Israel Echevarria v. Subaru of America, Inc.; Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha dba Fuji Heavy Industries, Ltd., et al.
Published: Oct. 14, 1995 | Result Date: Sep. 20, 1995 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: 126806 – $2,800,000
Judge
Court
Ventura Superior
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Defendant
Experts
Plaintiff
Robert J. Tomaszewski Ph.D.
(medical)
Moustapha Abou Samra
(medical)
Mark K. Robinson
(medical)
John M. Stilson
(technical)
Joel S. Rosen
(medical)
Raymond G. Schultz
(technical)
Michael A. Kaplan
(technical)
Harold G. Kelly
(technical)
Harry J. Krueper Jr.
(technical)
Gerry Aster
(medical)
Wilfredo T. Escober
(medical)
Edward W. Karnes
(technical)
Donald S. Wiss
(medical)
Defendant
Steven A. Blewett
(technical)
Harry Parker
(technical)
Lee C. Carr
(technical)
James H. Raddin Jr.
(medical)
Salvatore E. Caramagno
(technical)
Kenneth F. Packer
(technical)
Michael A. Wienir M.D.
(medical)
Roger L. McCarthy
(technical)
Thomas J. Ayres Ph.D.
(technical)
Edward L. Workman
(technical)
Facts
On August 7, 1992, Plaintiff Israel Echevarria, an 18-year-old student, was an occupant in a rear-facing seat in the cargo bed of a Subaru Brat driven by Defendant Nathan Stephens and manufactured by Defendants Fuji/Subaru. As the Brat proceeded westbound on Teal Club Road in the City of Oxnard, the Plaintiff distracted the driver; the driver allowed the vehicle to go out of control and enter a drainage ditch next to the roadway. Plaintiff was ejected and sustained serious injuries. A prior owner had removed the rear seat belts. The driver and front seat passenger were uninjured. Defendant landowner settled out for $50,000.
Settlement Discussions
Plaintiff contends he demanded $9,000,000 from Fuji/Subaru and $800,000 increased to $2,000,000 from City of Oxnard; Fuji/Subaru made no offers and the City of Oxnard offered $100,000 increased to $1,200,000.
Specials in Evidence
$400,000 $1,000,000 $4,000,000 to $5,000,000
Injuries
Head trauma and coma resulting in moderate brain damage with disuse of the lower legs; above-the-elbow amputation of his left arm due to an infection acquired while in a coma for 2 months.
Deliberation
4 days (liability), 3 days (damages)
Poll
10-2 on both liability and damages
Length
4 months
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