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Personal Injury
Construction Site Accident
Worker Negligence

Ryan Corum v. Crane Rental Service Inc.

Published: Oct. 19, 2013 | Result Date: Jun. 4, 2013 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |

Case number: 30-2012-00568241-CU-PO-CJC Verdict –  $796,808

Court

Orange Superior


Attorneys

Plaintiff

Steven A. Ehrlich


Defendant

Rene M. Faucher
(Gray Duffy LLP)

John J. Duffy
(Swanson, Martin and Bell LLP)


Experts

Plaintiff

John T. Knight
(medical)

Ray C. Largo
(technical)

Timothy Lanning Ph.D.
(technical)

Bransford Pickett
(technical)

Facts

On Nov. 16, 2011, Ryan Corum was installing a new boiler in a building in Irvine. Crane Rental Service Inc. was also working on the project, and was supposed to lift and remove the boilers from the building's roof. While a crane was lifting a boiler, a crane ball hit Corum and injured him. Corum then sued Crane Rental.

Contentions

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
Corum argued that Crane Rental's employees had been negligent and caused the accident.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
Crane Rental denied responsibility, and instead argued that Corum had caused the accident himself. It argued that Corum was at fault because he had put his hand in a dangerous area during the lifting operation.

Specials in Evidence

$14,406 $73,779

Injuries

Corum suffered severe injuries to his wrist, including a fracture and a deep laceration. He needed multiple surgeries and physical therapy to repair the wrist.

Result

The jury found that Crane Rental was responsible for the accident, and awarded Corum $796,808. The judgment has been satisfied. The final amount totaled $838,767, including $14,758 and interest.

Deliberation

90 minutes

Poll

12-0

Length

eight days


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