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Torts
Wrongful Death
Electrocution

Patricia Jayne Morales-Navarro, Brittany Marie Morales-Navarro, et al. v. Southern California Edison Company

Published: May 10, 2001 | Result Date: Mar. 28, 2001 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |

Case number: YC036097 Verdict –  $0

Judge

Warren L. Ettinger

Court

L.A. Superior Central


Attorneys

Plaintiff

Jerold D. Sullivan
(Sullivan & Sullivan)

John K. Sullivan


Defendant

Donald A. Redd


Experts

Plaintiff

Donald C. Berman
(technical)

Michael S. Adams
(technical)

Defendant

Steven Holcomb
(technical)

Robert Spease
(technical)

Facts

The plaintiffs are the heirs of a 31-year-old decedent who was electrocuted when the decedent contacted an
energized power line while attempting to trim and remove a tree.
The plaintiffs contended that the defendant violated PUC rules by not properly clearing tree from wires and
because of a missing "High Voltage" sign.
The defendant contended that the tree was properly cleared from wires and no notice regarding missing sign. In
any event, the decedent knew that wires were present.

Settlement Discussions

The plaintiffs made a C.C.P. Section 998 demand of $299,000 and asked the jury for $3.7 million. The defendant offered a waiver of costs.

Deliberation

1.5 days

Poll

9-3 (negligence)

Length

five days


#80720

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