Facts

On March 23, 2005, at approximately 5 p.m. Peggy Peterson Giannoni was struck in a crosswalk by defendant Sacramento Regional Transit District bus.

The plaintiffs, the decedent's husband for 32 years and her two adult daughters brought this action against the defendant.

PLAINTIFFS' CONTENTIONS:
The plaintiffs contended that the decedent, who had recently obtained her Ph.D., would have worked another 15 years professionally. She had recently been awarded a contract with the state of California that was to run 12 months. According to defense counsel, plaintiffs' economic damage claim was in the range of $1 - $1.4 million. The plaintiffs also claimed the loss of love, affection, society and companionship.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
The defendant admitted liability. Though defendant challenged some of the assumptions with respect to the loss of future earnings claim, its primary contention was that the non-economic damages award sought by plaintiff was not "reasonable compensation."

Settlement Discussions

Plaintiffs' pre-trial demand was $10 million. The demand was never reduced. The defendant made a pretrial settlement offer of $2 million. That offer was never increased.

Damages

Plaintiffs' counsel suggested an award of just under $30 million. Defense counsel suggested an award of $2.5 million.

Result

Verdict for $4,573,520

Deliberation

1.5 days

Poll

10-2

Length

10 days