Facts

Justin Zanders filed suit against the City and County of San Francisco in relation to being struck in the head by a power pickup pole on a city bus as he walked down a sidewalk on Mission Street.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS: Zanders contended that a power pickup pole became disconnected from an overhead wire from the city bus and struck him on the head. As a result, he contended that he sustained an injury and he fell unconscious. Zanders contended that defendant was negligent in the maintenance of the bus, which created a dangerous condition.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS: Defendant stipulated to liability.

Settlement Discussions

Plaintiff made a $200,000 demand per CCP Section 998.

Injuries

Plaintiff sustained a mild traumatic brain injury, with ongoing symptoms. Defendant contended that Zanders made a full recovery within three months of the injury.

Result

The jury found in favor of Zanders and awarded him $266,740, which included $36,740 in past medical costs, $180,000 in past non-economic damages, and $50,000 in future non-economic damages. An additional $85,000 was recovered in costs.