Top Plaintiffs' Verdicts by Impact: Gomez v. Aguirre

Defendant Hugo Aguirre ran over 18-month-old plaintiff Mireyli Y. Gomez in 2010 while backing up his sport utility vehicle as the young girl played with her siblings outside the Riverside apartment complex where they lived. Gomez' mother, Angelica Meza, watched the entire scene unfold.

The young girl survived, but she suffered significant complications from multiple pelvic fractures and internal injuries. She underwent several surgeries during her two-month stay at Loma Linda Medical Center. Her siblings escaped unharmed.

Aguirre fled the scene but was arrested later that evening and was eventually convicted for the hit-and-run.

Attorneys Gregory J. Owen and Susan A. Owen of Owen, Patterson & Owen won Gomez a $25 million jury verdict in November after jurors found that Aguirre drove his car negligently and was wholly responsible for the incident. Gregory Owen said in a press release after the verdict that it amounted to the second largest personal injury verdict award in Riverside County Superior Court history. Gomez v. Aguirre, RIC1112097 (Riverside Super Ct., filed July 20, 2011).

The plaintiffs argued during trial that Aguirre had been drinking in his apartment prior to the incident. The trial lasted for four days, during which time the defense offered no case and Aguirre was not represented by counsel. The court directed a verdict on liability against Aguirre.

Robert A. Walker of the Law Offices of Robert A. Walker represented the Gomez' landlord, Jim Fakhoury.

Gregory Owen wrote in an email that, "The case was resolved by way of a confidential settlement. There was insurance on this case."

No notice of appeal has been filed, according to the attorney, who added that young Gomez "has made a wonderful recovery" since the incident.

"She is able to play and perform all activities that other children her age can do. Although, after 30 minutes she tires and has to rest."

- Omar Shamout

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