Sandra and Clara D'Souza v. Leland Hunter, et al.
Published: Aug. 19, 1995 | Result Date: Jul. 28, 1995 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: PC001495 – $0
Judge
Court
L.A. Superior San Fernando
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Defendant
James T. Catlow
(Doherty & Catlow)
Experts
Plaintiff
Stuart Terry
(technical)
Jay H. Abramson
(medical)
Anita Highton
(medical)
Defendant
John F. Kerkhoff
(technical)
David Henry
(medical)
Facts
On December 29, 1989, Plaintiffs Sandra and Clara D'Souza were traveling southbound on the I-5 Freeway, just south of Lyons Boulevard. At the same time, Defendant Leland Hunter was driving his 1984 Tioga motor home southbound on I-5. Defendant was a member of a 4-vehicle group from a Sacramento church, traveling to Los Angeles to decorate Rose Parade floats. Just south of the Lyons Boulevard, a collision occurred between the right side of Plaintiff's automobile and the left side of Defendant's motor home. After the initial contact with the motor home, Plaintiff's vehicle spun out ahead of the motor home and struck a concrete bridge abutment. At the time, Plaintiff Sandra D'Souza was a 22-year-old student and Plaintiff Clara D'Souza was a 51-year-old unemployed dentist from Iran.
Settlement Discussions
Defendant contends he offered nothing and Plaintiffs demanded $200,000 reduced to $45,000 after.
Specials in Evidence
$24,000 (Sandra) $8,000 (Clara) $20,000 (Sandra) $10,000 (Sandra) not proved
Injuries
Both Plaintiffs claimed soft tissue neck and back injuries requiring physical therapy. Plaintiff Sandra D'Souza also claimed aggravation of preexisting psoriasis condition, and psoriatic arthritis but records suggested that Plaintiff had undergone a significant psoriasis treatment program, begun 2 weeks before the subject collision (therefore this claim was removed from the jury by the Court for Plaintiff's failure to produce supporting medical evidence).
Deliberation
1 day
Poll
12-0
Length
13 days
For reprint rights or to order a copy of your photo:
Email
jeremy@reprintpros.com
for prices.
Direct dial: 949-702-5390