Facts

Marat and Valentina Platkov sued the City of Santa Monica and Armando Mora after an accident involving a city bus.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
The Platkovs claimed that on Dec. 5, 2012, they were driving in Santa Monica and stopped at a crosswalk. While stopped, a city bus, driven by Mora, hit them from behind. The Platkovs sued the City of Santa Monica and Mora, arguing that Mora had been driving his bus negligently, and the city was responsible for his actions.

The Platkovs asserted that Mora had been driving dangerously by testing his bus' brakes on a public street. They also argued that he had been under the influence of Prozac at the time of the accident.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
Defendants argued that Mora's actions were reasonable and that he had not been under the influence of any prescription medications at the time of the accident. Defendants contended that plaintiffs' injuries were all related to preexisting, degenerative conditions.

Damages

Plaintiffs claimed $75,000 in combined past medical costs, over $1,000,000 in future medical treatment and care giving expenses, and further sought damages for their pain and suffering.

Injuries

Valentina was taken by ambulance to the emergency room from the scene of the accident. She claimed an aggravation of a pre-existing spinal fracture at T12 and treated with physical therapy. She also claimed ongoing back pain, restricting her mobility and daily activities, and cognitive impairment. Marat claimed a sprained right ankle and treated with physical therapy. He also claimed ongoing leg pain, restricting his mobility and daily activities, and cognitive impairment.

Result

The parties settled for $800,000.

Other Information

The court allowed plaintiffs to amend their complaint to include a claim for punitive damages. FILING DATE: May 10, 2013.