Garza v. Trinity Children and Family Services
Published: Aug. 13, 2002 | Result Date: Jun. 20, 2002 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: MC012459 Verdict – $254,523
Judge
Court
L.A. Superior Lancaster
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Michael D. Waks
(Law Office of Michael D. Waks)
Defendant
Alexander F. Giovanniello
(Giovanniello Law Group)
Experts
Plaintiff
A. Richard Grossman M.D.
(medical)
Defendant
Thomas L. Sansonetti
(medical)
Karl N. Stein
(medical)
Facts
The plaintiff is a two-and-a-half-year-old girl in foster care with the county of Los Angeles.
The County engaged the services of the defendant, Trinity Children and Family Services (Trinity) to place the
child with one of their foster parents, defendant Martha Gonzalez.
While in Gonzalez's care, the minor plaintiff sustained 2nd and 3rd degree burns to both
of her feet and had to be hospitalized for two weeks and required two skin grafts to her feet.
Settlement Discussions
Mediation yielded no offer. The plaintiff filed a CCP Section 998 Demand for $200,000; the defendant made a CCP Section 998 offer of $65,000. After the defendant lost its Motion for Summary Judgment, it agreed to binding arbitration.
Injuries
Second and Third degree burns to both feet, two skin grafts and two weeks in hospital.
Other Information
Trinity brought a Motion for Summary Judgment on these issues. The Court determined that Trinity was not immune from a negligence claim and also that the issue of agency was a question of fact, thereby denying Trinity's claim for a Motion for Summary Judgment.
For reprint rights or to order a copy of your photo:
Email
jeremy@reprintpros.com
for prices.
Direct dial: 949-702-5390