Coshanna Robertson v. State of California
Published: Aug. 2, 2001 | Result Date: Jun. 14, 2001 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: SCVSS59630 Verdict – $0
Judge
Court
San Bernardino Superior
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Defendant
Experts
Plaintiff
Arnold D. Purisch M.D.
(medical)
Harry J. Krueper Jr.
(technical)
Defendant
Edward A. Giroux
(technical)
Facts
On Dec. 5, 1998, the plaintiff was a passenger in a vehicle traveling a mountainous curve on State Route 18 in a
Suzuki Samurai in the San Bernardino Mountains. The roadway contained patches of ice on which Caltrans
put cinders earlier in the day. In addition, "Icy road" signs were in place on the roadÆs edge, the closest one to
the accident being 3/10 of a mile away. The plaintiffÆs vehicle entered the curve at approximately 40 mph and
was braking when it slid across the center lines and struck a Jeep head on.
The plaintiff brought this action based on negligence and dangerous condition theories of recovery.
Settlement Discussions
The plaintiff made a Code of Civil Procedure Section. 998 demand for $349,999. The defendant offered $10,000.
Specials in Evidence
$197,633 (by stipulation)
Injuries
The plaintiff suffered severe brain injuries and was in a coma for nine days. She suffered intracerebral hemorrhages and contusions, cerebral edema, right upper lobe collapse and cognitive disorder, as well as residual scarring, recurrent sinusitis, episodic tachycardia an
Other Information
The plaintiff did not sue the driver of her vehicle. The plaintiffÆs counsel asked the jury to award the plaintiff $3.6 million.
Deliberation
five hours
Poll
9-3 (no dangerous condition)
Length
eight days
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