Bradley Huezo vs. Susan Evans

Case Background

Bradley Huezo, a delivery person, filed a premises liability against Susan Evans when he was attacked by her dog and he fell in an attempt to escape. The lawsuit was filed in the California Superior Court, Los Angeles County. Judge Bobbi Tillmon, Lisa R. Jaskol, Susan J. Matcham, and Daniel M. Crowley presided over this case. [Case Number: 19STCV36108]

Cause

On October 24, 2017, Bradley Huezo, a UPS employee, was injured while delivering a package. The incident occurred at 17181 Palisades Circle, Los Angeles, California when Defendant Susan Evans’ dog left the property through an open front door. The dog attacked Mr. Huezo, attempting to bite him. In his effort to avoid the attack, Mr. Huezo fell and sustained injuries. The actions of the Defendant’s dog were the direct cause of the Plaintiff’s injuries.

Damages

The Plaintiff sought judgment for the costs of the lawsuit and for relief that was fair, just, and equitable. Specifically, the Plaintiff requested compensatory damages for the harm suffered, including compensation for lost wages, hospital and medical expenses, and general damages for pain and suffering. Additionally, the Plaintiff sought compensation for the loss of earning capacity and any other damages deemed appropriate.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal Representation

  • Plaintiff(s): Bradley Huezo
    • Counsel for Plaintiff(s): Joshua M. Merliss
  • Defendant(s): Susan Evans
    • Counsel for Defendant(s): Harry N. Kane

Claims

Plaintiff claimed that Defendants, Susan Evans and Robert Allen, her dog walker, who was acting in the capacity of Evans’ agent at the time, violated Los Angeles County Ordinance 10.32.010 and the Los Angeles Municipal Code 53.06.2.

He alleged negligence claiming that the Defendants were responsible for the negligent ownership, maintenance, management, and operation of the premises. Their actions led to the Plaintiff’s injuries.

Defense

Susan Evans denied the allegations of negligence in this premises liability lawsuit and claimed that the incident occurred because of Brad Huezo’s alleged negligence.

Jury Verdict

The jury instructions stated that if Brad Huezo proved that Robert Allen violated the Los Angeles Municipal Code and it was found that such violation was a substantial factor in causing Huezo harm, then Susan Evans would be held negligent.

On August 14, 2024, the jury found that Robert Allen was negligent and such negligence was a substantial factor in causing harm to Brad Huezo. No negligence on Brad Huezo’s part. The jury awarded the following damages:

  • Past economic damages: $90,876
  • Past non-economic loss: $30,000

The total damages were $120,876.

Court Documents:

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