US Military Jet Crash nets $17.8 million award. San Diego County.
Summary
A San Diego-area family lost their home and four family members to a military jet crash. United States of America admitted sole liability. Judge had to determine reasonable compensation.
The Case
- Case Name: Don Yoon et al v. United States of America
- Court and Case Number: USDC Southern/10cv1578 JM
- Date of Verdict or Judgment: Wednesday, December 28, 2011
- Type of Case: Negligence
- Judge or Arbitrator(s): Hon. Jeffrey T. Miller
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Plaintiffs: Don Yoon, an individual, and as Successor in Interest of Decedents Youngmi Lee Yoon, Grace Yoon and Rachel Yoon; Sanghyun Lee, an individual, and as Successor in Interest of Decedent Seokim Kim-Lee; Yumi Lee, an individual; Baekgwan Lee, an individual; Ju
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Defendants: United States of America
- Type of Result: Jury Verdict
The Result
- Gross Verdict or Award: $17,800,000 ($9,615,000 to Don Yoon; $3,780,000 to Sanghyun Lee; $1,500,000 to Yumi Lee; $1,500,000 to Baekgwan Lee; $1,500,000 to Jun Hwa Lee and nothing to Yangrae Kook.)
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Award as to each Defendant:
$9,615,000 to Don Yoon;
$3,780,000 to Sanghyun Lee;
$1,500,000 to Yumi Lee;
$1,500,000 to Baekgwan Lee;
$1,500,000 to Jun Hwa Lee;
nothing to Yangrae Kook.
The Attorneys
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Attorney for the Plaintiff: Panish, Shea & Boyle, LLP by Brian J. Panish, Los AngelesLaw Offices of Raymond Feldman by Raymond Feldman, Santa Monica
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Attorney for the Defendant: U.S. Dept. of Justice by Debra D. Fowler and Bruce A. Ross, Washington, D.C.
Facts and Background
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Facts and Background:
On December 8, 2008, a United States Marine Corps F/A 18D Hornet fighter jet crashed into the Yoon family home, north of San Diego, in University City. The crash incinerated the home and killed residents, Youngmi Lee Yoon, Grace Lee, Rachel Lee as well as Seokim Kim-Lee who was visiting from Korea.
The United States admitted sole liability for all damage and the deaths, due to the negligence of military personnel. The Plaintiffs were the spouses of decedents as well as decedent, Seokim Kim-Lee's adult children and mother.
Injuries and Other Damages
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Physical Injuries claimed by Plaintiff:
Youngmi Lee Yoon, Grace Yoon and Rachel Yoon as well as Seokim Kim-Lee, all died in the crash.
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Don Yoon's home was incinerated.
Demands and Offers
- Plaintiff §998 Demand: $56 million