Facts

Peter Griese tripped and fell at Mom's Bar & Lounge, in Los Angeles and as a result, he filed a lawsuit against the operator of the bar, 12238 Santa Monica Inc.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS: Griese contended that the leg of a ping-pong table caught his foot and as he fell, he struck his face on the folded ping-pong table near the doorway and nearly severed the tip of his nose. Griese contended that the folded ping-pong table was a dangerous condition and the bar was negligent.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS: The defendant disputed the allegations.

Settlement Discussions

Demand $74,999 (C.C.P. Section 998) Offer $25,000

Damages

Griese sought recovery of $24,401.52 in past medical costs. He also sought recovery of damages for his pain and suffering. Griese did not make a claim for future medical expenses. Griese asked the jury for approximately $480,000 in total damages.

Injuries

Plaintiff contented that he nearly severed the tip of his nose and that he suffered permanent scarring.

Result

The jury found that defendant was negligent and that Griese was not negligent. It found Griese's damages amounted to $159,401.52, which included $24,402 in past economic loss, $100,000 in past non-economic loss, and $35,000 in future non-economic loss.