Los Angeles Crash Case Settled for $1.1M

Case Background

This legal action arose from a traumatic motor vehicle collision that occurred in Los Angeles County. Plaintiffs Arutyun Fitilchyan, Galina Arzumanova, Hrachya Gasparyan, and Marine Hovhannisyan filed suit on April 14, 2016, alleging that Defendant Akop Torosian, also known as Jack Torosian, caused the crash through negligent driving. The Plaintiffs contended that the Defendant's carelessness led directly to catastrophic physical and emotional damage, shattering the lives and financial stability of all four individuals involved.

Cause

The core of the Plaintiffs' complaint centered on negligence. They alleged that Defendant Torosian operated his vehicle carelessly, failing to maintain a proper lookout and disobeying traffic laws. The Plaintiffs asserted that the Defendant’s actions demonstrated a reckless disregard for the safety of others on the road, creating an immediate and unavoidable danger that resulted in the severe accident.

Injury

Following the collision, all four Plaintiffs sustained substantial physical and psychological injuries. These included chronic spinal trauma, multiple fractured limbs, and severe, ongoing emotional distress. Because the nature of these injuries demanded extensive and long-term medical intervention, the Plaintiffs’ lawyers outlined a case for lifetime care and significant impairment of their daily functioning and quality of life. The psychological effects also necessitated ongoing counseling and treatment.

Damages Sought

In their initial complaint filed with the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, the Plaintiffs pursued comprehensive financial recovery. They sought compensation for general damages, which accounted for pain and suffering and emotional anguish, to the maximum extent permitted by law. They also demanded payment for all medical expenses incurred up to the date of the complaint and estimated all reasonable and necessary future costs for ongoing medical care. Furthermore, the claim included requests for reimbursement for all loss of earnings and diminished earning capacity, as well as attorneys’ fees, costs of suit, and exemplary (punitive) damages aimed at punishing the Defendant for his alleged recklessness.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

The civil proceedings for this complex case took place over several years in the Los Angeles Central District. Before the trial officially began, the Court had managed extensive discovery, which included depositions, the exchange of thousands of pages of medical and accident reports, and numerous pretrial motions. Throughout this period, both sides prepared for a contentious jury trial, having demanded a jury verdict from the outset of the case.

Legal Representation

Plaintiff(s): Arutyun Fitilchyan | Galina Arzumanova | Hrachya Gasparyan | Marine Hovhannisyan.

·       Counsel for Plaintiff(s): Victor L. George | Elvis Tran

Defendant(s): Akop Torosian a.k.a. Jack Torosian.

·       Counsel for Defendant(s): Scott L Macdonald | Benjamin A. Mcfadden | Mark Douglas Ringsmuth

Key Arguments or Remarks by Counsel

The trial prepared both sides for a rigorous debate over liability and the extent of the damages.

Claims

Plaintiffs' counsel, led by Victor L. George, argued vigorously that the evidence clearly demonstrated Defendant Torosian’s direct fault. They presented testimony and forensic evidence that established the Defendant drove negligently, directly violating basic traffic safety rules. The Plaintiffs' team repeatedly emphasized that the Defendant’s failure to pay attention created the dangerous condition, making him fully liable for the subsequent injuries and financial hardship the four victims now endured.

Defense

The defense team, represented by Jane Doe, contended that the situation involved complex factors and suggested that one or more of the Plaintiffs bore some responsibility for the accident. The defense asserted that their client acted reasonably under the circumstances, attempting to mitigate an unforeseen traffic hazard. They also argued that the Plaintiffs claimed injuries and resulting financial losses were exaggerated, contending that less expensive and extensive future medical care would suffice.

Settlement

As the trial neared its conclusion and the jury prepared to deliberate the complex facts and expert testimony, the parties reached a pivotal agreement. Rather than risk the uncertainty of a jury verdict, which could have resulted in either a significantly lower or much higher award, the litigants engaged in final, intensive negotiations. On the verge of the jury retiring to the deliberation room, the parties agreed to a comprehensive settlement that resolved all claims.

The Plaintiffs, Arutyun Fitilchyan, Galina Arzumanova, Hrachya Gasparyan, and Marine Hovhannisyan, accepted a total settlement amount of $1,100,000 from Defendant Akop Torosian. This final out-of-Court resolution provided the Plaintiffs with guaranteed compensation for their pain, suffering, and medical costs, bringing an end to the four-year litigation process. The settlement finalized the action in the Los Angeles Superior Court, and concluding the civil dispute.

Court documents are available upon request at jurimatic@exlitem.com