Confidential
Settlement – $660,000Judge
Court
L.A. Superior Santa Monica
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Defendant
Charles L. Harris
(Lewis, Brisbois, Bisgaard & Smith LLP)
Facts
On Sept. 6, 1996, the plaintiff, a 41-year-old film student, was driving a Toyota Tercel through an intersection when he was hit by a crane owned by the defendants which ran a red light. The defendants admitted that the brakes on the crane failed, but did not admit liability. The plaintiff brought this action against the defendants based on a negligence theory of recovery.
Settlement Discussions
The plaintiff made a C.C.P. º998 settlement demand for $599,990. The defendant made a C.C.P. º998 offer of compromise of $500,000.
Specials in Evidence
$135,000 $105,000 (includes futures) $50,000 to $60,000 (or more)
Injuries
The plaintiff suffered from an internal derangement and Grade II meniscus tear of the right knee, requiring surgery; and internal derangement and Grade III tear of the left knee, requiring surgery; derangement and tendon tear of the right shoulder, requiring surgery; and psychological injuries, including post traumatic stress disorder (PTS) and depression, requiring therapy, psychological counseling and antidepressant medication.
Other Information
The settlement was reached approximately one year and six months after the case was filed.
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