Michael Lee v. Mazda Motor Corporation, Mazda Motor of America
Published: Oct. 22, 2002 | Result Date: May 17, 2002 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: LC028643 Verdict – $0
Judge
Court
L.A. Superior Van Nuys
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Defendant
Forrest R. Cogswell
(Cogswell Nakazawa & Chang LLP)
Experts
Plaintiff
Thomas J. Lacek
(technical)
Robert J. Cunitz
(technical)
Defendant
Alan Dorris
(technical)
Lynn E. Ponton
(medical)
Naresh C. Jain
(technical)
Facts
The plaintiff stated that when he was aged 16 in 1992, he traveled home from school in the
cargo bed of a Mazda pick up truck. He stated that the truck went out of control and off the road
when it was being driven at approximately 70 mph on Sherman Way in Van Nuys. The plaintiff
stayed in the cargo area of the truck during this period but he was thrown against the back of the
cab and severely injured his neck and back.
Settlement Discussions
The plaintiff demanded $3.5 million; the defendant offered $350,000.
Injuries
The plaintiff was rendered an incomplete quadriplegic.
Other Information
The jury returned a defense verdict. Defense counsel stated that this was the second trial of this claim. In the first trial, the jury found there was a "defect" due to the absence of a warning decal but hung on causation. In the retrial, the jury found in favor of the defendants on all counts.
Deliberation
one hour
Length
14 days
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