Minor children sue mother for murder of their father. $10 million bench verdict. Los Angeles County.

Summary

Estranged wife found guilty of second degree murder of her husband is sued by their minor children.

The Case

Case Name: Lauren Mora, et al. v. Socorro Paz Mora
Court and Case Number: Los Angeles Superior Court / KC064997
Date of Verdict or Judgment: Monday, November 07, 2016
Date Action was Filed: Tuesday, November 06, 2012
Type of Case: Wrongful Death
Judge or Arbitrator(s): Hon. Anthony Mohr
Plaintiffs:
Lauren Mora, et al.
Minor children aged 8, 12, 14 16.
Defendants:
Socorro Paz Mora
Type of Result: Bench Verdict

The Result

Gross Verdict or Award: $10,000,000
Net Verdict or Award: $10,000,000
Contributory/Comparative Negligence: None.
Non-Economic Damages:
$10,000,000
Trial or Arbitration Time: 1 day.

The Attorneys

Attorney for the Plaintiff:
Engstrom, Lipscomb & Lack by Andrew M. Jacobson, Los Angeles.
Attorney for the Defendant:
Law Office of Daniel G. McMeekin by Daniel G. McMeekin, Covina.

Facts and Background

Facts and Background:
This was a wrongful death action brought on behalf of four young children for the death of their father, George Mora, who was murdered in 2011 by Socorro Paz Mora, his estranged wife and the mother of plaintiff children.

This civil trial followed a lengthy and contentious criminal trial wherein defendant Socorro Paz Mora was criminally convicted of second degree murder. The plaintiffs sought damages for the loss of their father’s love, care, comfort and society. The civil trial was highly complex as it involved both probate and conservatorship legal issues.

The children testified at length regarding their relationship with their father and the impact of their loss.
Plaintiff's Contentions:
Plaintiffs contended they suffered significant and traumatic loss due to being permanently deprived of the love, protection and guidance of their father as a proximate result of his death at the hands of their mother, Socorro Paz Mora.
Defendant's Contentions:
Defendant argued that plaintiffs’ loss should be mitigated by their resilience after their father’s death and that the older children should be awarded less than the younger children. In closing, the defendant asked that not more than $500,000 be awarded to each plaintiff.

Injuries and Other Damages

The court opined that the decedent had been a model father to his four young children and that their loss was significant.

Additional Notes

The judgment could be collected through portions of defendant's community property interest in various assets which are currently also in litigation in a separate probate matter.