Benjamin J. Van Sickle v. City of Santa Monica, Ella Marie Pettis Wheeler, and Does 1 through 100, Inclusive
Published: Dec. 17, 2016 | Result Date: Aug. 11, 2016 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: BC596706 Settlement – $3,850,000
Court
L.A. Superior Central
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Lauri L. Brenner
(Brenner Law)
Robert A. Brenner
(Law Office of Robert A. Brenner)
C. Michael Alder
(AlderLaw PC)
Defendant
Lance S. Gams
(Office of the Santa Monica City Attorney)
Facts
On May 12, 2015, plaintiff, 28, was walking within a designated crosswalk on a green signal. As he was headed southbound on Main St. at Pico Blvd., in the City of Santa Monica, he was struck by a Big Blue Bus turning left from northbound Main to westbound Pico. Plaintiff sued the driver of the bus, Ella Wheeler, and her employer the City of Santa Monica, the owner of the bus.
Contentions
PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
Plaintiff contended that Wheeler negligently operated the bus and that the City of Santa Monica negligently entrusted the vehicle to her.
DEFENDANTS' CONTENTIONS:
Defendants denied plaintiff's allegations and asserted various affirmative defenses.
Settlement Discussions
Plaintiff made a demand for $11 million and the defense countered with $750,000.
Injuries
Plaintiff suffered severe injuries, including traumatic brain injury and multiple fractures.
Result
Pursuant to the settlement reached between the parties, the city will pay plaintiff $3.85 million on behalf of itself and Wheeler.
Other Information
FILING DATE: Oct. 2, 2015.
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