Confidential
Settlement – $500,000Court
L.A. Superior Central
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Defendant
Peter P. Brotzen
(Dwyer, Daly, Brotzen & Bruno LLP)
Facts
Plaintiff was a 45-year-old special effects coordinator for a Black & Decker commercial being filmed near Lancaster on Aug. 20, 1996. The script called for a Cobra helicopter gunship to fly over a rock outcropping and simulate strafing a jeep. The plaintiff was to detonate charges buried in the sand to simulate the bullet hits. During a practice run-through, the helicopter blades struck the outcropping, causing the helicopter to lose control and crash into a truck and trailer. The plaintiff was in the path of the helicopter, but was struck only by rock and debris, suffering minor cuts and bruises. The plaintiff also claimed that as a result of the accident, he could no longer accept jobs involving airplane travel and became fearful of riding in elevators. The plaintiff underwent two years of psychotherapy during which time he turned down employment opportunities requiring him to perform the activities he feared.
Settlement Discussions
The plaintiffÆs initial settlement demand was $750,000. The defendantÆs initial settlement offer was $100,000. The case was settled in direct negotiations without any judicial officerÆs assistance for $500,000. The settlement was reached one year, 10 months after the case was filed.
Specials in Evidence
$8,785 $549,000
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