Los Angeles Team Secures Defense Verdict for Public Entity Client in High-Exposure Personal Injury Case

Los Angeles, Calif. (June 11, 2025) - Los Angeles Partners Dana Alden Fox and Laurie Stayton secured a complete defense verdict for their public entity client in a high exposure personal injury case in Tulare County Superior Court. The plaintiff, a 13-year-old boy, suffered a severe and permanent traumatic brain injury and serious orthopedic injuries after being struck by a vehicle going 45 mph while attempting to cross a state highway at an unmarked crosswalk.

The plaintiff claimed the intersection and crosswalk constituted a dangerous condition of public property, suing the vehicle driver, the State of California (Caltrans), and Lewis Brisbois' client, the City of Tulare, for damages. The plaintiff was airlifted for medical care, and had a GCS score of 3. He underwent several surgeries and months of both inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation. Experts unanimously agreed at trial that the plaintiff had sustained a severe traumatic brain injury, experienced permanent cognitive deficits, would not be able to work in the open labor market, and would need lifelong medical care and treatment. The plaintiff requested the jury award $55 million in damages.

Mr. Fox and Ms. Stayton contended that their client bore no liability for the accident and the resulting damages, as the client did not have control over the alleged dangerous condition of public property at the time of the incident.

The jury awarded total damages of $28,163,528. The jury found Caltrans 90% responsible and the plaintiff 10% responsible for causing the accident. The jury found the City of Tulare, the defendant represented by Mr. Fox and Ms. Stayton, not liable.