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Personal Injury
Auto v. Pedestrian
Negligence

Michael Ruth v. Bonitto & Ferreira Parking Management

Published: Jun. 28, 1997 | Result Date: May 27, 1997 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |

Case number: LC025219 Verdict –  $100,000

Judge

Leon S. Kaplan

Court

L.A. Superior Van Nuys


Attorneys

Plaintiff

Brian R. Magaa


Defendant

Clinton M. Hodges M.D.


Experts

Plaintiff

Hillel Sperling M.D.
(medical)

J. Peter Fiske
(medical)

Defendant

Fauzy Mahomar
(medical)

Facts

On Jan. 17, 1993, plaintiff Michael Ruth, a 58-year-old hairdresser and hair salon owner pulled his car into the defendant's valet parking garage at a restaurant and exited the automobile. As the plaintiff walked behind his car to gain access to the elevator the defendant's parking attendant backed the plaintiff's automobile into him. The plaintiff brought this action against defendant Bonitto & Ferreira Parking Management based on a negligence theory of recovery.

Settlement Discussions

The plaintiff made an initial settlement demand for $340,000 (per the plaintiff) or a settlement demand of $450,000, reduced to $340,000 (per the defendant). The defendant made a C.C.P. º998 offer of compromise for $7,000.

Specials in Evidence

$14,000 $37,500

Damages

The plaintiff asked the jury for $514,000 in damages.

Injuries

The plaintiff claimed he suffered aggravation of his spina bifida and soft tissue damage to his neck and ankle.

Other Information

The verdict was reached approximately _____ years and _____ months after the case was filed. A settlement conference/arbitration/mediation was held on ___/___/19____ before _____________ (name) of _____________ (affiliation or court) resulting in _____________ .

Deliberation

6 hours

Poll

12-0

Length

6 days


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