July 23, 2007
$850,000: Misguided Epidural Needle Causes Woman Partial Paralysis To Legs
CASE DESCRIPTION: Plaintiff Mrs. Doe underwent a scheduled hysterectomy. As a result of an improperly administered epidural anesthesia she experienced partial paralysis and other neurological injuries in both lower extremities. The Defendant disputed fault. RESULT: $850,000.00 total settlement Plaintiff Mrs. Doe was a 39 year old woman, who was scheduled to undergo a hysterectomy. Mrs…. read more
July 23, 2007
$2,100,000: 81 Year-Old Pedestrian Struck By Automobile Leads To Record Settlement
CASE DESCRIPTION: An elderly lady was hit by a car trying to make a right turn when she stepped off of curb to cross the street. Plaintiff argued the driver was liable since she failed yield to the pedestrian. Plaintiff also argued the owner of the car was liable for negligently entrusting the driver with… read more
July 23, 2007
$14,595,000: An Anesthesiologist’s Negligence Renders A Promising Young Student Blind
CASE DESCRIPTION: A 24 year old student/lifeguard supervisor went in for a routine 15 minute outpatient surgery to treat an ankle fracture. While under general anesthesia Mr. John C. was inadequately oxygenated or ventilated. As a result Mr. John C. suffered a cardiac arrest and subsequently slipped into a three and one half week coma…. read more
July 23, 2007
$325,000: Armored Vehicle Runs Red Light and Smashes Into Plaintiff
CASE DESCRIPTION: Defendant, while driving an armored vehicle, ran a red light causing an auto accident. Plaintiff sustained liver, knee, and ankle injuries. Plaintiffs brought suit regarding personal injury and loss of consortium. Liability was stipulated. RESULT: $325,000 total settlement Plaintiffs in this matter were Joanne R. and her husband, Michael R. They have been married… read more
June 28, 2007
Wylie Aitken Receives Lifetime Legal Achievement Award
Wylie, Elizabeth Edwards and Mike Farrell were recently honored in Beverly Hills by the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights (FTCR). Wylie was presented the Lifetime Legal Achievement Award by Chris and Ashleigh Aitken; Elizabeth Edwards was presented the Phillip Burton Public Service Award by Warren Beatty; and, Mike Farrell was presented the Citizen Activist… read more
June 22, 2007
Products Liability in “Plain English” – The New CACI Jury Instructions
Introduction In 2003 the Judicial Council of California set forth the new California Civil Jury Instructions (CACI, pronounced “Casey”) which affect virtually all areas of civil practice — including products liability. The “Preface” to the new instructions indicates that the intent was “to write instructions that are legally accurate and understandable to the average juror.” … read more
June 22, 2007
Jury Vior Dire Hypothetical Fact Pattern
This is a wrongful death case where Plaintiff Mary P’s 38 year old son, John P., was killed on a construction site (when he came into contact with a live electrical wire that had been unearthed during excavation work). The incident occurred at the University of Orange County, during the construction of this new University…. read more
June 22, 2007
Looking at your Insurance Rates in the Time of Covid-19? Don’t Forget to Get Adequate Underinsured/Uninsured Motorist Coverage
A client may discover the value of having UM/UIM coverage when the at-fault driver is underinsured or even worse, uninsured. Ironically, UM/UIM insurance is often the most inexpensive form of insurance coverage. In the era of COVID-19, many families are analyzing and adjusting their auto insurance coverage. It is time to ensure you have appropriate… read more
June 21, 2007
Maximized Results Through Sophisticated Analysis Of Settlement Options
Although the law firm of Aitken * Aitken * Cohn prides itself in our long history of excellent results at trial, many cases can be successfully resolved through settlement. One of the most frequently asked questions encountered by our law firm is: “How do we evaluate cases for settlement purposes?” Our firm takes a sophisticated… read more
June 21, 2007
Effective Presentation of Evidence of Economic Damages for Partial Loss of Earning Capacity
Richard A. Cohn A Common Shortcoming — The Failure To Recognize Economic Loss In The Case Of Partially Disabled Personal Injury Plaintiffs. Over the years, I have heard numerous lawyers describe their personal injury cases, whether in casual conversation or in consultation on potential referrals to our law firm. Likewise, I have regularly reviewed jury… read more