Facts

On April 4, 2014, at approximately 2:35 p.m., plaintiff Mayra Bravo was riding her bicycle on southbound Vermont Ave. near the intersection of Rosewood Ave. when a bus owned and operated by defendant Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority made contact with her and her bicycle, causing her to fall to the ground.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
Plaintiff alleged that the negligence of the metro bus operator caused her injuries.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
LACMTA denied its bus operator was negligent, or that its bus operator caused plaintiff's alleged injuries, and disputed the nature and extent of plaintiff's alleged injuries, if any at all.

Settlement Discussions

Plaintiff's demand was $175,000.00 and LACMTA's offer was $37,500 at mediation. At a second mediation, plaintiff's opening demand was $293,075. Plaintiff's final demand at mediation was $148,500 and LACMTA's final offer was $50,000. A statutory offer was served by LACMTA for $50,000. During trial, LACMTA offered $75,000 and was summarily rejected by plaintiff. In argument, plaintiff asked for $300,000 for pain and suffering and $42,000 for economic damages.

Injuries

Plaintiff treated for soft tissue type injuries and claimed that her right shoulder rotator cuff tear, and the corrective surgery, was caused by the accident. Plaintiff also claimed injuries to her face, head, left shoulder and lower back. Defendant contended that the right shoulder rotator cuff tear and resulting surgery was not caused by the subject accident.

Result

The jury rendered a verdict on behalf of LACMTA.

Other Information

FILING DATE: Feb. 11, 2015.