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