Meredith Issah vs Winbil Aduku

Case Background

On September 15, 2022, Meredith Issah filed a complaint against Winbil Aduku in the Circuit Court of the State of Oregon for Multnomah County (Case Number: 22CV31463). Judges Beth A. Allen, Christopher J. Marshall, Amy M. Baggio, Judith H. Matarazzo, and Benjamin Souede presided over the case.

Cause

The incident that prompted the lawsuit occurred on October 2, 2021. Both Issah (the plaintiff) and Aduku (the defendant) were residents of Multnomah County, Oregon at the time. The complaint alleged that Winbil Aduku committed battery against Meredith Issah by punching her in the face with enough force to knock her to the floor. During the assault, Aduku also forcefully pulled out Issah’s hair by the roots, causing further harm.

Injuries

The assault resulted in multiple physical injuries to Meredith Issah. The punch delivered by Aduku caused significant damage to Issah’s tooth, potentially requiring dental work. The force of the blow also broke the skin on Issah’s face, likely resulting in cuts or lacerations that could lead to scarring. When Issah was knocked to the floor by the punch, she sustained bruising to her hand, possibly from trying to break her fall or protect herself. The violent hair-pulling by Aduku caused damage to Issah’s scalp, potentially leading to bald patches or long-term hair loss. These injuries collectively caused immediate pain and potentially long-lasting physical effects.

Damages

Meredith Issah suffered severe physical harm and emotional distress due to the assault. The emotional damages included anxiety, nervousness, humiliation, loss of appetite, depression, and insomnia. Issah also experienced physiological injuries as a result of the attack. She sought non-economic damages of $250,000.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal representation

  • Plaintiff(s): Meredith Issah
    • Counsel for Plaintiff: Lake James H Perriguey

 

  • Defendant(s):Winbil Aduku

Claims

The case was filed under Oregon Revised Statute 21.160(1)(c), with a filing fee of $594. Meredith Issah filed a complaint for battery against Winbil Aduku. Issah demanded a jury trial for her case. The complaint was not subject to mandatory arbitration. Issah also sought to recover costs and disbursements incurred in the legal proceedings.

Defense

 

Winbil Aduku responded to Meredith Issah’s complaint with an answer, affirmative defenses, and counterclaims. He admitted to being a resident of Multnomah County but denied the allegations of battery and causing harm to Issah.

Defendant presented six affirmative defenses:

  • He claimed Issah failed to state sufficient facts to constitute a claim for relief.
  • He asserted that Issah contributed to her own injuries through comparative fault.
  • He alleged that Issah’s claim was frivolous and brought solely to harass him.
  • He argued that any injuries resulted from intervening acts of third parties.
  • He claimed Issah failed to mitigate her damages.
  • He asserted that Issah’s actions were illegal, prohibiting her right to recover damages.

Aduku also filed two counterclaims against Issah. In his first counterclaim for fraud and misrepresentation, he alleged that Issah initiated the fight on October 2, 2021. He claimed she hit him in the face, breaking the skin and causing permanent thumb pain. He also stated that Issah injured his lower left rib area and aggravated a right shoulder injury using paramilitary tactics. Additionally, he accused Issah of breaking his cellphone and work computer monitor during the assault.

In his second counterclaim for assault and battery, Aduku alleged that Issah’s actions caused him severe emotional and mental distress. He cited high blood pressure, psychological injury, and humiliation as consequences of the incident. Aduku sought non-economic damages of up to $550,000 to be determined by a jury. He requested that the court dismiss Issah’s complaint and award him judgment, costs, disbursements, and fees incurred in the case.

Jury Verdict

On April 17, 2024, the jury found that Issah proved that Aduku intentionally caused offensive contact with her. The jury also determined that Issah proved Aduku’s actions directly or indirectly caused her harm. Based on these findings, the jury awarded Issah non-economic damages of $25,000 for the harm caused by Aduku’s conduct.

 Court Documents:

Available Upon Request