David and Deborah Ortega v. PG & E
Published: Dec. 6, 1997 | Result Date: Nov. 12, 1997 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: C9600144 – $0
Judge
Court
Contra Costa Superior
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Defendant
William S. Kronenberg
(Kronenberg Law PC)
Facts
On Jan. 13, 1995, plaintiff David Ortega, a 39-year-old copy machine repairman, went to one of defendant Pacific Gas & Electric's plants in Antioch on a service call. While there, plaintiff slipped on a spot of oil on the floor and fell. The plaintiff brought this action against defendant based on negligence and premises liability theories of recovery and the trial was bifurcated.
Settlement Discussions
The plaintiff made a settlement demand for $750,000. According to plaintiff, the defendant made an offer of $300,000.
Specials in Evidence
$90,000 $89,000 Over $1 million future medical and wage loss.
Damages
No damages were in evidence as the trial was bifurcated. However, according to defendant, plaintiff's medical bills were $90,000, lost earnings were $89,000 and over $1 million future medical and wage loss was alleged. Plaintiff reports he claimed $750,000 in damages.
Injuries
The plaintiff alleged a back injury requiring disc fusion at L5-S1, permanent disability and hospitalization.
Other Information
The verdict was reached approximately one year and 10 months after the case was filed. Per defendant, mediation was held on March 13, 1997, before JAMS/Endispute resulting in a demand of $1.2 million and an offer by defendant of $350,000.
Deliberation
90 minutes (per defendant), 120 minutes (per plaintiff)
Poll
12-0
Length
four days
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