Facts

On Feb. 2, 2005 at approximately 8 a.m. the plaintiff, a 47-year-old domestic worker, was in the crosswalk at the corner of Riverside Drive and Ranchito in Los Angeles when she was struck by the left turning vehicle driven by the defendant. The plaintiff was knocked to the ground. The plaintiff contended that the defendant failed to see the plaintiff in the crosswalk.

The defendant contended that the "Smart" crosswalk did not light up. The defendant disputed the amount of medical bills and costs and claimed that the plaintiff did not suffer permanent disability.

Settlement Discussions

The plaintiff made a CCP 998 offer of $126,000; the defendant made a C.C.P. Section 998 offer of $76,000. Plaintiff asked the jury to award $425,000.

Specials in Evidence

$43,164. The plaintiff claimed $2,000 per year for life.

Injuries

The plaintiff claimed neck, back and left knee injury. The plaintiff underwent arthroscopic knee surgery and claimed permanent disability of left knee.

Result

Verdict for $67,668 ($27,668 past economic damages; $5,000 future economic damages; $15,000 past non-economic damages; $20,000 future non-economic damages); jury found plaintiff five percent negligent for a net verdict of $64,284.60.

Deliberation

4.5 hours

Length

four days