Katherine Grigg v. Dennis Taylor
Published: Jul. 16, 2005 | Result Date: Apr. 6, 2005 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: SCV16378 Verdict – $0
Judge
Court
Placer Superior
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Defendant
Experts
Plaintiff
Robert Props
(technical)
Defendant
Fred Lowe
(technical)
Facts
On Nov. 7, 2002, a rainy and windy night, Katherine Grigg was driving on Mt. Pleasant Road. Dennis Taylor owned several acres of land that abutted Mt. Pleasant Road. On his property were at least 50 oak trees, some of which had split trunks. During the storm, one of the trees with a split trunk fell and blocked the road. Grigg approached and stopped her vehicle at the fallen tree. Another vehicle approached and stopped. Grigg and the driver of that vehicle discussed ways of getting around the fallen tree. At that point, the wind caused the half-standing tree to fall, crushing the man and knocking over Grigg. The man suffered serious injuries requiring him to be hospitalized for 30 days. Grigg suffered less serious injuries. Grigg sued Taylor for negligence. The other driver did not sue Taylor.
Settlement Discussions
The plaintiff demanded $125,000 and the defendant offered $20,000 (C.C.P. Section 998).
Specials in Evidence
$7,500
Damages
Punitive damages for conscious disregard of a danger. Past and future pain and suffering.
Injuries
The plaintiff claimed injuries consisting of minor abrasions to her ankle and arms. She also suffered soft-tissue injuries to her neck and back.
Result
Defense
Other Information
Motions for new trial and judgment notwithstanding the verdict are pending.
Deliberation
30 minutes
Poll
12-0, 11-1
Length
three days
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