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Personal Injury (Non-Vehicular)
Dangerous Condition
Trip and Fall

Marnay O'Neal v. Pacific Gas and Electric Company

Published: May 7, 1994 | Result Date: Mar. 18, 1994 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |

Case number: 940837 –  $0

Judge

Richard P. Figone

Court

San Francisco Superior


Attorneys

Plaintiff

Ronald H. Wecht


Defendant

Michael B. Brownlee


Experts

Plaintiff

John Callander
(medical)

Bernard L. Gabrielsen
(technical)

Defendant

Terry Lawrence
(technical)

Roger F. Diehnel
(technical)

Lindsey E. Blenkhorn
(medical)

Facts

On March 17, 1991, Plaintiff Marnay O'Neal alleged that a Pacific Gas and Electric Company gas valve cover tilted when she stepped on it, while she was walking on a public walkway. She fell, twisting her ankle and right knee. Plaintiff's right knee is residually weak, allegedly causing her to fall on a number of subsequent occasions; on one such fall she injured her left knee.

Settlement Discussions

Defendant contends their offer was $75,000 and Plaintiff demanded $250,000.

Specials in Evidence

$18,000 $32,000

Damages

Plaintiff's counsel asked the jury for $300,000.

Injuries

Left ankle sprain requiring immobilization; medial meniscus tear of the right knee and medial meniscus tear of the left knee requiring arthroscopic surgeries; chondromalacia of the femoral condyle and patella of the right knee requiring arthroscopic surgery; foot, ankle, and tailbone contusions; Plaintiff also claimed a need for future and partial right knee replacement.

Other Information

A prior arbitration by Thomas E. Morton resulted in a Plaintiff's award of $25,000.

Deliberation

1.5 hours

Poll

9-3

Length

4 days


#90378

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