Alvin Jay Cawilan vs. Alethea Espino, et al.

Case Background

On May 4, 2021, Alvin Jay Cawilan filed an assault and battery lawsuit against Defendants Alethea Espino and Pierce Brooks. He alleged intentional infliction of emotional distress, general negligence, and premises liability.

The lawsuit was filed in the California Superior Court, Los Angeles County. Judges Wendy L. Wilcox and Lisa R. Jaskol presided over this lawsuit. [Case number: 21STCV16829]

Cause

Alvin Jay Cawilan, the plaintiff, resided in Los Angeles County, California. Defendants Alethea Espino and Pierce Brooks also lived in the same county.

On February 16, 2021, Alethea invited Pierce to the property at 19200 Nordhoff Avenue, Northridge, California. Alethea asked Alvin to switch vehicles, which blocked his vehicle. Pierce then attacked Alvin, assaulting and battering him. Alethea prevented Alvin from escaping. Alvin alleged that the defendants and their employees had a history of reckless behavior, which endangered the occupants. Despite knowing this, the defendants did not take steps to safeguard the occupants. After the attack, Alvin informed Alethea, who told him to leave. Alvin sought damages for the injuries and distress caused by the defendant’s actions.

Damages

The plaintiff endured intense mental suffering, anguish, anxiety, humiliation, and emotional distress. He also experienced physical and psychological injuries. Consequently, he pursued general, special, and punitive damages.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal Representation

  • Plaintiff(s): Alvin Jay Cawilan
    • Counsel for Plaintiff(s): Erick B. Novik
  • Defendant(s):  Alethea Espino | Pierce Brooks
    • Counsel for Defendant(s): Cheryl Deptowicz-Diaz

Claims

The plaintiff included claims of assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, general negligence, and premises liability. The defendants, Alethea Espino, Pierce Brooks, and Does 1 to 100, along with their employees, agents, managers, officers, representatives, hires, supervisors, and directors, intentionally and violently attacked the plaintiff. They assaulted, battered, punched, held, restrained, and threw the plaintiff down a stairwell. Additionally, they prevented and blocked the plaintiff from leaving, making it difficult for him to escape. This conduct was highly offensive and intentional. It was committed with reckless disregard for the probability that the plaintiff would suffer emotional distress.

Defense

Defendants Alethea Espino and Pierce Brooks responded to Alvin Jay Cawilan’s complaint, denying all allegations and damages. They presented several defenses, including failure to state a cause of action, vagueness, lack of causation, and the involvement of other parties. They also argued that the plaintiff consented to the acts, assumed the risk, acted in bad faith, and failed to mitigate damages. Additionally, they claimed that any misconduct was committed by others and that their actions were taken in good faith.

Jury Verdict

On October 9, 2024, the jury ruled in favor of Defendants Espino and Brooks on the negligence and battery claims. Consequently, the jury awarded no damages.

Court Documents:

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