Jurimatic: Verdicts and Settlements

Luis Rosa sued Paredim Partners LLC and River Owner LLC after a door at Rivers Edge Apartments allegedly slammed on his arm and caused lasting injuries. He claimed negligence and sought damages for pain, suffering, and medical costs. The defense argued Rosa was careless and overstated his injuries. After trial, a Connecticut jury sided with Paredim, finding the company not liable. Rosa was awarded no damages, closing his claim without recovery.

A Hartford jury delivered a defense verdict in the case of Beatrice Negron v. Walmart Real Estate Business Trust et al. Negron claimed she slipped on ice in the parking lot of a Manchester Walmart in February 2019, suffering lasting injuries to her shoulder, back, hip, knees, and wrist. She accused Walmart and its snow removal contractor of negligence for failing to clear or warn about the hazard. The defense argued that the store and contractor acted reasonably and that Negron was responsible for her own fall. After hearing weeks of testimony and reviewing medical records, the jury found Walmart and Birch Mountain Earthworks not liable, bringing the case to a close with no damages awarded to the plaintiff.

In February 2021, Juan Cartagena slipped on an icy driveway at 439 Fairview Avenue, Bridgeport, Connecticut, owned by Atlantic Coleman, LLC. He sustained injuries to his spine, knee, and tooth, and experienced emotional distress. Cartagena filed a negligence lawsuit. The jury found Atlantic Coleman negligent but assigned 50% fault to Cartagena, awarding him $26,829.59 for past economic and non-economic damages, including pain and suffering.

David Beri and his wife, Eva Beri, lived in Los Angeles. On May 12, 2021, David walked along the sidewalk at 1613 South Beverly Drive. The walkway was broken, uneven, and allegedly unsafe for pedestrians. The property fell under the control of the City of Los Angeles and property owner Rochelle C. Feldman.While walking late at night, David tripped on the dilapidated sidewalk and fell. The Plaintiffs alleged the City designed and maintained the sidewalk but allowed it to remain dangerous. They claimed Feldman, as a property owner, failed to manage or repair the condition. They further argued the hazard existed long enough for Defendants to discover and fix it but they did not. The Plaintiffs asserted the sidewalk violated municipal codes meant to protect pedestrians.David suffered physical and emotional injuries from the fall. He reported permanent harm to his body and nervous system. He also endured severe distress and ongoing pain. The injuries allegedly weakened his

Mary Lynn Ashby sued the City of Los Angeles, County of Los Angeles, and private owners Brandi M. Centeno and William Clark after tripping on an uneven sidewalk in North Hollywood. She alleged negligence, dangerous condition of public property, and premises liability, claiming serious injuries and long-term harm. Defendants denied liability and raised multiple defenses. Before trial, the parties reached a $150,000 settlement, closing the case and releasing all claims.

Praxedes Benitez sued the City of Los Angeles after tripping on a poorly maintained sidewalk in November 2020. She alleged the City and other defendants failed to inspect, repair, or warn of the hazard, which caused serious injuries and financial losses. The City denied liability, raising defenses including comparative negligence, statute of limitations, and immunity. On December 12, 2023, the case settled for $160,000, resolving all claims before trial.

Juana Ivett Busby Arango filed suit after tripping on a cracked sidewalk in Los Angeles. She alleged public entities and private property owners neglected repairs and created unsafe conditions. Arango claimed serious injuries, financial losses, and emotional distress. The Downtown Property Owners Association denied liability, raising multiple defenses including comparative negligence and lack of duty. On September 16, 2024, the case settled for $190,000, closing the dispute before trial.

The City and County of San Francisco sued Michael E. Johnson and affiliated entities over a $5.5 million redevelopment loan tied to the Fillmore Heritage Center. The City alleged breach of contract after repeated defaults, claiming Johnson was the alter ego of his companies. Defendants denied liability and raised numerous defenses, including waiver, duress, and impossibility. A full settlement was filed in July 2023, and the court dismissed the case on August 13, 2025.

Leonard Singer sued 12501 Chandler Blvd LLC after tripping on debris-covered stairs lacking handrails at a Valley Village property. He claimed negligence, failure to warn, and premises liability. The defendant denied liability, raising defenses such as comparative negligence, assumption of risk, and trivial defect. On May 5, 2025, the parties reached an unconditional settlement, canceling upcoming hearings and a scheduled jury trial.

Arthur Fraser filed a premises liability suit against the City and County of San Francisco after tripping on a cracked sidewalk. He alleged negligence, failure to warn, and dangerous property conditions. The City denied liability and raised multiple defenses, including statutory immunities and comparative negligence. The case settled, with dismissal finalized on June 4, 2025, following Board approval and payment of the settlement.

On May 12, 2020, Javier Grajeda was struck by a San Francisco Public Works truck operated by city employee John George Ford. He sued Ford, the City, County, and State of California, alleging negligence, vicarious liability, and government code violations. Ford denied all claims and raised multiple defenses. After two years of litigation, the parties reached a conditional $30,000 settlement in June 2023, just weeks before trial, resolving Grajeda’s claims of injury, lost wages, and medical expenses.

Bobby Worthy sued the City of Los Angeles, County of Los Angeles, and Caltrans, alleging unsafe roadway conditions near Wilshire Boulevard caused his bicycle crash and serious injuries. He claimed negligence, failure to warn, and dangerous public property under California law. The County denied liability and raised multiple defenses, including contributory fault and government immunity. In November 2024, the case reached a conditional settlement of $140,000, pending final dismissal by February 2025.