Student killed Award: $37,500,000
A 14-year-old student was struck and killed while walking to school as a result of being forced to walk on a street that lacked a sidewalk (Medina v. City of Fontana, San Bernardino County Superior Court).
Brain damage Award: $22,293,921
A 35-year-old woman sustained severe brain damage as a result of negligent post-surgical care following elective surgery (Simpson v. Regents of the University of California, Orange County Superior Court).
Bad faith Award: Defense
A personal injury attorney sued his disability insurance carrier for denial of his claim of inability to practice law due to depression, anxiety and cognitive problems (Lessner v. UnumProvident Corporations, Central District Federal Court).
Forklift accident Award: $6,640,575
A 32-year-old forklift operator suffered an amputated leg when a tire failed, causing the machine to tip over and crush his leg (Feliciano v. Dunlop Tires Inc., San Mateo County Superior Court).
Mesothelioma Award: $10,309,000
A machinist developed mesothelioma as a result of exposure to asbestos-containing gaskets during his work with the U.S. Navy (Fowers v. Garlock Sealing Technologies, Los Angeles County Superior Court).
Undiagnosed tumor Award: $2,287,000
A 36-year-old patient suffered severe injuries as a result of the failure of his physicians over a period of years to diagnose a tumor on his adrenal gland (Confidential v. Confidential, Los Angeles County Superior Court).
Wrongful termination Award: Defense
An accounts receivable manager alleged that she was terminated as a result of contracting a sexually transmitted disease from a fellow employee (Paul v. Great Western Leasing, Orange County Superior Court).
Chemotherapy overdose Award: $1,358,000
A 54-year-old attorney who was diagnosed with cancer of the tongue died as a result of an overdose of chemotherapy drugs (Charney v. Regents of the University of California, San Diego County Superior Court).
Sexual orientation Award: $450,000
An LAPD officer was subjected to harassment, discrimination and retaliation based on his sexual orientation (Weiner v. County of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County Superior Court).
Editor's Note: California Bar Journal publishes this abbreviated summary of important trials in California provided by Trials Digest Publishing Inc. For a free, complete trial report on any case listed, call 510-420-1800.
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