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Personal Injury
Premises Liability
Negligent Maintenance

Melissa Gomez v. The Natoma Company Property Management Services, Alice R. Elkins, Hugh G. Holt and Irene M. Holt, individually and as Trustees of The 2004 Hugh G. Holt and Irene M. Holt Family Trust, Donna M. Exley, Arne K. Mason, Mavis Roe, Midori Sundquist, and Richard Sundquist

Published: Jul. 9, 2011 | Result Date: Jan. 10, 2011 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |

Case number: 200800016433 Verdict –  Defense

Court

Sacramento Superior


Attorneys

Plaintiff

Dinah Y. Hammond


Defendant

Gavan R. Munter


Experts

Plaintiff

Paul Kasiliwicz
(medical)

Albert R. Gutowsky
(technical)

William R. Neuman
(technical)

Lisa Thomas
(medical)

Defendant

Dirk Duffner
(technical)

Frederick F. Herman
(technical)

Facts

Melissa Gomez suffered a fall from her apartment building. She claimed that she fell down the stairs in her apartment due to a defective handrail, which caused her to lose balance and fall. She sued the owners of the apartment complex and their management company for negligence.

Settlement Discussions

Plaintiff demanded a $74,999 settlement per CCP Section 998. Defendants countered with a $25,000 offer. Plaintiff was awarded $77,880 in an arbitration.

Damages

Plaintiff sought $200,000 in damages for past and future medical expenses, according to defendants.

Injuries

Plaintiff's injuries included a fracture and dislocation of her right foot.

Result

A verdict was rendered in favor of the defense.

Deliberation

four hours

Length

nine days


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