Irving Okun; Joyce Okun v. Arthur Hurst; Donna Hurst
Published: Feb. 28, 1998 | Result Date: Oct. 6, 1997 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: LC020216 Verdict – $0
Judge
Court
L.A. Superior Central West
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Defendant
Thomas W. Shaver
(Shaver, Korff & Castronovo LLP)
Experts
Plaintiff
Thomas C. Benson Jr.
(technical)
Defendant
Gerald Kovacs
(technical)
Facts
Plaintiffs owned a home in Woodland Hills downhill from defendants' home which was built in 1960. The original builder filled in the swale on the hillside but did not compact it. In 1992, six inches of rain fell, causing a mudslide into plaintiffs' home. The plaintiffs brought this action against defendants based on a negligence theory of recovery. Trial was bifurcated on liability and damages.
Settlement Discussions
The plaintiff made a settlement demand for $150,000 at the settlement conference. Per defendant, plaintiff demanded $200,000. The defendant made no offer.
Damages
The plaintiffs claimed $150,000 in damages (evidence not presented at trial because of bifurcation).
Other Information
SETTLEMENT CONFERENCE: A settlement conference was held on April 30, 1997, resulting in no settlement. POST TRIAL MOTIONS: Plaintiff made a motion to tax costs.
Deliberation
six hours
Poll
10-2
Length
10 days
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