Muriel Rakotomahanina, an individual, Muriel Rakotomahanina, a representative of the estate of Julien Rabesson v. Prime West Leasing Corp. et al.
Published: Aug. 19, 2003 | Result Date: Jul. 18, 2003 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: 01CC07795 Verdict – $0
Judge
Court
Orange Superior
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Defendant
Thomas G. Wianecki
(Wesierski & Zurek LLP)
Experts
Plaintiff
Richard K. Hollowell
(technical)
Paul S. Guthorn
(technical)
Defendant
Lewis Castle
(technical)
Robert Eggleston
(technical)
Edmund R. Cababa
(technical)
Facts
The plaintiff, Muriel Rakotomahanina bought a 1966 Plymouth Voyager from Metro Car Co. on June 2, 2000. The plaintiff alleged that the vehicle later developed a gas smell and leak. On June 18, 2000, Julien Rabesson placed the vehicle on ramps and jack stands in the garage of the apartment where he lived with the plaintiff. A fire was ignited by an altered and modified halogen lamp. Julien Rabesson was burned over 90 percent of his body. He was interviewed at the scene by the responding Fullerton Fire Captain (Lewis Castle). Julien Rabesson survived until July 1, 2000 but never regained consciousness once placed in the ambulance.
Damages
The plaintiff claimed damages of $2,085 in respect of the cost of therapy and medications. The Estate of the decedent claimed $13,650 (the decedent was an illegal alien, deportable and was working using a forged social security number).
Deliberation
8.5 hours
Poll
Phase One: 9-3 (plaintiff). Phase Two: 9-3 (defense on negligence), 10-2 (defense on breach of warranty)
Length
nine days
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