Landon Asmad Strattan v. Cedar Corporation dba McDonald’s, et al.

Case Background

On April 25, 2024, Landon Asmad Strattan filed a premises liability lawsuit against Cedar Corporation dba McDonald’s, alleging negligence. The case was filed in the California Superior Court, Los Angeles County. Judges Brian F. Gasdia, Olivia Rosales, and Lee W. Tsao presided over this case. [Case number:  23NWCV01249]

Cause

On February 15, 2022, at 10841 Imperial Hwy., Norwalk, CA 90650, the defendants—Cedar Corporation dba McDonald’s, Richard Ruby, Vladimir Lopez, and Does 1 to 50—along with their administrators, supervisors, and managing agents (collectively referred to as “Defendants”) owed a duty of care to the Plaintiff Landon Asmad Strattan who had visited. However, they failed to exercise reasonable care, breaching that duty. As a result, the Plaintiff slipped and fell on a clear liquid, suffering serious injuries and damages.

Injury

As a direct result of the Defendants’ negligence, the Plaintiff suffered significant harm, including physical, mental, emotional, and psychological injuries. The Plaintiff experienced a decline in health, strength, and activity, leading to ongoing physical pain and emotional distress. It was believed, based on available information, that these injuries might result in permanent and progressive disability.

Damages

The Plaintiff had to seek the services of medical, hospital, surgical, and nursing professionals to treat his injuries. He incurred and would continue to incur expenses for medical care, hospital stays, surgery, nursing, and related services. Additionally, the Plaintiff experienced and will continue to experience a loss of ability to perform household services.

The Defendants’ actions were a substantial factor in causing these damages, which included both economic and non-economic losses, past and future. He also suffered from a loss of earnings and diminished earning capacity because of his injuries.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal Representation

  • Plaintiff(s): Landon Asmad Strattan
    • Counsel for Plaintiff(s): Benjamin Drake | Megan Valles
  • Defendant(s): Cedar Corporation dba McDonald’s | Richard Ruby | Vladimir Lopez | Does 1 to 50
    • Counsel for Defendant(s): Jeffrey S. Behar | Tina I. Mangarpan

Claims

The Plaintiff alleged that the Defendants acted negligently and unlawfully regarding the property in question. They were involved in various roles including owning, operating, constructing, leasing, maintaining, and supervising the property. These actions resulted in unsafe conditions.

Specifically, Cedar Corporation dba McDonald’s, Richard Ruby, Vladimir Lopez, and Does 1 to 50 were responsible for the property at 10841 Imperial Hwy., Norwalk, CA 90650. They were involved in roles such as owners, occupiers, builders, operators, and managers.

The Defendants had a duty to exercise reasonable care in managing and maintaining the property. Their failure to do so exposed the Plaintiff to an unreasonable risk of harm.

Defense

The Defendants denied the allegations of negligence, They argued contributory negligence and stated that the damages and injuries caused to Plaintiff were not wilful or malicious in nature.

Jury Verdict

On May 22, 2024, a California jury of twelve deliberated and returned a Special Verdict.

First, the jury determined that the employees of NW Partners McDonald’s, Cedar Corp, and Richard Ruby were negligent. Given this finding, they proceeded to the next question. The jury found that this negligence was a substantial factor in causing harm to Plaintiff Landon Strattan.

Next, the jury assessed the total damages suffered by Landon Strattan, including:

  • Past Economic Loss:
    • Medical expenses: $30,000.00
    • Other past economic losses: $83,950.00
    • Total: $113,950.00
  • Future Economic Loss:
    • Medical expenses: $42,570.60
    • Other future economic losses: $217,066.13
    • Total: $259,636.73
  • Past Non-Economic Losses:
    • Physical pain and mental suffering: $100,000.00
  • Future Non-Economic Losses:
    • Physical pain and mental suffering: $178,500.00
    • Total Non-Economic Losses: $278,500.00

The jury then determined that Landon Strattan was also negligent. They concluded that Strattan’s negligence was a substantial factor in causing his own harm. Consequently, they assigned responsibility for Strattan’s harm as follows:

  • Landon Strattan: 25%
  • NW Partners McDonald’s, Cedar Corporation, Richard Ruby: 75%

Therefore, the total damages were calculated to be $624,537.00. After applying the 75% liability assigned to the Defendants, the total amount owed to Landon Strattan was $468,478.00.

On July 11, 2024, Judge Brian F. Gasdia entered a judgment consistent with the verdict that ordered Plaintiff Landon Strattan to recover $468,478.00 from the Defendants, with interest accruing at a rate of 10% per annum from the date of this judgment until paid.

Court Documents:

Available upon request