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CONFIDENTIAL

Sep. 12, 1998

Personal Injury
Automobile Accident
Wrongful Death

Confidential

Settlement –  $700,000

Court

Case Not Filed


Attorneys

Plaintiff

Vernon W. Hunt Jr.


Defendant

Christopher P. Wesierski
(Wesierski & Zurek LLP)


Facts

On Nov. 10, 1997, the decedent, a 20-year-old college student and elementary school teacher, had car trouble and had stopped along the Corona del Mar Toll Road (73). It was raining and decedent stopped well off the traveled portion of the roadway by a Call Box in order to get assistance. The defendant's employee, who was allegedly driving at an unsafe speed, claimed that she hydro-planed and lost control of her vehicle, striking and killing the decedent. Decedent's car was completely destroyed after defendant's employee struck decedent's parked vehicle. The defendant's car left 100 feet of skid marks in a straight line, allegedly inconsistent with defendant's claim of hydroplanning and combined with the extensive property damage, indicative of excessive speed. The plaintiffs brought this wrongful death action against the defendants based on negligence.

Settlement Discussions

The plaintiffs made a C.C.P. º998 settlement demand for $_______. The defendants made a C.C.P. º998 offer of compromise for $________.

Damages

The family had excellent intra family relationships. There was no significant loss of support potential, as the plaintiff father is a professional man earning a significant income. The decedent was a source of great comfort and pride. She worked very well with children and had an outstanding accomplishment in every area of her life.

Injuries

Death of daughter.

Other Information

Pre-litigation depositions of decedent's parents taken and the settlement was reached before the case was filed.


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