2017 - Third Quarter

Trial Numbers

• MVA - Plaintiffs won 6/9.
• Medical Malpractice - Plaintiffs won 2/2.
• Pedestrian Injury - Plaintiffs won 1/1.
• Product Liability - Plaintiffs won 1/1.

Notable Trials

Croff v. Roberts and Aspen Spine and Neurosurgery et al., Multnomah County Case No. 15CV17095

Plaintiff Croff underwent L5-S1 decompressive laminectomy and discectomy surgery with Defendant Roberts and Aspen Spine and Neurosurgery.  He alleged that the surgery was negligently performed when Roberts failed to remove several protruding discs, failed to decompress the spine, fractured the spinous process at L4, left a piece of fractured bone near a nerve root, and failed to diagnose or treat a post-operative wound infection.  He claimed that the negligently-performed surgery resulted in permanent nerve damage and cauda equine syndrome.  Croff sought $93,808.55 for past medical expenses and $3.5 Million for non-economic damages.  Croff’s wife sought $1 Million for loss of consortium.

Roberts denied that the surgery was negligently performed and claimed that Croff was responsible for some or all of his own damages when he failed to report his symptoms after surgery in a timely manner.

Total Verdict - $4,593,808.55.

Sprague v. John Crane Inc., Multnomah County Case No. 15CV14771

Plaintiff Sprague claimed that he was exposed to unreasonably dangerous asbestos-containing products that were manufactured and distributed by Defendant John Crane Inc.  Sprague alleged that the exposure caused him injuries including mesothelioma.  He sought $1.5 Million for medical expenses, $4 Million for past and future lost wages and $10 Million for non-economic damages. Sprague also sought punitive damages.   Sprague’s wife sought $10 Million for loss of consortium.

Defendant John Crane Inc. denied all Sprague’s claims and alleged that Sprague was negligent for breathing dust and not asking his employer for any personal protective equipment.

Numerous other parties settled or were dismissed pre-trial.

Total Verdict - $1,148,770.60 (Verdict was for $5,743,853 but only 20% liability was attributed to Defendant).

The Estate of Michael Dominguez v. Jason Rodriguez, et al., Multnomah County Case No. 16CV16260

Dominguez was a passenger in a vehicle driven by Defendant Rodriguez when Rodriguez ran a stop sign and caused a crash. Dominguez was killed in the crash. Dominguez’s estate brought this lawsuit against both Rodriguez for running the stop sign, and against Larson & King LLC, the company that owned the property at the intersection for allowing trees to obscure the stop sign. The estate sought $10 Million in economic damages and $10 Million in non-economic damages.

Defendant Rodriguez denied liability.  He argued that Defendant Larson & King was at fault for not pruning the surrounding trees that would make the stop sign visible from the street.

Defendant Larson & King and their tenant claimed that Rodriguez was the negligent party for driving recklessly and running the stop sign.

Total Verdict - $969,467.00.

Larson v. Apollo Drain and Rooter Service, Multnomah County Case No. 15CV30319

Plaintiff Larson was stopped in traffic when she was rear-ended by Mr. Russu who was driving a vehicle in the course and scope of his employment with Defendant Apollo Drain and Rooter Service (“Apollo”).  Larson claimed crash-related injuries including disc protrusions in her neck and a torn labrum in her hip. She sought $88,485.35 for past medical expenses, $105,000 for future cervical disc and arthroscopic hip surgery, $140,000 for lost income and $500,000 for non-economic damages.

Apollo admitted liability but contested the nature and extent of Larson’s damages.

Total Verdict - $395,388.90