Tyler Smith vs. Todd Mullin

Parties Involved

  • Plaintiff(s):Tyler Smith
    • Counsel for Plaintiff: Theam Belinda

 

  • Defendant(s):Todd Mullin
    • Counsel for Defendants: Dean L. Chalamidas

Verdict Information

  • Verdict Date: April 30, 2024
  • Total damages awarded to Plaintiff: $58,125

About the Case

Cause

Tyler Smith, the plaintiff, filed a personal injury lawsuit against Todd Mullin and various Doe defendants in the Superior Court of Los Angeles County. The complaint alleged a cause of action stemming from a motor vehicle accident that occurred on January 30, 2021, near the intersection of 25th Street and Walker Avenue in Los Angeles.

In the complaint, Smith claimed that Mullin and the unnamed Doe defendants acted negligently while operating a motor vehicle, resulting in injuries and damages to the plaintiff. The negligent operation of the vehicle was stated as the legal and proximate cause of Smith’s harm.

Specifically, the complaint identified Mullin as the defendant who directly operated the motor vehicle involved in the accident. Additionally, it alleged that certain Doe defendants, numbered 1 to 25, employed the individuals who were operating the vehicle within the scope of their employment during the incident.

Other Doe defendants, numbered 26 to 50, were claimed to be the owners of the motor vehicle, having granted permission for its operation. The complaint also named Doe defendants 51 to 75 as those who entrusted the vehicle to others.

Furthermore, Doe defendants 76 to 100 were alleged to be agents or employees of the other defendants, acting within the scope of their agency or employment during the accident.

Injury

As a result of the motor vehicle accident, Smith claimed to have suffered various damages, including wage loss, loss of use of property, hospital and medical expenses, general damages, property damage, and loss of earning capacity.

Damage

The plaintiff sought compensatory damages according to proof, as well as the costs of the lawsuit.

Jury Verdict

The jury found that the defendant, Todd Mullin, was negligent, and his negligence was a substantial factor in causing harm to the plaintiff, Tyler Smith. However, the jury also determined that Smith himself was negligent, and his negligence was a substantial contributing factor to his own harm. Crucially, the jury apportioned responsibility for Smith’s harm, assigning 35% of the responsibility to Mullin and 65% to Smith himself.

In assessing the damages, the jury awarded Smith $58,125 for past non-economic losses but did not award any damages for future non-economic losses.

Court Documents:

Available upon Request