Sarah Davidson v. Costco Companies, Inc.
Published: Jul. 11, 1998 | Result Date: Feb. 26, 1998 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: LC032519 Verdict – $0
Judge
Court
L.A. Superior Central
Attorneys
Plaintiff
James W. Vititoe
(Vititoe Law Group)
Defendant
Experts
Plaintiff
Alex J. Balian MBA
(technical)
Joel E. Schechter
(technical)
Alfred N. Roven
(medical)
Chadwick E. Smith
(medical)
Defendant
Michael V. Nicholas
(technical)
Peng Thim Fan
(medical)
Charles R. Sadler
(medical)
Edwin O. Terino
(medical)
James G. Kent Ph.D.
(technical)
Facts
On June 8, 1994, plaintiff Sarah Davidson, a 38-year-old woman, was injured while shopping in defendant Costco Companies Inc.'s store in Van Nuys. While walking down an aisle, the plaintiff and a Costco employee collided. The plaintiff fell to the floor. The plaintiff brought this action against the defendant based on a negligence theory of recovery. The plaintiff contended that the defendant's employee was negligent in either turning a corner and walking into her, or in failing to change his path to avoid a collision with a customer. The defendant contended that its employee acted reasonably at all times; and that the plaintiff was negligent for stepping into the employee's path.
Settlement Discussions
The plaintiff made a settlement demand for $250,000, reduced to $165,000. The defendant made a C.C.P. º998 offer of compromise for $15,000.
Injuries
The plaintiff alleged a tear in her left pectoralis muscle; reconstructive surgery to her left breast implant; a 6 mm disk herniation at C5-6; and aggravation of fibromialgia.
Other Information
The verdict was reached approximately two years and eight months after the case was filed. A mediation was held on Oct. 24, 1997, before retired judge Greer Stroud of JAMS, resulting in no settlement.
Deliberation
two hours
Poll
10-2
Length
eight days
For reprint rights or to order a copy of your photo:
Email
jeremy@reprintpros.com
for prices.
Direct dial: 949-702-5390