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Personal Injury (Non-Vehicular)
Electrical Burns
Negligent Maintenance

Brendan McConnachie, Craig McConnachie, Guardian Ad Litem v. Southern California Edison Co.

Published: Oct. 8, 2002 | Result Date: Apr. 19, 2002 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |

Case number: MC008607 Verdict –  $505,660

Judge

Ricardo A. Torres

Court

L.A. Superior Lancaster


Attorneys

Plaintiff

John J. McAvoy


Defendant

Donald H. Zell
(Casolari & Zell Attorneys at Law, LLP)


Experts

Plaintiff

Michael Morse
(technical)

Lore Hilburg
(technical)

Justin D. Fair
(technical)

George Pennington
(technical)

John Rienish
(medical)

David A. Thompson
(JAMS) (technical)

Joseph A. Awad
(technical)

Peter H. Grossman
(medical)

William E. Adams
(Nossaman) (technical)

James Stickles
(technical)

John Sevier
(technical)

Defendant

Philip L. Wheeler
(technical)

T.C. Chang
(technical)

Facts

The plaintiff, a 7-year-old boy, was climbing a neighbor's tree. When he reached between 20 to
25 feet he, or the tree he was climbing, came in contact with a 12,000 volt overhead conductor.
The plaintiff suffered third-degree burns to his face, hands, torso and legs. The plaintiff sued
Southern California Edison and the homeowner. The homeowner settled.

Injuries

The plaintiff sustained third-degree burns to his face, hands, torso, and legs.

Result

The jury awarded the plaintiff $505,660 and found the defendant 50% negligent. The award was reduced to $242,000 based on the jury's finding that the supervising homeowner who had previously settled was 50% negligent.

Deliberation

two days

Length

17 days


#105855

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