ Compensation Claims Handling
There are times when an unrepresented injured worker vehemently disagrees with the findings of a Qualified Medical Evaluator’s (QME), and as a result, the worker seeks legal representation in hope of somehow setting aside the examination…
Throwing out a QME Report: A 60-Second Seminar in Workers’ Compensation Claims HandlingRead More
The Light Duty Trap: A 60-Second Seminar in Workers’ Compensation Claims Handling
Every workers’ compensation adjuster can tell horror stories of newly hired employees who claim to be injured the very first day on the job. It’s even more troublesome when first notice of accident is reported by…
The Light Duty Trap: A 60-Second Seminar in Workers’ Compensation Claims HandlingRead More
Testimonials
“Heywood takes the time to meet with us to get a clear understanding of what our goals are. Currently focusing on closing aged and difficult claims while aggressively closing new claims in the door. He gets it and is a great partner in achieving our aggressive goals.” – Martin King, Kaiser Permanente
“We have had the pleasure of retaining Mr. Friedman’s firm for a number of years and for various actions. Heywood is a skilled and knowledgeable counselor who appreciates the time certain aspects of legal action. We will continue to use his firm for most of our CA legal work.” – Jeff Bogacki, Vice President, Excess Workers Compensation – 5Star Specialty
“Besides being a great attorney, ‘Woody’ is a better person, friend, humanitarian. And when times get tough, he has your back!” – Robert Rice, Sargeant Insurance Agency, LLC
We are widely known for our…
Substantive Legal Knowledge
Analytical Abilities
Trial Skills
Efficient Case Management