William Rhoades v. Ralphs Grocery Co.
Published: Nov. 22, 2001 | Result Date: Aug. 21, 2001 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: LC049562 Verdict – $0
Judge
Court
L.A. Superior Van Nuys
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Steven C. Glickman
(Glickman & Glickman ALC)
Defendant
Gregory E. Stone
(Stone Dean LLP)
Experts
Plaintiff
Alex J. Balian MBA
(technical)
Arthur P. Kowell M.D., Ph.D.
(medical)
Facts
On Oct. 8, 1998, the plaintiff slipped and fell on a grape, which was on a linoleum floor of RalphÆs Market in
Van Nuys and, in so doing, sustained personal injuries. Six days later, the plaintiff found that he was unable to
rise from his bed due to profound weakness and he was referred to Los Angeles County USC Hospital for
further treatment. He was diagnosed with cauda equina syndrome, a spinal cord injury, with acute onset
following his fall, as a result of compression of the nerves in his lower spine. He was paralyzed in his lower
extremities. He underwent a disc laminectomy and was referred to Rancho Los Amigos for rehabilitation.
After several months in rehabilitation, the plaintiff was able to move about with a wheel
chair and gradually he was able to use a walker. The plaintiff is now able to walk but with a
severe impairment of his gait and suffers sexual dysfunction, as well as some urinary
incontinence and fecal retention.
Settlement Discussions
The plaintiff demanded pre-trial $300,000 and at trial, $1 million. The defendant submitted a C.C.P. Section 998 offer of $10,001.
Specials in Evidence
$72,956 $32,000
Other Information
<M>A mediation was held before a private mediator Marshall L. Bitkower.</M>
Deliberation
two hours
Poll
9-3
Length
five days
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