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    • Mitchelle Reaves, Freeman Reaves v. South Coast Bobcat Inc., Miramar Bobcat Inc.

    Jun. 28, 2005
    Verdicts and settlements
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    Personal Injury
    Product Liability
    Design Defects

    Mitchelle Reaves, Freeman Reaves v. South Coast Bobcat Inc., Miramar Bobcat Inc.

    Published: Jun. 28, 2005 | Result Date: Apr. 12, 2005 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |
    Case number: SC073515 Verdict –  $0

    Judge

    Gerald Rosenberg

    Court

    L.A. Superior Santa Monica


    Attorneys

    Plaintiff

    Rex J. Beaber

    Stewart J. Levin
    (Stewart J. Levin, Attorney at Law)

    Nicholas A. Heiman


    Defendant

    Scott T. Tropio

    Christopher Hammond


    Experts

    Plaintiff

    Charles Chase
    (technical)

    Charles Cuccias
    (technical)

    Jerald H. Udinsky
    (technical)

    Steven A. Velinsky
    (technical)

    Maureen D. Miner
    (medical)

    Wilson C. Hayes
    (technical)

    Kathleen McCann
    (medical)

    Defendant

    Paul S. Guthorn
    (technical)

    Steven A. Blewett
    (technical)

    David J. Coates
    (technical)

    Facts

    Plaintiffs Mitchelle and Freeman Reaves, a married couple, owned a Bobcat skidsteer loader attachment sold by defendant South Coast Bobcat Inc. The plaintiffs used the skid steer loader for their subcontracting business. The plaintiffs replaced the attachment frame after it wore out with a frame assembled and sold by defendant South Coast Bobcat Inc. In October 2001, the breaker attachment fell from the loader and hit Mitchelle Reaves on her scapula and back. The result was paraplegia.

    Settlement Discussions

    The plaintiffs demanded $5.5 million (policy limits). The defendant offered $250,000.

    Specials in Evidence

    $300,000 $398,000 $10 million

    Injuries

    Mitchelle Reaves suffered multiple fractures and paraplegia at T4. Freeman Reaves claimed loss of consortium.

    Deliberation

    1.5 days

    Poll

    12-0

    Length

    nine days


    #123682

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