Trial News

Jose Barragan, 57, was turning right into his driveway when a police vehicle rear-ended him. The impact caused Barragan’s vehicle to hit a parked car, resulting in a torn right meniscus and a closed-head injury that led to depression, memory problems, and PTSD. Barragan, who had been a window washer, is unable to work.

Barragan sued the city of South Gate, alleging it was vicariously liable for its police officer’s negligent driving. The plaintiff claimed that the police officer had been speeding down a residential street while trying to catch up to a cyclist and failed to yield. The plaintiff did not claim past medical expenses.

The jury awarded more than $2.56 million.

Citation: Barragan v. City of South Gate, No. BC617720 (Cal. Super. Ct. Los Angeles Cnty. Nov. 16, 2018).

Plaintiff counsel: Brian Breiter, Timothy McCormick, and Chance Pardon, all of Los Angeles.

Plaintiff experts: Jon Landerville, accident reconstruction, Torrance, Calif.; Rami Hashish, biomechanics, Hermosa Beach, Calif.; Hyman Gross, neurology, and Jennifer Polhemus, economics, both of Santa Monica, Calif.; Khyber Zaffarkhan, life care planning, Newport Beach, Calif.; Deborah Cresswell, counseling, Los Angeles; and Matthew Enna, orthopedic surgery, Beverly Hills, Calif.

Defense experts: John Gardiner, biomechanics, Los Angeles; Brian King, neuroradiology, and Michael Gold, neurology, both of Santa Monica; Diana Pelletier, vocational rehabilitation, Lake Forest, Calif.; Stacy Kinsel, economics, Pasadena, Calif.; and Vivian Alvarez, counseling, Los Angeles.