Sandra Kay Anderson vs. Harrison Louis Kraus, et al

Case Background

On June 14, 2019, senior citizen Sandra Kay Anderson filed an auto negligence lawsuit before the California Superior Court, San Mateo County. Judge Susan Greenberg presided over this case. [Case number: 19 CIV 03362]

Cause

Plaintiff Sandra Anderson was a resident of California at all times relevant to this case. Defendants Harrison Louis Kraus, Julie Beth Kraus, and Does 1-50 were also residents of California.

On October 22, 2018, Defendant Harrison Louis Kraus was driving his mother’s car on Highway 1 in Pacifica. He made a left turn in front of Sandra Anderson’s vehicle. This maneuver caused the front of Anderson’s car to collide with the side of Kraus’s vehicle. A legal action was filed pursuant to the motor vehicle accident seeking damages.

Injury

The collision caused severe injuries to the Plaintiff. Specifically, she suffered burns to the right side of her body from the airbags deploying. Additionally, she experienced nerve damage to her right elbow, which necessitated surgery in March 2019. She suffered permanent disability. These injuries caused the Plaintiff significant mental, physical, and emotional pain and suffering.

Damages

Due to the negligence of the Defendants, the Plaintiff incurred expenses for X-rays, medical care, and treatment of her injuries. Sandra Anderson could not perform her usual work and, consequently, suffered a loss of earnings and future earning capacity.

Therefore, Sandra Anderson requested judgment against the defendants, including each of them, as follows:

1. General damages
2. Compensation for the value of all hospital services, medical care, and related expenses, as proven.
3. Reimbursement for loss of earnings and earning capacity, according to evidence.
4. Prejudgment interest, if permitted by law.
5. Coverage for both existing and future costs incurred.
6. Compensation for property damage, as evidenced.
7. Any additional relief that the Court deemed appropriate.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal Representation

  • Plaintiff(s): Sandra Kay Anderson
    • Counsel for Plaintiff(s): Danny Szabatura | Aric N. Williams | Colleen M. Pratt | Daniel K. Kramer | Teresa A Johnson
  • Defendant(s): Harrison Louis Kraus | Julie Beth Kraus | Inclusive Does 1-50
    • Counsel for Defendant(s): Philip A. Segal | Todd P Drakeford | Grace M. Harriett

Claims

The Plaintiff claimed that the crash had injured the ulnar nerve in her right elbow. This injury led to numbness, tingling, and a loss of sensation and strength in her fingers and hand, requiring surgery. She also contended that the crash, the subsequent surgery, and the immobilization worsened her pre-existing osteoarthritis. This aggravation resulted in further loss of function and range of motion in her right elbow and shoulder.

The Plaintiff never regained full strength or feeling in her right pinky or ring fingers. Her injuries significantly affected her daily activities, including her job as a swimming instructor, which she had to quit after the crash.

Defense

From the start of the lawsuit, the Defendants acknowledged that the Plaintiff sustained injuries. However, they disputed how the accident contributed to her current lifelong disability. Instead, the defense argued that most of her current disability resulted from pre-existing osteoarthritis.

Jury Verdict

After a six-week trial, on May 28, 2024, the California jury returned a $2,360,000 verdict in favor of the Plaintiff. The jury found the Defendants liable for negligence. The jury awarded $1,000,000 in past non-economic damages and $1,360,000 in future non-economic damages.

Court Documents:

Available upon request