Nicholas “Butch” Wagner | The Wagner Law Group
Butch Wagner has tried personal injury and employment cases in California courts for more than four decades. He has argued before the California Supreme Court, testified as an expert witness before the California State Assembly, and recovered over $300 million for injured people and their families.
From Chicago to the Central Valley
Butch grew up in Chicago and graduated as class valedictorian from St. Xavier University in 1980. He earned his law degree from the University of Notre Dame Law School in 1983, passed the California Bar Exam that same year, and moved to Fresno — where he has practiced ever since.
He has been licensed in all courts of the State of California since 1983, and admitted to the United States Court of Claims since 1990. Four decades in the same courthouses means he knows the judges, the procedures, and the opposing counsel in Fresno County — and they know him.
Trial Record
Butch has obtained multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements in personal injury and employment cases across California, including a $72.4 million verdict and judgment against Walmart.
He has argued before the California Supreme Court and given testimony as an expert witness before the California State Assembly on employment law issues.
Among the corporations he has successfully sued: Walmart, Bolthouse Farms, PepsiCo, 7-Up, Polaris, PG&E, and Mercury Insurance. He has also litigated against trucking companies, law enforcement agencies, and public entities throughout the state.
Insurance carriers track which attorneys actually try cases and which ones settle to avoid a courtroom. That distinction changes every negotiation before it starts.
Notable Results
- Fire Survivors v. PG&E — $100 million+. Representation of Northern California wildfire survivors against the utility whose equipment caused the fire.
- Ridgeway v. Walmart — $72.4 million. Verdict against the nation’s largest retailer.
- Victims v. FCI Dublin — $116 million+. Litigation for women sexually abused in federal custody.
- Brewer v. First American — $15.1 million.
- English v. Mercury Insurance Company — $14.5 million.
- Crickson v. Old Republic Title Co. — $12 million. Fair Labor Standards Act settlement, U.S. District Court, Southern District of California.
- Mullins v. County of Fresno — $3.12 million.
View the full list of case results.
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is unique and must be evaluated on its own facts.
In the Media
Butch has appeared as a guest on national television news programs including Good Morning America, Catherine Crier Live on Court TV, the Tucker Carlson Show, and Your World with Neil Cavuto.
Zelnick v. Candid Camera, a case he tried, was televised on Court TV — the first time a reality television program was successfully sued over a prank that went wrong.
His cases have also been covered by CBS News, ABC, and the Los Angeles Times. See recent coverage.
What The Wagner Law Group Handles
The firm takes catastrophic injury, wrongful death, and institutional abuse cases — the matters that require a lawyer willing to try them:
- Fresno car accident lawyer
- Commercial trucking litigation
- Wrongful death claims
- Wildfire and utility liability
- Institutional and custodial sexual abuse
- Police misconduct and civil rights
- Traumatic brain and catastrophic injury
Every case is handled on contingency. You pay nothing unless we recover for you.
Awards and Recognition
- Top Attorneys in Northern California — recognized by peers, published in San Francisco Magazine, 2013
- City of Lancaster, California — commended for excellence in trial advocacy as plaintiff’s counsel, following a $12 million FLSA settlement, June 2013
- Central California Legal Services, Inc. — recognized for exemplary leadership in promoting the use of Cy Pres distributions, August 2014
- California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation — Outstanding Benefactor Award for support in creating access to justice for the rural poor, 2011
- California State Assembly — Benefactor of the Year, 2011
- Recognized by Respected Lawyers
Admissions
- State Bar of California, 1983 — Bar #109455
- All courts of the State of California
- United States Court of Claims, 1990
Giving Back to the Community
At The Wagner Law Group, we believe in contributing to a more positive environment for workers and people living in our community. Success in class action litigation for wage earners on overtime and pay issues has enabled the firm to give back through charitable contributions.
In addition to directing funds to the California Rural Legal Assistance League, the firm provides free pro bono legal assistance to California Rural Legal Assistance, which provides access to justice and basic human rights to low-income rural workers throughout California.
Our Contributions
Talk to Butch
Consultations are free for injured people and their families throughout Fresno and the Central Valley. Call (833) 200-7111 or contact the firm online. Home and hospital visits are available for clients who cannot travel.
This page is attorney advertising and general information only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship.
