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CONFIDENTIAL

Aug. 10, 2004

Personal Injury
Auto v. Auto
Intersection Collision

Confidential

Settlement –  $250,000

Judge

James A. Bascue

Court

L.A. Superior Santa Monica


Attorneys

Plaintiff

William A. Daniels Jr.
(Daniels Law)


Defendant

Gilbert A. Garcia
(Garcia Law Firm)

Will Jay Pirkey
(Office of the Los Angeles City Attorney)


Facts

The plaintiff, Marie Sarapata was a passenger in a vehicle driven by her husband, Kevin Huotari. The defendant, Sandra Kim, failed to yield at an intersection and collided with the plaintiff's vehicle. Sarapata was pre-disposed to eye injury prior to the accident. Though she was laid off at work before the accident, she claimed she was an artist and did accounting. As a result of the impact, she suffered macular holes in both eyes resulting in repair surgery for each eye. Following surgeries, she suffered significantly reduced vision in the right eye and has diminished vision and complications in the left eye. Kevin Huotari suffered soft tissue injuries.

Settlement Discussions

Sarapata offered to settle the case for $250,000. The defendant was insured with Farmers Insurance for $30,000/$60,000 in coverage. Sarapata demanded the $30,000 policy limit three times prior to litigation. Huotari settled for $10,000 prior to mediation.

Specials in Evidence

$49,000 PLEASE PROVIDE A FIGURE

Injuries

The plaintiff husband (Mr. Huotara) suffered soft tissue injuries.


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