This is the property of the Daily Journal Corporation and fully protected by copyright. It is made available only to Daily Journal subscribers for personal or collaborative purposes and may not be distributed, reproduced, modified, stored or transferred without written permission. Please click "Reprint" to order presentation-ready copies to distribute to clients or use in commercial marketing materials or for permission to post on a website. and copyright (showing year of publication) at the bottom.

Personal Injury
Auto v. Auto
Failure to Yield

Miriam Duran v. Diane Cisneros Kekilian and Shahe Kekilian

Published: Oct. 29, 2011 | Result Date: Jul. 6, 2011 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |

Case number: BC431417 Verdict –  $939,932

Court

L.A. Superior Central


Attorneys

Plaintiff

Z. Dean Hakkak

Gary A. Dordick
(Dordick Law Corporation)


Defendant

Jay T. Rubin
(Mark R. Weiner & Associates)


Experts

Plaintiff

John Larsen
(medical)

Jesse L. Wobrock Ph.D.
(technical)

David A. Collazo
(medical)

Ben Shwachman
(medical)

Defendant

Stephen L.G. Rothman M.D.
(medical)

Peter Burkhart
(medical)

Steven J. Nagelberg M.D.
(medical)

Facts

Miriam Duran was driving her pickup truck southbound on Budau Avenue in Los Angeles on March 9, 2009 when she was broadsided by a vehicle driven by Diane Kekilian in the intersection with Chester Street.

Contentions

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
Duran filed suit against Kekilian, and her husband, the owner of the vehicle, alleging motor vehicle negligence and vicarious liability. Duran contended that Kekilian failed to stop at the stop sign and yield to her right of way.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
Kekilian alleged she made a complete stop sign and looked before entering the intersection. She further contended that Duran sped through the intersection, causing the accident with her own negligence. Kekilian also alleged Duran's injuries were due to a preexisting condition.

Damages

Duran sought damages for past and future medical costs, past lost earnings, and post and future pain and suffering.

Injuries

Duran sustained soft-tissue injuries to her neck and back.

Result

The jury awarded Duran $939,932 in damages.

Deliberation

three hours

Length

one week


#89321

For reprint rights or to order a copy of your photo:

Email jeremy@reprintpros.com for prices.
Direct dial: 949-702-5390