Sparks v. City of Los Angeles, et al.
Published: Mar. 16, 2002 | Result Date: Dec. 21, 2001 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: SC058988 – $0
Judge
Court
L.A. Superior Central
Attorneys
Plaintiff
R. Browne Greene
(Greene, Broillet & Wheeler, LLP)
Defendant
Brian P. Neill
(Paul F. Sullivan & Associates APC)
Experts
Plaintiff
Peter R. Francis Ph.D.
(technical)
Jerome C. Stenehjem M.D.
(medical)
Harry J. Krueper Jr.
(technical)
Defendant
Charles E. Turnbow
(technical)
Carley C. Ward
(technical)
Barry I. Ludwig M.D.
(medical)
Facts
The plaintiff was a 24-year-old recent graduate of UCLA. After drinking more than three beers and two rum and
cokes, he walked on a city sidewalk at 1:00 a.m. He claimed that he fell on a crack in the sidewalk. During this
incident, he hit his head, became unconscious, and was run over by a truck, driven by defendant Dennis Lytton.
The plaintiff was rendered a quadriplegic.
Settlement Discussions
The City of Los Angeles offered $1 million , with indication of more. The plaintiff demanded $9.2 million at the start of the trial. By closing argument, plaintiff demanded $27 million. Defendant Lytton settled for $15,000 (policy limits) during trial. Co-defendant apartment settled for $1 million (policy limits) before trial.
Injuries
Quadriplegia
Other Information
Defendant City of Los Angeles found an obscure note in three inches of medical records, where the plaintiff admitted to a nurse that he voluntarily laid down on the driveway, and was run over. The plaintiffÆs attorney apparently had overlooked this significant medical record entry. The plaintiff claimed that City of Los Angeles has a policy of not fixing sidewalks until someone was injured, but three city employees rebutted this, including former city council member, Michael Feuer. The plaintiff claimed that City of Los Angeles destroyed records which would have shown other accidents at this location, which was not believed by the jury, as evidenced by the quick verdict.
Deliberation
45 minutes
Poll
12-0
For reprint rights or to order a copy of your photo:
Email
jeremy@reprintpros.com
for prices.
Direct dial: 949-702-5390