Slip and fall near restroom results in a fractured knee in restaurant. $850K. Los Angeles County.

Summary

Patron slips on wet hallway floor as he leaves restroom.

The Case

Case Name: Jorge Perez v. Hibachi Buffet
Court and Case Number: Los Angeles Superior Court / BC659957
Date of Verdict or Judgment: Monday, October 07, 2019
Date Action was Filed: Tuesday, May 02, 2017
Type of Action: Negligence, Premises Liability, Slip and Fall
Judge or Arbitrator(s): Hon. Holly Kendig
Plaintiffs:
Jorge Perez, 43, warehouse supervisor.
Defendants:
Hibachi Buffet
Type of Result: Jury Verdict

The Result

Gross Verdict or Award: $850,000
Contributory/Comparative Negligence: None.
Economic Damages:
Past medical specials: $150,000 and

Future medical specials: $100,000
Non-Economic Damages:
Past: $50,000

Future: $550,000
Trial or Arbitration Time: 8 days.
Jury Deliberation Time: 1 hour.
Jury Polls: 12-0 on negligence.
Post Trial Motions & Post-Verdict Settlements: Defendant to file motions for JNOV as well as to reduce the verdict based upon the insufficient medical testimony from plaintiff’s medical expert witness.

The Attorneys

Attorney for the Plaintiff:
Kramer Holcomb Sheik by Daniel Kramer and Teresa Johnson, Los Angeles.
Attorney for the Defendant:
Yee & Associates by Frank Sabaitis, Pasadena.

The Experts

Plaintiff’s Medical Expert(s):
Rajan Patel, M.D., orthopedic surgery. (Treating physician.)
Defendant's Medical Expert(s):
Kevin Ehrhart, M.D., orthopedic surgery, Santa Monica.
Plaintiff's Technical Expert(s):
Brad Avrit, safety engineering.
Defendant's Technical Expert(s):
None.

Facts and Background

Facts and Background:
On January 7, 2017, plaintiff Jorge Perez went for lunch to Hibachi Buffet, an Asian-style buffet restaurant located in Inglewood. Plaintiff went to the restroom, which was located off of a long hallway that also led to the kitchen.

As he left the restroom, plaintiff slipped on a trail of liquid leading down the hallway and landed on his left knee, where it fractured in multiple pieces.
Plaintiff's Contentions:
Plaintiff contended that the trail of liquid was created by one of defendant's employees, who used that hallway to access the kitchen. Plaintiff provided circumstantial evidence that the dangerous condition was created by defendant based on testimony of employees, photographs, and discovery responses. Plaintiff contended that the floor was slippery when wet. Plaintiff contended that there was no way to see the liquid before the fall, as it blended in with the floor.
Defendant's Contentions:
Defendant denied liability and contended that there was no evidence from which the jury could reasonably infer or conclude that an employee had created the spill in the time frame in which plaintiff was in the restroom. Defendant contested the medical bills to date and argued that plaintiff would not need any future treatment.

Injuries and Other Damages

Physical Injuries claimed by Plaintiff:
Plaintiff suffered from a comminuted fracture of his left patella (fracture of multiple pieces) that required ORIF surgery. Past medical expenses included ORIF surgery and meniscectomy, physical therapy, PRP injection, and ongoing care from orthopedic surgeon. Future medicals include knee replacement surgery and therapy.

Special Damages

Special Damages Claimed - Past Medical: $150,500.30
Special Damages Claimed - Future Medical: $75,000-$125,000

Demands and Offers

Plaintiff §998 Demand: On March 26, 2018: $499,999.99
Defendant §998 Offer: On September 9, 2019: $250,001.

Disclaimer

This is not an official court document. While the publisher believes the information to be accurate, the publisher does not guarantee it and the reader is advised not to rely upon it without consulting the official court documents or the attorneys of record in this matter who are listed above.