Kristy & Kananen - Long Beach, CA

Fearless Plaintiffs Advocacy for California Workers and Consumers

Standing up against well-financed corporations, unscrupulous builders, and massive insurance institutions requires formidable legal grit and courtroom expertise. Located at Kilroy Airport Way in Long Beach, Kristy and Kananen is a boutique litigation firm exclusively committed to representing individuals who have suffered injustice. Formed by co-founders James R. Kristy and Kurt E. Kananen, who collaborated as respected co-counsel for over two decades prior to establishing the joint practice, the firm provides aggressive trial representation across Southern California and statewide. When individuals need an experienced employment lawyer or consumer litigation team that will not back down from a fight, this firm delivers focused results.

The firm maintains a steadfast plaintiffs-only philosophy, never representing employers, corporate entities, residential developers, or insurance companies. Having recovered millions of dollars on behalf of everyday people, James Kristy and Kurt Kananen level the playing field against corporate defense firms. When you hire an employment lawyer from Kristy and Kananen, your case is handled on a contingency fee foundation, meaning there are never upfront legal bills or out-of-pocket hourly rates unless compensation is successfully recovered on your behalf.

Comprehensive Employment Law and Worker Rights

California workers deserve fair pay, respectful workplaces, and full protection under the law. Kristy and Kananen provides robust representation for hourly wage earners, salaried professionals, and corporate executives facing unlawful employer misconduct. The firm handles a wide spectrum of workplace claims, including:

• Wrongful termination claims arising from retaliation, whistleblowing, or illegal firing
• Workplace discrimination based on race, sex, age, pregnancy, medical condition, or national origin
• Hostile work environment litigation and sexual harassment claims
• Unpaid overtime, missed meal and rest breaks, and off-the-clock labor violations
• Worker misclassification designating hourly staff as exempt employees or independent contractors
• Equal pay violations prohibiting unlawful compensation disparities
• Severance agreement negotiations and executive contract dispute resolution

Construction Defect and Property Damage Litigation

Purchasing a home or managing community common areas represents one of life largest investments. When contractors cut corners or builders overlook critical soil mechanics, the financial consequences can be catastrophic. Kurt Kananen and James Kristy bring decades of specialized experience litigating complex construction defect lawsuits for single-family homeowners and condominium associations throughout California. Areas of focus include:

• Damage from expansive soils, slope instability, and improper foundation settling
• Defective plumbing systems, sub-slab water leaks, and catastrophic moisture intrusion
• Structural framing flaws, roof failures, and exterior stucco cracking
• Litigation against negligent general contractors, subcontractors, and developer entities
• Representation of homeowners associations (HOAs) in collective repair recovery actions

Insurance Bad Faith and Denied Claims

Insurance carriers have a legal and covenantal duty to investigate claims in good faith and pay valid policy benefits without unreasonable delay. When insurers stonewall, undervalue, or wrongfully deny legitimate homeowner, property, or liability claims, Kristy and Kananen takes decisive legal action. The attorneys aggressively pursue insurance bad faith damages, seeking emotional distress and punitive damages when insurance companies prioritize corporate profits over policyholder welfare.

Schedule a Free Confidential Case Evaluation

If you are struggling with workplace mistreatment, substantial property defects, or an unfair insurance denial, prompt legal action is vital to safeguard statutory deadlines. Contact Kristy and Kananen in Long Beach today to schedule a free consultation with proven trial litigators. Spanish translation services are readily available to assist clients through every phase of the legal process.