German Shepherd jumps onto neighbor's back in his driveway. Extent of injury disputed.
The Case
- Case Name: Jose Vera v. Erik Murcia, et al.
- Court and Case Number: Los Angeles Superior Court / 23STCV31371
- Date of Verdict or Judgment: Friday, October 03, 2025
- Date Action was Filed: Friday, December 22, 2023
- Type of Case: Dog Bite
- Judge or Arbitrator(s): Hon. Frederick C. Shaller
- Plaintiffs:
Jose Vera
- Defendants:
Erik Murcia
- Type of Result: Jury Verdict
The Result
- Gross Verdict or Award: $117,969
The Attorneys
- Attorney for the Plaintiff:
LA Century Law by Shantel Yaghoobian and Ryan Daneshrad, Los Angles.
- Attorney for the Defendant:
Law Offices of Scott C Stratman by Samantha Alexander and Pablo Pak, Oklahoma City, OK.
The Experts
- Plaintiff’s Medical Expert(s):
Ardalan Nourian, M.D., orthopedic surgery.
Anthony Francisco, PsyD, psychology.
- Defendant's Medical Expert(s):
- Vu Han Le M.D., orthopedics.
Facts and Background
- Facts and Background: This case arises out of a dog bite that occurred on March 8, 2022, in Los Angeles. Plaintiff, a 43-year-old electric company service provider, went to his driveway to move his truck when a German Shepard, owned by defendant neighbor jumped on his back and bit him on the back.
- Plaintiff's Contentions: Plaintiff claimed injuries as a result of this bite. Plaintiff also claimed he has incurred substantial medical expenses. Plaintiff continues to have problems with his injuries and claimed he will require future medical treatment.
- Defendant's Contentions: Defendant disputed the nature and extent of plaintiff’s injuries and damages as well as whether the injuries were caused by the subject incident.
Injuries and Other Damages
- Physical Injuries claimed by Plaintiff: PTSD and pain in cervical spine from dog jumping onto plaintiff's back. Treatment for spine started nine months post-incident.
Special Damages
- Special Damages Claimed - Past Medical: $6,019
- Special Damages Claimed - Future Medical: 0
- Special Damages Claimed - Past Lost Earnings: 0
- Special Damages Claimed - Future Lost Earnings: 0
Demands and Offers
- Plaintiff §998 Demand: $50,000
- Defendant §998 Offer: $30,000
Additional Notes
Insurer: Farmers Insurance
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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