Los Angeles Injury Lawyer Blog

A retired police officer sued the City of LA when he was hit by a city-operated dump truck while riding his motorcycle in Northridge, California. As a result of the very serious motorcycle accident, the man suffered severe brain injury which caused him to suffer from short-term memory loss. After a two-year lawsuit, the man was finally able to receive ample compensation for damages suffered from this traumatic accident.

The case went finally went to trial after prolonged settlement negotiations failed to materialize. Even though the retired officer suffered severe brain injury and now requires 24-hour care as a result of the collision, the city never offered more than $50,000. The key issue in the case was the degree of the city’s liability. City attorneys contend that the driver of the dump truck was merely a contractor of the Bureau of Street Services, and thus an independent worker outside of the responsibility of the city. In addition, they argued that the driver had finished his day’s shift and was thus “off-site” when the collision occurred.

Luckily, the jury was more sympathetic to the victim of this tragic motorcycle accident. Despite the city’s attempt to escape liability, the jury found that the city was indeed liable for the man’s injuries. The Chatsworth Superior Court awarded him $4.7 million for his past and future medical expenses and lost wages. In addition, the court also awarded the man an additional $11 million to compensate for his pain and suffering and emotional distress. This was the largest award given out by this court.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in California, please call The Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman, LLC for a free consultation at 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776). We are trial attorneys who will fight for you!