Vehicle vs. pedestrian in crosswalk. $757K. Los Angeles County.
Summary
Driver strikes pedestrian in crosswalk; extent of injuries disputed.
The Case
- Case Name: Mariam Casian v. Zhang Lisheng
- Court and Case Number: Los Angeles Superior Court / BC611660
- Date of Verdict or Judgment: Saturday, May 05, 2018
- Date Action was Filed: Thursday, February 25, 2016
- Type of Case: Vehicles - vs. Pedestrian
- Judge or Arbitrator(s): Hon. Lawrence Cho
-
Plaintiffs: Mariam Casian, 39, office administrator.
-
Defendants: Zhang Lisheng
- Type of Result: Jury Verdict
The Result
- Gross Verdict or Award: $757,090.79
-
Economic Damages:
$57,090.79
-
Non-Economic Damages:
$700,000
- Trial or Arbitration Time: 2 days.
- Jury Deliberation Time: 1 day.
- Jury Polls: Not polled.
The Attorneys
-
Attorney for the Plaintiff:
The Vartazarian Law Firm by Matthew Whibley, Sherman Oaks.
-
Attorney for the Defendant:
Mavredakis Cranert by James Sawyer, Pasadena.
The Experts
-
Plaintiff’s Medical Expert(s):
Jonathan Nissanoff, M.D., orthopedic surgery, Pasadena.
-
Defendant's Medical Expert(s):
Richard Rosenberg, M.D., orthopedic surgery, Tarzana.
Facts and Background
-
Facts and Background:
Plaintiff was crossing Venice Boulevard southbound in the crosswalk on May 2, 2014 when she was hit by defendant's vehicle. Defendant made a left hand turn and struck the plaintiff who was walking in a marked crosswalk. Plaintiff had a green light and walk signal.
-
Plaintiff's Contentions:
That she was injured due to the negligent operation of a motor vehicle by defendant.
-
Defendant's Contentions:
Defendant disputed the nature and extent of plaintiff’s alleged injuries and the cost of medical treatment for those injuries. Defendant also alleged comparative fault.
Injuries and Other Damages
-
Physical Injuries claimed by Plaintiff:
Torn meniscus in knee, which required arthroscopy surgery, and lower back injuries.
Special Damages
- Special Damages Claimed - Past Medical: $57,090.79
- Special Damages Claimed - Future Medical: 0
- Special Damages Claimed - Past Lost Earnings: 0
- Special Damages Claimed - Future Lost Earnings: 0
Demands and Offers
- Defendant Final Offer before Trial: $130,000