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Personal Injury
Negligent Maintenance
Apartment Fire

John Meehan v. Mango Tree Apartments

Published: Apr. 1, 2003 | Result Date: Mar. 10, 2003 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |

Case number: 01CC15449 Verdict –  $0

Judge

Steven L. Perk

Court

Orange Superior


Attorneys

Plaintiff

Steven R. Young
(Law Offices of Steven R. Young)


Defendant

Karen M. Baytosh

Kere K. Tickner
(McGlinchey Stafford)


Experts

Defendant

Robert S. Griswold CPM
(technical)

Ali Rezaei
(technical)

Garner A. Palenske
(technical)

Facts

The plaintiff, a 33-year-old male, was tenant of the defendant. The plaintiff placed french fries in a pot of hot oil and left it unattended for 15-20 minutes. The plaintiff returned to find the pot of oil on fire. The plaintiff was injured when he dropped the burning pot of oil causing second degree burns to his legs and feet, and also set the lower kitchen cabinets on fire.

Settlement Discussions

The plaintiff demanded $100,000 by way of C.C.P. Section 998; the defendant offered $250 by way of C.C.P. Section 998.

Specials in Evidence

$145,000

Injuries

The plaintiff sustained second degree burns to his feet and legs.

Deliberation

one hour

Poll

9-3 (defendant negligently maintained the premises), 12-0 (plaintiff's injury was not caused by the defendant's negligence)

Length

four days


#106473

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