James Casey, Donna Casey, Zoe Casey, a minor by and through her Guardian ad Litem, Donna Casey v. Theodore Hanson
Published: Jul. 9, 2005 | Result Date: Apr. 12, 2005 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: 148810 Verdict – $0
Judge
Court
Shasta Superior
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Defendant
Experts
Plaintiff
Eric Shapiro
(technical)
Stephen Sheppard
(technical)
Defendant
Kenneth W. Heichman
(technical)
Facts
Defendant Theodore Hanson was driving southbound on Interstate 5 near Lake Shasta. The defendant was driving a GMC pickup truck that was pulling a ski boat. The defendant ran out of gas and pulled over to the right shoulder. Plaintiff Donna Casey was also driving southbound on Interstate 5, with her husband James in the passenger seat and their child, Zoe, age 3, in the back. The plaintiff was driving a 2003 Ford Focus. A car suddenly cut in front of the plaintiff, causing her to swerve to the left to avoid a collision. As the plaintiff attempted to reenter the freeway, she lost control and swerved across both lanes of southbound traffic. The plaintiff eventually struck the left rear portion of the defendant's boat trailer, crushing the plaintiff's vehicle at the passenger front door.
Settlement Discussions
The defendant offered $100,000 with indication of $250,000. The plaintiffs demanded $1.5 million with indication of $500,000.
Damages
James Casey's medical costs exceeded seven figures.
Injuries
Plaintiff James Casey, the passenger, suffered catastrophic injuries including damage to his brain, kidney and vision. Plaintiff Donna Casey sustained seat belt bruising and a minor knee injury.
Deliberation
26 minutes
Poll
11-1 (defense)
Length
three days
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