Facts

Patricia Francis was walking her dog near a home in Whittier when a dog ran towards her, causing her to fall and injure her left wrist. Francis sued the property owners, Chad and Christian Sullivan.

PLAINTIFFS' CONTENTIONS: Plaintiff contended that defendants' unrestrained dog charged towards her in defendant's front lawn which did not contain a fence. Plaintiff contended that defendants failed to control their dog, which startled her and caused her to fall.

DEFENDANTS' CONTENTIONS: Defendants contended that they held the dog's collar the entire time and that plaintiff fell because she became tangled in her dog's leash.

Damages

Plaintiff's counsel asked the jury to award $5.5 million.

Injuries

Plaintiff suffered fractures to her left wrist. Plaintiff went to Kaiser the night of the incident and had an ORIF surgery a week later. She had three physical therapy visits thereafter but did not treat further. Plaintiff also claimed severe emotional distress and claimed she continued to suffer from pain in her wrist from surgery. Defendants contended that the surgery resolved all issues and she did not have any related limitations or pain.

Result

The jury awarded Plaintiff a $233,918 verdict.

Other Information

A stipulated amount of $20,369.98 in past medical costs was added to the judgment.

Deliberation

1.5 days

Length

seven days