Facts

Emma Madadian slipped on a puddle in an isle at a Vons supermarket in Glendale, California while shopping with her husband. Madadian sued the Vons Companies Inc. for her claimed injuries.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS: Plaintiff contended that defendant failed to clean frozen food that thawed onto the ground in front of her as she was shopping. Plaintiff further contended that defendant did not warn customers of the potential slipping hazard presented by the puddle that caused plaintiff's injuries. Plaintiff contended that her injuries caused limitations in her mobility and ability to care for her grandchildren.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS: Defendant admitted liability but denied the extent of plaintiff's claimed injuries. Defense experts opined that plaintiff's surgeries were unnecessary and contended through video evidence that plaintiff misrepresented her limitations as they related to care for her grandchildren.

Settlement Discussions

Plaintiff's CCP 998 offer was for $1.275 million. Defendant's was $500,000.

Specials in Evidence

Plaintiff sought $374,712.09 in past medical costs and $100,000 to $150,000 in future medical costs.

Damages

Plaintiff asked for $2-3 million in closing argument.

Injuries

Emma Madadian suffered a partial rotator cuff tear, and a symptomatic cervical disc herniation with radiculopathy that was caused by exacerbation to pre-existing degeneration at C4-5. Madadian also underwent a single-level cervical fusion at C4-5 and had a rotator cuff repair to the left shoulder.

Result

The jury awarded plaintiff a $661,712.09 verdict of which $200,000 was in general damages.

Deliberation

1 day

Length

5 days