Brian A. Cummings v. Ford Motor Company
Published: Jan. 15, 2000 | Result Date: Oct. 7, 1999 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: 988294GHK Verdict – $0
Judge
Court
USDC Central
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Defendant
Matthew Raymond Rogers
(Squire Patton Boggs (US) LLP)
Experts
Plaintiff
Paul C. Stimson
(technical)
Anil V. Khadilkar
(technical)
Theodore Zinke
(technical)
Bryan Keropian
(medical)
Defendant
Gerald E. Corwin
(technical)
Debora R. Marth
(technical)
Mark A. Novak
(technical)
Dennis C. Schneider
(technical)
Robert Carl Adler
(medical)
Jeffrey L. Pearson
(technical)
Facts
On Jan. 26, 1998, plaintiff, a 28-year-old salesman, was a passenger in a 1995 Ford Mustang being driven by his girlfriend, Erin Reed. At the time of the accident, she was driving the Mustang north on Topanga Canyon Boulevard, close to the intersection with the 101 freeway in Woodland Hills. Frank Tatman was operating a 1989 Toyota Camry in the southbound direction and made an improper left-hand turn directly into the path of the Mustang. The plaintiff claimed that the Mustang was traveling at approximately 9 mph when the front of the Camry struck the left front of the Mustang. The air bags in the Mustang deployed and plaintiff's mandible was fractured in two places. Additionally, the plaintiff claimed significant damage to his teeth, a displaced meniscus in his jaw and permanent TMJ dysfunction.
Settlement Discussions
The plaintiff demanded $250,000, while Ford offered $25,000.
Specials in Evidence
$40,000 $15,000 $20,000
Injuries
The plaintiff sustained a shattered mandible, cracked and loosened teeth and TMJ. The plaintiff's jaw was wired shut for two months. He also underwent extensive dental treatment including root canals, crowns and fillings. The plaintiff has a displaced meniscus in the right TMJ and is required to permanently use oral orthotics. He is expected to undergo jaw surgery in the future.
Deliberation
90 minutes
Poll
8-0
Length
six days
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