SEDGWICK ATTORNEY PROFILE
Alison K. Beanum
P artner, L os Angeles , C alifornia
Asbestos
Complex Litigation
Environmental & Toxic Tort
Products Liability
AL IS ON K . B E ANUM
213.426.6900 tel
213.426.6921 fax
alison.beanum@sedgwicklaw.com
Current Scope of Practice
Alison Beanum is a trial attorney, representing chemical and equipment manufacturers in complex, multi-
party toxic tort litigation. She is particularly knowledgeable in cases involving allegations of exposure to
asbestos, benzene, and diacetyl. Ms. Beanum has effectively handled all phases of litigation, including the
early analysis of key legal and factual issues, taking and defending lay and expert depositions, preparing
company witnesses for deposition and trial, drafting and arguing a wide range of pre and post-trial motions,
and defending firm clients at trial. She has also resolved numerous cases through mediations and settlement
conferences. Her recent trial victories include:
Litigation Matters
Morales, et al. v. Premises Owner: Ms. Beanum second-chaired this three-week, wrongful death jury trial wherein
the plaintiffs alleged that the decedent was exposed to asbestos through fibers brought home on the clothing
of her son, who previously worked as a carpenter in our client’s buildings. Plaintiffs demanded $900,000
before trial. The jury allocated minimal comparative fault against our client, resulting in a net judgment of
only $15,000.
Sanchez, et al. v. Apartment Owner and Management Company: Ms. Beanum first-chaired this two-week jury trial
wherein the plaintiffs alleged that they developed respiratory problems as a result of exposure to mold and
asbestos in their apartment. Plaintiffs demanded $1,000,000 before trial. The jury returned a defense verdict.
Chappell v. National Home Improvement Retailer: Ms. Beanum first-chaired this one-week jury trial wherein the
plaintiff alleged she was injured when she tripped and fell over a piece of heavy machinery on our client's
premises. She sustained a torn rotator cuff requiring two surgeries. At trial, plaintiff's counsel requested a
verdict of $300,000. The jury returned a defense verdict.
Affiliations, Activities and Accomplishments
Ms. Beanum is admitted to practice in the California State Courts (2002) and the United States District Courts
for the Central and Northern Districts of California (2002).
SEDGWICK ATTORNEY PROFILE
She is a member of the Litigation section of the California Bar Association and American Bar Association.
She is also a member of the Defense Research Institute.
She was named a "Southern California Super Lawyer - Rising Star" for 2008 through 2011 by the publishers
of Los Angeles Magazine and The Journal for Law & Politics.
Publications
• “An Overview of the Underlying Policy and Application of the Raw Material and Bulk Supplier Defenses,”
DRI Toxic Torts Newsletter (October 2011)
• “U.S. Navy’s Fault Should Be Considered Despite Immunity,” Daily Journal (July 2010)
• “Reclassification of Two Industrial Chemicals in New Report on Carcinogens May Increase Toxic Tort
Litigation,” Daily Journal (June 2011)
Education
Ms. Beanum earned her B.A. (1999) in psychology, with a minor in criminology, from the University of
California, Irvine. Her J.D. (2002) was conferred by Loyola Law School. While in law school, Ms. Beanum
was awarded a Dean’s Scholarship for academic achievement. She was also a member of the Byrne Trial
Advocacy Team, which won the National Championship in 2001 and the Regional Championship in 2002.
She also received the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) Award for Excellence in Preparation for
Trial Practice of the Law.