Randy R. Canister v. Emergency Ambulance Services Inc., Cass Patrick Hamilton
Published: Oct. 8, 2005 | Result Date: Aug. 16, 2005 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: BC299992 Verdict – $0
Judge
Court
L.A. Superior Central
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Defendant
William R. Boyce
(Boyce Schaeffer Mainieri LLP)
Adam R. James
(Schmid & Voiles)
Experts
Plaintiff
Barbara C. Luna
(technical)
Robert W. Hunt
(medical)
John Stevenson
(technical)
Defendant
Kenneth A. Solomon
(technical)
Steven Molina Ph.D.
(technical)
David J. Weiner M.B.A., AM
(technical)
Robert W. Chandler
(medical)
Facts
In August 2002, plaintiff Randy Canister, a 42-year-old police officer, was riding in an ambulance transporting a prisoner from one hospital to another in Los Angeles County. The ambulance was owned by defendant Emergency Ambulance Services and driven by employee Cass Hamilton. As the ambulance was driving onto the 10 Freeway through the Washington Boulevard on-ramp, an unidentified car cut it off, causing it to swerve and hit the curb. The plaintiff, who was not wearing a seat belt, was thrown from his seat, and his leg became trapped under the gurney.
Damages
The plaintiff sought $150,000 in medical expenses, $2.5 million for lost wages, and $3.35 million for pain and suffering. The defendant contended that the plaintiff's medical expenses were already covered by workers' compensation and that other benefits were nearly the equivalent of his salary.
Injuries
The plaintiff suffered a tibial plateau fracture and underwent an open reduction and internal fixation with the insertion of bone allograft. He also suffered herniated discs and a tripartite patella. Further, he complained of neck pain, shoulder pain, and numbness to his hand. The plaintiff contended he would never be able to work again as a policeman. The defendant disputed the extent of the plaintiff's injuries, contending that some of his injuries may have been pre-existing. The defendant also pointed out that the plaintiff could continue to perform semi-sedentary work.
Deliberation
30 minutes
Poll
11-1
Length
six days
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