Scott Kristin vs. Pardip Dhillon

Case Background

On November 12, 2021, Plaintiff Scott Kristin filed a Motor vehicle accident lawsuit in the California State, Contra Costa County, Superior Court (Case number: MSC21-02347). Judge Jill C Fannin and Terri Mockler presided over this car accident case.

Cause

On April 25, 2020, Kristin Scott was driving a 2008 Ford Focus southbound on Interstate 680 near Sycamore Valley Road in Danville, California. At the same time, Pardip Dhillon, along with unidentified parties referred to as DOE defendants, operated a 2000 Toyota Camry in the same direction. Due to the defendants’ carelessness and negligence, their vehicle collided with Scott’s car. This car accident caused significant harm to Kristin Scott.

Injuries

As a direct result of the car accident and the negligent actions of Pardip Dhillon and the DOE defendants, Kristin Scott sustained severe orthopedic injuries that impaired her physical and mental functions. These injuries caused ongoing physical pain, mental suffering, and permanent disability. Additionally, Scott’s physical and mental capacities were diminished, requiring extensive medical treatment and care.

Damages

Kristin Scott incurred significant medical expenses for hospitalization, treatment, and rehabilitation due to the injuries sustained in the car accident. She is expected to face further medical costs in the future. Beyond medical expenses, Scott was unable to engage in her usual activities and occupation, leading to lost wages and a diminished quality of life. Furthermore, her vehicle was damaged in the crash, resulting in a loss of value, use, and the need for repairs.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal representation

  • Plaintiff(s): Scott Kristin
    • Counsel for Plaintiff: James J O’Donnell
  • Defendant(s): Pardip Dhillon
    • Counsel for Defendants: Claudia Lozano

Claims

Kristin Scott sought compensation for general damages, special damages according to proof, and the costs of the lawsuit. She also requested prejudgment interest and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court. The case emphasized the negligence of Pardip Dhillon and the other defendants, holding them liable for the harm caused by their actions.

Defense

In response to Kristin Scott’s complaint, the defense raised several key arguments. They denied all allegations in the complaint, claiming that the plaintiff did not sustain any damages or injuries due to the defendant’s actions or omissions.

The defense raised eleven affirmative defenses. They argued that the plaintiff acted negligently and contributed to her own injuries. This should either bar her recovery entirely or reduce it under comparative negligence principles. The defense claimed that the plaintiff knowingly assumed risks by placing herself in a position of danger. They further asserted that the plaintiff failed to mitigate her damages. Any harm sustained, they argued, resulted from actions by the plaintiff or other parties, not the defendant’s conduct.

Additionally, the defense raised procedural and statutory arguments. They claimed that the complaint failed to state sufficient facts for a cause of action. They also argued that the case was barred by applicable statutes of limitations. Finally, they stated that any non-economic damages should be limited according to the defendant’s proportional fault under Civil Code Sections 1431.1-1431.5.

Further, they also argued that their liability was limited under Vehicle Code section 17151. Lastly, the defense claimed that if the plaintiff was employed by the defendant at the time of the car accident, workers’ compensation laws would give exclusive jurisdiction to the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board, barring the lawsuit entirely.

Jury Verdict

On December 12, 2024, the jury found that Pardip Dhillon was negligent. They determined that Dhillon’s negligence was a substantial factor in causing harm to Kristin Scott. The jury also found that Scott suffered damages. These included $30,949.13 in past economic losses for medical expenses. Additionally, Scott was awarded $1,500.00 in past noneconomic losses for physical pain and mental suffering. The jury found that Kristin Scott was negligent. However, they did not find that her negligence was a substantial factor in causing her own harm. Ultimately, the jury assigned 50% of the responsibility to Pardip Dhillon and 50% to Kristin Scott, totaling 100%.

Court Documents:

Documents are available for purchase upon request at jurimatic@exlitem.com