Enrique Luis, Carlos Nunez Lopez and Natividad Pineda v. Laura Bonnie Steele
Published: Jun. 17, 1995 | Result Date: Feb. 16, 1995 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: VC012759 – $0
Judge
Court
L.A. Superior Norwalk
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Defendant
Experts
Plaintiff
Edwin Gromis
(medical)
Abilio A. Hernandez
(medical)
Oscar F. Jackson
(medical)
Bert Enserink
(technical)
Defendant
Edward A. Abraham M.D.
(medical)
Melvin Schwartz
(medical)
H. Thomas Ganz
(technical)
Facts
On August 23, 1992, at approximately 9:00 a.m., Plaintiff/Cross-defendant Enrique Lopez was operating a red 1984 Plymouth northbound in the number one lane of the 605 Freeway. Plaintiffs Natividad Pineda, Carlos Nunez Lopez, and Luis Enrique Lopez were passengers in the same Plymouth. At the time, Enrique Lopez was a 29-year-old gardener; Natividad Pineda was a 28-year-old assembler; Carlos Nunez Lopez was a 19-year-old gardener; and Luis Enrique Lopez was a 5-year-old child. Defendant/Cross-complainant Laura Bonnie Steele was operating her black 1988 Mercedes Benz in the number two lane of the 605 Freeway, northbound. The 2 vehicles collided causing them to veer to the right, off the freeway, and down an embankment. Plaintiffs' vehicle subsequently collided with a tree and caught on fire. Defendant's vehicle rolled several times prior to coming to rest.
Settlement Discussions
Defendant contends they offered $67,000 total at the MSC and Plaintiffs' demand (just prior to commencement of the trial) was $100,000 with an indication they would accept $95,000 total.
Specials in Evidence
$21,700 (Natividad Pineda) $1,200 (Luis Lopez) $5,200 (Enrique Lopez) and $5,100 (Carlos Lopez) $9,282 (Natividad Pineda) $500 (Enrique Lopez) and $200 (Carlos Lopez) $40,500 (Natividad Pineda)
Damages
Ms. Pineda asked the jury to award $211,000 to her for pain and suffering; Luis Lopez asked the jury for $4,500 for pain and suffering; Enrique Lopez asked the jury to award to him $65,000; and Carlos Lopez requested $60,000 from the jury.
Injuries
Natividad Pineda: This Plaintiff was 7-months pregnant requiring 7 days observation; 2 fractured ribs, contusions, and bruises requiring physical therapy; traumatic stress disorder requiring psychiatric treatment. Enrique Lopez: Soft tissue neck and back requiring emergent care, X rays, and examination as well as chiropractic care. Carlos Nunez Lopez: Soft tissue neck and back requiring emergent care and X rays as well as chiropractic treatments; head laceration requiring sutures. And Luis Enrique Lopez: Soft tissue neck and back requiring emergency evaluation and X rays as well as chiropractic care.
Other Information
Plaintiffs' motion for new trial was denied on April 11, 1995. This case was filed March 3, 1992; three years and 1/2 month prior to this result.
Deliberation
1.5 days
Poll
11-1
Length
13 days
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