Confidential
Settlement – $65,000Mediator
Court
Riverside Superior
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Defendant
Facts
The plaintiff was a 22-year-old football coach at a school for the deaf. On Nov. 5, 1996, there was a scuffle on the field. The plaintiff assisted in breaking up the fight. After the fight, as one player was walking away, he took off his helmet and threw it over his shoulder. The flying helmet hit the plaintiff in the face, fracturing his four front teeth (Numbers 7, 8, 9 and 10). The plaintiff had emergency treatment for the injuries and then follow-up with a bone transplant to support the upper jaw so that transplants could be used to replace the missing teeth. This required two surgeries and four implants. The plaintiff brought this action against the defendant based on a negligence theory of recovery.
Specials in Evidence
Workers' comp paid
Damages
There was a lien for $11,610.72.
Injuries
The plaintiff suffered four fractured teeth and numbness in the lower anterior teeth. He claimed he is unable to chew anything hard, he no longer can whistle, has little feeling in gums above front upper teeth, and there was a change in the appearance of his face. He will have to have future care for his dental implants two to three times during his life expectancy at a cost of approximately $3,000 to $4,000.
Other Information
The settlement was reached approximately 10 months after the case was filed. MEDIATION: A two-hour mediation held before C. David Serena of Judicate West resulted in the reported settlement.
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