Defendant's CCP 998 offer was rejected.
The Case
- Case Name: Rinda Hall v. Kaveh Taheri, D.D.S., Mahnaz Zandi Hanjari, D.D.S., et al.
- Court and Case Number: Los Angeles Superior Court / 23SMCV01444
- Date of Verdict or Judgment: Thursday, December 18, 2025
- Date Action was Filed: Wednesday, September 20, 2023
- Type of Case: Dental Malpractice
- Judge or Arbitrator(s): Hon. Lisa Sepe-Wiesenfeld
- Plaintiffs:
Rinda Hall
- Defendants:
Mahnaz Zandi Hanjari, D.D.S.
- Type of Result: Jury Verdict
The Result
- Gross Verdict or Award: Defense verdict
- Award as to each Defendant: Defense verdict for Mahnaz Zandi Hanjari, D.D.S.
- Kaveh Taheri, D.D.S. settled out before trial.
- Trial or Arbitration Time: 2 weeks
- Jury Deliberation Time: 2 days
- Jury Polls: 9-3 on liability
- Post Trial Motions & Post-Verdict Settlements: None.
The Attorneys
- Attorney for the Plaintiff:
Law Office of Mark J Zanobini P.C. by Mark Zanobini, Mill Valley.
- Attorney for the Defendant:
Wilson Elser by Kammann Cole, San Diego.
The Experts
- Plaintiff’s Medical Expert(s):
David Eggleston, D.D.S, prosthodontics.
Carrie Berkovich, D.D.S, periodontics.
- Defendant's Medical Expert(s):
- Mark D. Exler, D.D.S., F.A.C.P., prosthodontics.
- Alan Shelhamer, D.D.S., oral surgery.
Facts and Background
- Facts and Background: The case was a restorative dental malpractice action. Plaintiff claimed the defendant improperly placed implants in her lower jaw, which led to the failure of the implants and revision surgeries.
- Plaintiff's Contentions: Plaintiff claimed the defendant's implants were too close together, too short, too narrow and not placed at an angle. That the placement led to the failure of the implants, which needed to be replaced. That the placement also led to additional bone loss.
- Defendant's Contentions: The implants were properly placed and did not cause plaintiff's bone loss and the eventual failure of the implants. Rather, plaintiff's poor underlying dental condition and health was the cause of her injuries.
Special Damages
- Special Damages Claimed - Past Medical: $40,000
- Special Damages Claimed - Future Medical: $0.00
- Special Damages Claimed - Past Lost Earnings: $0.00
- Special Damages Claimed - Future Lost Earnings: $0.00
Additional Notes
Plaintiff served a CCP 998 right before trial for $99,999, and defendant was willing to settle for $9,999 (i.e., reporting limits) at that time.
Defendant had previously served a 998 for $50,001 after a failed mediation (whereat plaintiff wanted $75,000 as to defendant), many months prior, and which had lapsed.
Disclaimer
This is not an official court document. While the publisher believes the information to be accurate, the publisher does not guarantee it and the reader is advised not to rely upon it without consulting the official court documents or the attorneys of record in this matter who are listed above.
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