Cedric Taite Negligence Case Settles for $3M
Table of Contents
Case Background
On December 30, 2019, Plaintiff Cedric Taite drove westbound on the SR-60 Freeway in South El Monte, California. Defendant Omar Penaloza operated a vehicle owned and controlled by Defendants, including J.J. Associates, Inc. Plaintiff alleged the vehicle was entrusted and maintained with the Defendants’ permission and consent.
Cause
Defendants allegedly drove, operated, and controlled the vehicle in a negligent, careless, and reckless manner. Plaintiff claimed this conduct caused the Defendant’s vehicle to collide with his car. He further alleged Defendants failed in their duty to operate and manage the vehicle safely, which directly and proximately led to the crash.
Injury
Plaintiff sustained injuries to his health, strength, and nervous system. He reported physical and emotional pain, suffering, and distress. His injuries limited his daily activities and caused ongoing discomfort.
Damages
Plaintiff claimed general damages for pain and suffering. He sought compensation for medical costs already incurred and expected in the future. He also claimed loss of earnings and diminished earning capacity. Additionally, he alleged property damage, including loss of use of his vehicle.
Key Arguments and Proceedings
Legal Representation
Plaintiff(s): Cedric Taite
Counsel for Plaintiff: Hagop Jack Bazerkanian | Robert Samuel Glassman
Experts for Plaintiff: Arthur C. Croft | Jan Roughan
Defendant(s): J.J. Kane Associates Inc. | J.J. Associates Inc. | Omar Penaloza
Counsel for Defendants: Michael Edwin Jenkins
Experts for Defendant: Stephen Martin Werner | Gregory H. Tchejeyan
Claims
Plaintiff asserted a single cause of action: Negligence against all Defendants. He requested general and special damages, prejudgment interest, pretrial interest, costs of suit, and any relief the Court deemed proper. He also demanded a jury trial.
Defense
Defendants filed general denials to all allegations and to all damages. They asserted that no negligent act by any Defendant caused Plaintiff’s losses. They also requested a jury trial. Moreover, they argued the Complaint failed to state facts sufficient to constitute a cause of action.
Defendants raised several affirmative defenses. They alleged Plaintiff’s comparative negligence and failure to use ordinary care reduced or barred recovery. They asserted primary and secondary assumption of risk. They claimed Plaintiff failed to mitigate damages. They alleged other persons or entities caused some or all losses, warranting comparative fault allocation. They invoked Proposition 213 (Civ. Code §3333.4) to bar certain non-economic damages if applicable. Finally, they cited Proposition 51 (C.C.P. §1431.1 et seq.) to limit joint and several liability for non-economic damages.
Settlement
On April 25, 2025, the parties reached an unconditional settlement. Plaintiff Cedric Taite, represented by Panish Shea Ravipudi LLP and C&B Law Group LLP, resolved his negligence claims against Defendants Omar Penaloza and JJ Kane and Associates Inc. for $3,000,000. A Notice of Settlement of Entire Case was filed on May 23, 2025, confirming dismissal of the matter before the scheduled May 27, 2025, trial in Department 28 of the Los Angeles Superior Court.
Court Documents
Court documents are available for purchase upon request at jurimatic@exlitem.com