Facts

On December 20, 2018, within the crosswalk at Orlando Avenue and Melrose Avenue, driver James Thompson struck Craig Koenekoop who was out for a run. Koenekoop, sustaining injuries, was transported to Cedar Sinai Hospital. On May 18, 2020, Koenenkoop filed a complaint against Thompson, Uber Technologies, Inc. and Rasier-CA, LLC (Uber's subsidiary which licenses Uber's technology).

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS: Plaintiff and defendant driver Thompson stipulated that Thompson negligently caused the accident.

DEFENDANTS' CONTENTIONS: Uber and Rasier denied Thompson's negligence was a substantial factor in causing many of Plaintiff's damage claims, including the need for future hip replacement surgeries and artificial disc replacement surgeries in the lumbar and cervical regions, noting that Plaintiff already suffered from ongoing degenerative spine conditions, as well as a pre-accident bilateral hip condition. Defendants Uber and Rasier stipulated to vicarious liability, for the purposes of narrowing the issues for trial in the interest of judicial efficiency and for this specific case and parties only (a Pre-Proposition 22 accident).

Settlement Discussions

During the trial, the plaintiff presented a settlement demand of $15,000,000. In his closing argument, the plaintiff asked the jury to award $18,000,000 in past pain and suffering, and $19,000,000 in future pain and suffering, for a total award over $39,000,000.

Injuries

Plaintiff alleged he sustained several injuries, including lifelong injuries to both of his hips, back and neck. Prior to trial Plaintiff underwent bilateral hip surgeries and injections to his neck and back. Plaintiff claimed that he would ultimately require six additional surgeries over the course of his lifetime, including lumber and cervical spine disc replacement surgeries, and replacement of both hips, twice during his lifetime, with an estimated cost of $2,200,000.

Result

On April 10, 2024, after a two-and-a-half-week trial presided over by Judge Michael Levanas, a jury awarded plaintiff with a $6,768,071.46 verdict against defendants.

Length

2.5 weeks