Public Entity

Los Angeles Superior Court Case No.: 22STCV06392

In a notable victory against the City of Los Angeles, Fielding Law secured a $2 million verdict for an injured rollerblader, Lahra Welch. The hazardous condition, exacerbated by shadows and lack of warnings, led to a six-day trial resulting in a favorable jury verdict.

The Case Details:

In Lahra Welch’s battle against the City of Los Angeles, we faced a unique challenge. Rollerblading down her neighborhood, Lahra tripped over hidden asphalt, causing serious injuries. The six-day trial, overseen by Honorable Michael Levanas, highlighted the complexities of proving fault and the extent of damages. Represented by the Law Office of Maximilian Lee and Fielding Law, APC, Lahra resiliently contested a 17% contributory negligence claim. After two days of deliberation, the jury delivered a hefty $2,000,000 gross verdict. Despite a contributory negligence percentage, Lahra secured a $1,660,000 net verdict, emphasizing non-economic damages. Fielding Law‘s dedication to navigating challenges ensured Lahra received just compensation.

Attorneys:

• Plaintiff’s Attorney:
  • Law Office of Maximilian Lee by Maximilian Lee, Santa Ana, California
  • Fielding Law, APC Attorneys: Clark Fielding and Ryan Cooper, Irvine, California
• Defendant’s Attorneys:
  • Office of the Los Angeles City Attorney by Karen Woodward, Michael Zuckerman, and Lilya Dishchyan, Los Angeles.

Experts:

• Plaintiff’s Medical Experts: Matthew Enna, M.D., Garrison Whitaker, M.D., Jennifer Hertz, M.D.
• Defendant’s Medical Expert: Ross Nathan, M.D.
• Plaintiff’s Technical Expert: Gary Gsell, municipal infrastructure.
• Defendant’s Technical Experts: Mark Blanchette, Ph.D., Henricus “Harm” Jansen, accident reconstruction.

Facts and Background:

Lahra Welch, on February 15, 2021, suffered injuries while rollerblading due to raised asphalt in a residential street. Shadows and lack of warnings contributed to the accident. Plaintiff contended that the City of Los Angeles was aware of the danger, while the defense argued it was a minor bump and the city lacked knowledge.

Injuries and Damages:

• Physical Injuries: Broken left ulna and distal radius, post-surgery osteoarthritis, complex regional pain syndrome.
• Emotional Damages: Distress, disfigurement, mental harm, inconvenience, anxiety.

Demands and Offers:

• Plaintiff’s §998 Demand: $1,000,000
• Defendant’s Offer during Trial: Verbally offered $100,000 on the first day of trial.

Why Hire Fielding Law?

Navigating a case against a public entity, such as the City of Los Angeles in Lahra Welch’s situation, requires a skilled legal team. Public entity claims involve seeking compensation for injuries caused by the negligence of government entities. It is crucial to note that these claims have different procedures and timelines than typical personal injury cases. In California and Arizona, where Fielding Law operates, public entity claims often have shorter statutes of limitations. Without an attorney well-versed in these nuances, victims may face challenges in pursuing their rightful compensation. Fielding Law, with expertise in public entity claims, successfully advocated for Lahra Welch, highlighting the importance of having seasoned attorneys on your side when dealing with such cases.

At Fielding Law, we navigate complexities with care and capability. Our client-focused approach ensures transparent communication and expert guidance. Trust us to champion your rights. Call 833.88.SHARK for a free legal consultation.

Note: Information provided is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney for legal concerns.