Paul Valles v. Aceguard Incorporated, dba Ace Security Services, Saga Enterprises, dba Black Angus Restaurant, et al.
Published: Jan. 17, 1998 | Result Date: Dec. 9, 1997 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: PC011883Z Verdict – $237,000
Judge
Court
L.A. Superior San Fernando
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Defendant
Robert S. Rubin
(Law Offices of Norman Nadel)
Experts
Plaintiff
Robert L. Jarvis
(technical)
Donald S. Wiss
(medical)
Facts
On the evening of March 25, 1993, plaintiff Paul Valles, was a patron at the Black Angus Restaurant in Northridge. As plaintiff was exiting the lounge after closing, he was confronted by an individual. The plaintiff informed the individual that he did not want any trouble, after which, he was struck over the right eye. The plaintiff retaliated in kind and was attacked by several individuals. The plaintiff was injured during the ensuing melee. The plaintiff brought this action against the defendants Ace Security Services and Black Angus Restaurant based on negligence and premises liability theories of recovery.
Settlement Discussions
No settlement demand was made by plaintiff. The defendant made an offer for $20,000.
Specials in Evidence
$23,867.27 $14,000 $__________ $__________
Injuries
The plaintiff claimed to suffer a comminuted fracture of the right tibia and fibula, requiring emergency open reduction of fractures and placement of external fixation device for strength and support.
Other Information
The verdict was reached approximately four years and nine months after the case was filed. A settlement conference was held on August 24, 1995 before Judge Waddington of JAMS/Endispute, resulting in the scheduling of an arbitration hearing before Francis A. Sparagna, Esq. Per plaintiff, the arbitrator found negligence (40 percent) the part of defendant, ARG Enterprises and 60 percent caused by the perpetrator who broke plaintiff's leg. The arbitrator also found defendant AceGuard Incorporated, dba Ace Security Services, blameless. An award was made in favor of Plaintiff Valles against SRG Enterprises in the sum of $162,873.83.
Deliberation
six hours
Poll
12-0 (negligence)
Length
six days
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