Jurimatic: Verdicts and Settlements

The case, David Beri, et al. v. City of Los Angeles, et al. (Case No. 22STCV03744), involved a negligence claim filed in January 2022. Plaintiffs David and Eva Beri alleged that City employee Rochelle C. Feldman's careless driving while on the job caused a motor vehicle accident, resulting in significant physical injuries, emotional distress, and financial losses, including medical expenses and lost wages. The Beris sued the City under the theory of vicarious liability. The parties reached a final, out-of-court settlement agreement in December 2023 for $562,500, which resolved all claims. The City and the employee made the payment without admitting fault or liability.

The employment lawsuit, Anderson Mackey v. County of Los Angeles, et al., filed in February 2023, alleged unlawful disparate treatment and retaliation against the Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACFD) under California’s FEHA. Mackey claimed he suffered emotional distress and lost wages due to the hostile work environment. The case was resolved out of court in November 2024, confirming a final settlement payment of $635,127 authorized by the County to resolve all claims without an admission of liability by the defendants.

Juan Zamora and Geraldine Zamora sued the County of Los Angeles and Deputy Ramirez over an incident involving the Deputy's alleged excessive force. The complaint included serious claims like battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and violation of the Tom Bane Civil Rights Act. The County rejected all claims, asserting the Deputy acted reasonably and was protected by immunity. After unsuccessful mediation attempts, the parties avoided a jury trial by reaching an unconditional settlement on March 15, 2024. The County finalized the legal action for $190,000.

Plaintiff Sylvia Rubio initiated a personal injury and property damage lawsuit against the County of Los Angeles and its Sheriff’s Department following a motor vehicle collision. The suit alleged negligence, careless conduct, and negligent entrustment related to the crash. Although the County vigorously denied responsibility in its formal answer, the case avoided a trial. The parties reached a final, unconditional settlement on June 5, 2024, resolving all claims for $425,000.

The San Bernardino County Superior Court jury delivered a major verdict in favor of former employee Amelia Russell in her suit against Spray Enclosure Technologies, Inc., and co-defendant Melanie Helzer. Filed in 2019, Ms. Russell's lawsuit centered on claims of serious employment violations, including Hostile Work Environment Harassment based on gender, Gender Discrimination, Retaliation, and Wrongful Termination. The defendants had denied all claims, asserting they acted lawfully. Following the trial, which unfolded over several weeks, the jury returned a Special Verdict in November 2024. The jury found that the company had engaged in unlawful conduct and awarded Ms. Russell $575,935 in compensatory damages for her economic losses and emotional distress. Crucially, the jury also found that the defendants' conduct involved malice, oppression, or fraud, and subsequently awarded an additional $100,000 in punitive damages, bringing the final total judgment to $675,935.

The case of Anthony Nonn v. The City of Los Angeles, et al. (Case No. 23STCV01231) involved a personal injury claim against multiple governmental entities, including the City of Los Angeles and the State of California's Department of Transportation (Caltrans). Plaintiff Anthony Nonn filed the lawsuit in January 2023, asserting that dangerous and known conditions on a public roadway, which the defendants failed to correct or warn against, directly caused a traffic incident that left him with severe, life-altering injuries and substantial loss of income. The defendants strongly denied all claims of negligence and liability, arguing they lacked sufficient legal notice of the condition and that the plaintiff may have contributed to the accident. Both parties prepared for a jury trial, securing experts in accident reconstruction and medicine. However, the parties ultimately bypassed the courtroom, reaching a settlement in March 2025. The defendants agreed to pay Mr. Nonn a final negotiated amount of $3,000,000 to resolve all claims for past and future medical care, lost earnings, and general damages.

Plaintiff Anderson Mackey brought a lawsuit against the County of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles County Fire Department, a public entity employer. The original complaint, filed in February 2023, alleged claims primarily related to employment disputes, including an inferred claim of disability discrimination and other related statutory violations against the public entity. The Defendants filed their Answer in May 2023. The matter was ultimately resolved through negotiation, evidenced by the filing of a Notice of Settlement of Entire Case in November 2024, followed by a Court Order acknowledging the notice in January 2025. The case concluded with a full settlement.

Rogelio Hernandez filed suit against the City of Los Angeles and LAPD Detective Natalie Plascencia after an LAPD vehicle struck him in a designated crosswalk while he was in his wheelchair. The collision caused multiple severe bone fractures, including olecranon, acetabular, and tibia fractures, necessitating several days of hospitalization and leading to permanent disability claims. The lawsuit alleged General Negligence, arguing the detective failed to operate her vehicle safely within the scope of her employment. After facing strong evidence, likely including video footage of the incident, the City opted to resolve the matter before trial, paying the plaintiff a $15.25 million settlement to cover extensive past and future medical costs, pain, suffering, and loss of earning capacity.

The case of Henry Aragon v. First Class Vending, Inc. concluded with a court-approved class action settlement, avoiding a jury trial. Plaintiff Henry Aragon represented a large group of current and former employees, asserting the company had systematically violated California Labor Laws. The core of the lawsuit lay in allegations of widespread labor code violations, including Failure to Pay Minimum Wages, Failure to Pay Overtime Wages, and Failure to Provide Meal and Rest Periods. The Plaintiffs sought recovery of unpaid wages, statutory penalties, and interest, claiming economic injury due to the defendant's compensation and record-keeping practices. After negotiations, the parties reached an agreement that the San Bernardino County Superior Court granted final approval to in February 2025. The settlement required First Class Vending, Inc., to pay a total fund of $575,000 to resolve all claims for the class members, though the defendant made no admission of guilt or wrongdoing.

The case of Anderson Mackey v. County of Los Angeles, et al., filed in early 2023, centered on claims of unlawful employment practices and disparate treatment within the Los Angeles County Fire Department, rooted in California's FEHA (California Fair Employment and Housing Act). The plaintiff sought compensation for emotional distress, lost wages, and punitive damages. Instead of proceeding to a jury trial, the parties reached a settlement in November 2024, with public records confirming the County authorized a payment of $579,000 to resolve the matter. The settlement secured a final disposition of the claims without a formal determination of liability by the court.

A Fresno County jury found Skyview Memorial Lawn, Inc. negligent in a 2021 vehicle collision on its property that injured plaintiff Alfredo Molina. The jury determined the company's negligence was a substantial factor in causing the harm and awarded Mr. Molina $200,000.00 for past medical expenses. The defense had argued for comparative fault, but the final verdict resulted in an award solely for past medical expenses.

A Los Angeles County jury found the County 40% liable in the wrongful death of Karen Land, awarding her family $1.2 million in damages. The verdict, delivered on July 31, 2025, followed claims of negligence and elder abuse brought by the Land family, represented by Alexis and Maximiliano Galindo. The jury apportioned fault as 40% County, 30% Antwon and Karen Land, and 30% other drivers, recognizing shared responsibility for the tragedy.