Confidential
Settlement – $550,000Judge
Court
L.A. Superior Norwalk
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Defendant
Steven M. Maslauski
(Prindle, Goetz, Barnes & Reinholtz LLP)
Facts
The plaintiff, a 49-year-old male, lost three fingers of his left (minor) hand on May 29, 2001. Each finger was amputated at the middle knuckle. The plaintiff was employed as a machinist changing gears on an automatic bar screw machine manufactured and designed by the defendants. He was in the process of changing gears as instructed previously by his foreman. His foreman forgot that the plaintiff was present and turned on the machine.
Settlement Discussions
The plaintiff initially demanded $3 million, subsequently lowered to a C.C.P. Section 998 demand of $1,475,000 10 days prior to trial. The defendant made a C.C.P. Section 998 offer of $225,000 10 days prior to trial.
Damages
Amputation of three fingers, phantom pain in the middle finger, arm pain, itching in the missing digits, severe psychiatric injuries, loss of earnings.
Other Information
The defendants purchased the $83,000 lien from the intervenor at the mediation for $8,500.
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