Breaking chair leads to verdict of $85,529. Los Angeles County.

Gross Verdict or Award: $85,529
Trial or Arbitration Time: 3 days
Jury Deliberation Time: 4 1/2 hours

Summary

Shopper sat in a mall food court. When the chair leg broke, she suffered injuries that continued to plague her.

Attorney for the Plaintiff:
Nagler & Associates by Daniel L. Nagler, Los Angeles
Attorney for the Defendant:
Demler, Armstrong & Rowland by Timothy J. Lippert, Long Beach

Plaintiff’s Medical Experts:
Walter O’Brien, M.D., orthopedic surgery, Los Angeles
Defendant's Medical Experts:
Richard C. Rosenberg, M.D., orthopedic surgery, Tarzana
Plaintiff's Technical Experts:
None
Defendant's Technical Experts:
John Brault, biomechanics, Mission Viejo

Facts and Background:
Date and place of incident: Nov. 1, 2009/ Westfield Century City Mall

Facts: Plaintiff was sitting at a food court table when the left, front leg of the chair she sat in broke.Please show claims, contentions and all disputed matters under contentions rather than facts. Facts stated here should be only those in evidence.
Plaintiff's Contentions:
That Westfield should be held liable for the chair breaking. When the chair broke, plaintiff had to hold tightly to the edge of the table in order to avoid hitting the floor. The force and tension she used holding on, caused injury to her neck, shoulders, back and arms.
Defendant's Contentions:
Defendant admitted liability, but argued that the incident was minor and that plaintiff's treatment was unnecessary and excessive.

Physical Injuries claimed by Plaintiff:
Plaintiff visited her chiropractor the day after the accident. She was found to have multiple bulging discs in her neck, as well as soft tissue strains to her neck, shoulders, arms and back. She underwent 15 months of physical therapy and missed 17 ½ days of work. Plaintiff continues to experience residual pain, anxiety and trouble sleeping.
Lost earnings from missed work due to injuries, pain and suffering.