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Personal Injury (Non-Vehicular)
Premises Liability
Dangerous Condition

Devonna Shepard, by and through his guardian ad litem, Mae Young v. The Torrance Company dba Del Amo Fashion Center

Published: Dec. 20, 2001 | Result Date: Oct. 24, 2001 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |

Case number: YC038305 Verdict –  $0

Judge

Bob T. Hight

Court

L.A. Superior Torrance


Attorneys

Plaintiff

Robert H. Barnhill


Defendant

J. Phillip Moorhead


Experts

Plaintiff

Edgardo Osea
(technical)

Stephen C. Wexler
(technical)

Arthur P. Kowell M.D., Ph.D.
(medical)

Defendant

David A. Thompson
(JAMS) (technical)

Facts

The female plaintiff was age three and a half when she fell from a shopping mallÆs second-story guardrail onto
the first floor and landed on her head.

Settlement Discussions

Before trial, the plaintiff settled with the county for $135,000. The plaintiff sought $1.8 million to settle. The defendants offered $200,000. A mediator tried to negotiate a $1 million settlement. At trial, the plaintiffÆs counsel asked the jury for a $25 million verdict.

Specials in Evidence

$258,000 $3.9 million $20 million

Injuries

The plaintiff sustained severe brain damage, right eye blindness, seizure disorder, right forearm amputation and permanent incontinence. She is further unable to walk.

Deliberation

2.5 hours

Poll

9-3

Length

two weeks


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