Hester Steunenberg v. Edward Edmison, Scott Haley
Published: Jul. 20, 1996 | Result Date: May 20, 1996 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: N64301 Arbitration – $0
Judge
Court
USSC
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Defendant
Douglas V. Brust
(Konoske, Akiyama & Brust LLP)
Experts
Plaintiff
Frank Steunenberg
(technical)
Suzanne Ackley
(medical)
Defendant
David C. Smith
(Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP)
(medical)
Facts
On Jan. 1, 1994, plaintiff Hester Steunenberg, a 60-year-old homemaker, was riding a Suzuki Quad in Ocotillo Wells State Park. Defendant Haley was riding a 1961 VW dune buggy in the park when the pin in the steering column fell out, causing defendant Haley to lose control and collide with the plaintiff's all terain vehicle . The plaintiff was knocked off her all terain vehicle and injured. Defendant Haley had bought the vehicle from defendant Edmison three weeks before the accident. The plaintiff brought this action against the defendants, Scott Haley and Edward Edmison, based on negligence theories of recovery.
Settlement Discussions
The plaintiff made a settlement demand for $100,000 ($50,000 to come from defendant Edmison). Defendant Edmison made an offer of $25,000.
Specials in Evidence
$25,000 $10,000 $__________ $________
Damages
The plaintiff claimed $35,000 (per the defendants) or $150,000 (per the plaintiff) in damages. The plaintiff also claimed $4,000 for a jacuzzi.
Injuries
The plaintiff alleged she sustained a fractured left wrist (in 25 places) requiring open reduction internal fixation, resulting in permanently reduced range of motion.
Other Information
The verdict was reached approximately one year and 11 months after the case was filed. The plaintiff obtained a default judgment for $102,000 against defendant Haley.
Deliberation
35 minutes
Poll
11-1
Length
5 days
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