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Personal Injury (Non-Vehicular)
Product Liability
Negligence

Clemencia Martinez v. Astechnologies Inc.

Published: Nov. 25, 2000 | Result Date: Oct. 27, 2000 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |

Case number: GC023630 Verdict –  $262,500

Judge

J. Michael Byrne

Court

L.A. Superior Pasadena


Attorneys

Plaintiff

Peter M. Williamson
(Williamson Law Firm)


Defendant

Thomas F. Hozduk


Experts

Plaintiff

Martin J. Siegel
(technical)

Charles S. Lane
(medical)

Defendant

Sandy Anfuso
(technical)

Mack A. Quan
(technical)

John F. Lawrence
(medical)

Facts

The plaintiff, age 28, was employed as a fabric fuser by Troy Cutting & Fusing. On July 27, 1998, the plaintiff
inserted her hands through an opening in the top of the fusing machine where a top cover was missing in order
to clean the upper belt of the machine. While wiping the belt with a cloth, a piece of cloth got caught between a
spinning roller and a heated belt pulling the plaintiffÆs right hand between a spin roller and holt belt.

Settlement Discussions

The plaintiff demanded $175,000. The defendant made a C.C.P. Section 998 offer of $50,000.

Specials in Evidence

$13,125 $15,825 $35,000

Injuries

Second and third degree burns of middle, ring and small finger of right hand, limited range of motion and loss of grip strength, possible arthritis in the future.

Other Information

<M>The case was mediated before retired judge Raymond Cardenas.</M>

Deliberation

7.5 hours

Poll

11-1 (defective product)

Length

five days


#120853

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