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Personal Injury
Product Liability
Design Defects

Esther Zano v. Volvo, et al.

Published: Jun. 6, 1998 | Result Date: Apr. 10, 1998 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |

Case number: SC040321 Verdict –  $0

Judge

Judith O. Stein

Court

L.A. Superior Santa Monica


Attorneys

Plaintiff

Mark Waecker


Defendant

Timothy X. Lane


Experts

Plaintiff

Leonard LaCaze Jr.
(technical)

Harold Lancer
(medical)

Defendant

Bengt Schultz
(technical)

Facts

On Jan. 21, 1995, the plaintiff, Esther Zano, a 52-year-old fashion designer, was operating a 1990 Volvo 240, eastbound on Santa Monica Boulevard. The plaintiff rear-ended a 1994 Oldsmobile and the air bag in the Volvo deployed. The plaintiff brought this action against defendant Volvo based on a product liability theory of recovery.

Settlement Discussions

The plaintiff made a settlement demand for $350,000. The defendant made no offer.

Specials in Evidence

$20,000 $100,000

Injuries

The plaintiff sustained bruising and discoloration to her face.

Other Information

The plaintiff was uninsured and, therefore, a motion was made pursuant to California Civil Code º3333.4 (Proposition 213) that plaintiff not recover any non-economic damages, which would include pain and suffering and disfigurement. That motion was granted.

Deliberation

1½ days

Poll

9-3

Length

6 days


#80107

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