LA County Metro Transit Authority driver runs a red light, later admits liability but disputes injury. Offers $25K at mediation.
The Case
- Case Name: Carrasco v. LACMTA
- Court and Case Number: Los Angeles Superior Court / 22STCV26535
- Date of Verdict or Judgment: Friday, May 30, 2025
- Date Action was Filed: Tuesday, August 16, 2022
- Type of Case: Negligence
- Judge or Arbitrator(s): Hon. Michele Flurer
- Plaintiffs:
Claudia Carrasco, child therapist, 41
- Defendants:
Los Angeles County MTA
- Type of Result: Jury Verdict
The Result
- Gross Verdict or Award: $1,033,653.25
- Economic Damages:Waived.
- Non-Economic Damages:Past: $571,942
- Future: $461,711.25
- Trial or Arbitration Time: 3 days
- Jury Deliberation Time: 1 day
- Jury Polls: 11-1
The Attorneys
- Attorney for the Plaintiff:
The Dominguez Firm by Jason Doucette and Pamela Rodriguez, Los Angeles.
- Attorney for the Defendant:
Thomas Law Firm by Allen Thomas, Long Beach.
The Experts
- Plaintiff’s Medical Expert(s):
Shaun Chandran, M.D., orthopedic surgery. (Workers' compensation treating surgeon.)
- Thomas Grogan, M.D., orthopedic surgery.
Facts and Background
- Facts and Background:LACMTA's employee, in a transit authority vehicle, ran a red light, causing a collision with plaintiff's vehicle. LACMTA admitted liability shortly before trial.
- Plaintiff's Contentions:That the crash fractured plaintiff’s radius and ulna of her right arm and caused acute carpal tunnel syndrome. She underwent ORIF surgery and carpal tunnel release surgery. She lives with daily pain and limitations, which were entirely caused by the subject crash.
- Defendant's Contentions:That plaintiff's surgery was a success. The surgery wound site healed. Once plaintiff had any device removed from her arm, the use of her right hand improved. She does not have, nor has she ever had, acute carpal tunnel syndrome. At least some of her symptoms are from pre-existing Raynaud's Syndrome.
- Also, that plaintiff was able to return to full-time work within three weeks of the accident, and has worked full time since then.
Injuries and Other Damages
- Physical Injuries claimed by Plaintiff:Fractured right wrist and acute carpal tunnel syndrome
Special Damages
- Special Damages Claimed - Past Medical: Waived
- Special Damages Claimed - Future Medical: Waived
- Special Damages Claimed - Past Lost Earnings: Waived
- Special Damages Claimed - Future Lost Earnings: Waived
Additional Notes
At mediation, LACMTA's top offer was $25,000.
Plaintiff made a 998 offer for $700,000 shortly before trial.
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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