Ami Lanelle Dorian, an individual vs. Maamar M. Susini, an individual, et al.

Case Background

On December 14, 2021, Ami Lanelle Dorian filed a bicycle-car collision lawsuit alleging negligence after she was hit by a car at an intersection while riding her bike. On June 05, 2023, her husband, Fernando Dorian Ruiz, filed for loss of consortium.

The case was filed in the California Superior Court, Los Angeles County. Judges Michael B. Harwin, Lee S. Arian, Lisa R. Jaskol, Anne Hwang, William A. Crowfoot, and Kerry Bensinger presided over this auto negligence case. [Case number: 21STCV45612]

Cause

On May 27, 2021, Ami Lanelle Dorian rode her bicycle along Glencoe Avenue, nearing the Maxella Street intersection. At the same time, Maamar M. Susini drove along Glencoe Avenue, heading toward the same intersection. Susini attempted to turn right onto Maxella Street.

However, Susini failed to yield to bicyclists and pedestrians in the crosswalk. This failure caused his vehicle to collide with Dorian. The collision resulted in severe injuries to Dorian and damage to her property.

Injury

The Plaintiff sustained severe and permanent injuries to her body and nervous system as a consequence of the bicycle-car collision.

Damages

The Plaintiff sought $16 million in damages. She pursued compensation for several types of damages. She sought reimbursement for all past and future medical expenses, along with related incidental costs. Additionally, she requested compensation for lost earnings and any reduction in her future earning capacity. The Plaintiff also claimed damages for non-economic losses, such as pain and suffering, both past and future. Furthermore, she sought recovery for any loss or damage to her personal property.

Her husband later filed for loss of consortium alleging that as a result of the incident, he experienced a significant loss of love, care, assistance, and protection. He also endured a lack of affection, companionship, sexual relations, and moral support while Mrs. Dorian recovered from her severe physical and mental injuries. These injuries, some of which are permanent, continue to affect her recovery, further impacting Ruiz’s emotional and personal well-being.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal Representation

  • Plaintiff(s): Ami Lanelle Dorian | Fernando Dorian Ruiz
    • Counsel for Plaintiff(s): Ramin Kermani-Nejad | Mohamad Ahmad | Jason R. Doucette
  • Defendant(s): Maamar M. Susini | Stacey Susini
    • Counsel for Defendant(s): Jack Liebhaber |  Cooper Jacobs | Tae Kim

Claims

Negligence

Defendant Maamar M. Susini failed to exercise reasonable care while driving, resulting in a collision with Ami Lanelle Dorian. By failing to yield to a bicyclist in the crosswalk, Defendant violated California Vehicle Code § 21950(a), which protects pedestrians and cyclists. His negligence directly caused Dorian’s severe physical injuries and property damage. Additionally, Stacey Susini, who owned the vehicle, negligently entrusted it to Maamar Susini, despite knowing or having reason to believe he was unfit to drive. This breach of duty created an unreasonable risk of harm to Dorian and others.

Loss of Consortium

As a result of the incident, Dorian Ruiz, the Plaintiff’s spouse, suffered the loss of love, companionship, care, and emotional support. Before the collision, the couple enjoyed a close and fulfilling relationship. However, the injuries to Ami Lanelle Dorian disrupted their marital bond, depriving Ruiz of her assistance and affection. This loss of consortium has caused significant emotional harm and continues to affect their relationship as she struggles to recover from her permanent injuries.

Defense

Defendants Maamar M. Susini and Stacey Susini denied all allegations in the Complaint, asserting no responsibility for Plaintiff’s injuries or damages. They argued Plaintiff’s negligence contributed to or caused the alleged harm and sought to reduce or eliminate liability accordingly. Defendants also claimed third-party negligence, Plaintiff’s assumption of risk, and prior settlements barred recovery. Additionally, they cited insufficient facts in the Complaint, the statute of limitations, and Plaintiff’s failure to mitigate damages. Defendants sought proportional allocation of liability for non-economic damages and argued medical damages should be limited to actual costs incurred. They also requested indemnification or contributions from other responsible parties.

Jury Verdict

On November 22, 2024, the jury returned a unanimous verdict after determining that Maamar Susini’s negligence was not a substantial factor in causing Dorian damages.

Court Documents:

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Press Release:

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