Los Angeles, CA – A landmark $17.4 million jury verdict has been awarded to two elderly victims of a traffic collision in Kings County, marking the largest payout in the county’s history for such a case. The Los Angeles-based personal injury law firm, Sweet James, achieved this victory on behalf of 81-year-old Barbara Musick and 89-year-old Gayle Dutton, who suffered severe injuries in the crash.
The incident occurred when a City of Hanford tree-trimming vehicle, driven by Damian Espinoza and Colton Banuelos at 51 miles per hour, failed to stop at a sign and collided with the westbound vehicle carrying Musick and Dutton on Houston Avenue in Hanford. The plaintiffs sustained significant orthopedic injuries and head traumas as a result.
Legal proceedings began on May 18, 2023, with the verdict delivered by a jury on August 29, 2024, following a five-day trial presided over by Judge Valerie Chrissakis in the Kings County Superior Court. Judge Chrissakis registered her final judgment on the case on October 1.
Despite the availability of a pre-trial settlement, the defense team reportedly declined to propose significant compensation, prompting a full trial. Sweet James partners, attorneys Ashkahn Mohamadi and Bobby Taghavi, underscored their commitment to achieving just compensation for their clients.
Steve Mehr, the founding partner of Sweet James, expressed pride in the firm’s dedication to their clients and the resulting verdict. “This verdict not only represents justice for our clients but also highlights the critical role of legal representation in securing rightful compensation for accident victims,” said Mehr.
The awarded sum encompasses compensation for past and future medical expenses, along with damages for the victims’ pain and suffering. In contrast, the City of Hanford and its insurer had previously extended a $7.65 million settlement offer, which was rejected by the plaintiffs as insufficient given the extent of the medical expenses exceeding $4 million alone.
Mohamadi pointed out that the initial compensation requested by the plaintiffs was higher than what was ultimately awarded, contradicting the city’s claims. The city countered that it has met its financial responsibilities, noting that the damages would be covered by its insurance liability pool without impacting the City’s General Fund or services.
This significant legal victory underscores the complexities and challenges often encountered in personal injury litigation, emphasizing the importance of skilled legal advocacy in navigating these disputes.
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