Pontiac’s seat collapses
Award: $513,403The seatback of a Pontiac Sunbird collapsed in a
low-speed collision, causing severe whiplash and concussion (Norris v. General Motors
Corp., Los Angeles County Superior Court).
Refinery worker burned
Award: $1,800,000
A refinery worker sustained third-degree burns when he stepped into a drain hole filled
with boiling oil and water (Diaz v. Irwin Industries Inc., Los Angeles County Superior
Court).
Sexual harassment claim
Award: $2,090,000
A female sales manager suffered sexual harassment and discrimination in the course of
her work in the marble/granite/tile business (Hernandez v. Thasos Corp., Sacramento County
Superior Court).
Retaliatory firing by co-op
Award: $1,031,832
A supervisor at a grocery co-op was terminated in retaliation for complaints of fraud,
theft and sanitation (Payne v. Certified Grocers of California Ltd., Los Angeles County
Superior Court).
Cyclist killed on highway
Award: $6,471,242
A motorcyclist was killed when traffic came to a stop due to a motorist’s
confusion in a construction zone (Jungsten v. State of California, Sacramento County
Superior Court).
Elder abuse claimed
Award: $105,000
An elderly patient who fell at a convalescent hospital claimed the hospital’s acts
constituted elder abuse (Swaine v. Palmcrest Medallion Convalescent Hospital, Los Angeles
County Superior Court).
Groundskeeper bitten
Award: Defense
A groundskeeper who was bitten by the property owner’s dog while working claimed
nerve damage and fear of dogs (Reichardt v. Hinz, San Bernardino County Superior Court).
Construction defects
Award: $1,875,000
Developers of townhouses in Benicia were victorious in their lawsuit against
subcontractors for construction defects (Parmenter v. Alma Associates, Solano County
Superior Court).
Blood machine defect
Award: $9,150,000
A cardiopulmonary bypass machine deprived a 4-year-old of blood flow during surgery,
causing ischemic injury (Woods v. Inland Cardiothoracic Surgical Associates, San
Bernardino County Superior Court).
Orchard Supply trip/fall
Award: $63,333
A customer tripped over a merchandise display in a hardware store injuring her neck,
ribs and knee (McMahon v. Orchard Supply Hardware, Santa Clara 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. |
