Keiichi Omari, Chiyono Omari v. Greg Hokom, The Estate of Birdie Lee Morrow
Published: Oct. 5, 2004 | Result Date: Jul. 19, 2004 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: SBA03C01659 Verdict – $0
Judge
Court
L.A. Superior Torrance
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Shun C. Chen
(Law Offices of Shun C. Chen)
Defendant
James T. Catlow
(Doherty & Catlow)
Experts
Defendant
Kevin J. Chamas
(medical)
Facts
On May 7, 2002, the decedent, Birdie Lee Morrow, 54, had an annual physical examination with her family doctor, Dr. Chamas. She had previously been placed on medication for high blood pressure and cholesterol. On May 11, 2002, the decedent's vehicle was approaching a red signal at the intersection of Artesia and Western in Torrance. The decedent suffered a fatal heart attack which caused her to enter the intersection against the red light, striking the car operated by the defendant, Keiichi Omari and in which his wife Chiyono Omari was a passenger. Both plaintiffs were in excess of 80 years of age at the time of the accident. One witness testified to observing the vehicle entering the intersection with the decedent slumped in the seat, her wig askew, eyes and mouth open, with a glazed look on her face and thought that the decedent was either dead or having a seizure. The coroner's representative and the decedent's treating internist, who also qualified as a cardiac expert testified that a sudden coronary occlusion was the cause of death and resulted in the accident.
Settlement Discussions
The plaintiffs' initial demand was $15,000 for each plaintiff, lowered to $5,00 for each plaintiff during trial. The defendants' offer was $1,000 for each plaintiff before trial.
Specials in Evidence
$7,000 per plaintiff None None None
Injuries
The plaintiffs claimed soft tissue injuries and were treated for several months.
Deliberation
half hour
Poll
11-1
Length
two days
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