Callahan & Blaine

Today, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (“MTA”) finalized a $3.5 Million settlement with a 28-year old Los Angeles woman for personal injuries arising from a bus accident. The Request for Dismissal was filed today in the case, Lopez v Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, (LASC Case No. BC 460008), and the $3.5 Million settlement funds were formally paid by the MTA.

An MTA bus driver made a right turn at an intersection and struck the woman as she was walking with her daughter in a cross-walk on a green light. The crosswalk was at Cesar Chavez Blvd., across from Union Station in Los Angeles. The bus ran over the woman’s foot, crushing it. The woman’s foot is scarred but functions. The child suffered minor injuries.

The MTA intended to present video evidence that the woman did not press the “pedestrian button” before she crossed, and did not look to the left where the bus was located before crossing. The MTA also intended to present video evidence that the woman and child darted out in front of the bus before the bus driver had time to notice them.

Plaintiff Jenny Lopez was represented by Daniel J. Callahan, Brian J. McCormack and Sarah C. Serpa of the Santa Ana, CA-based law firm of Callahan & Blaine.

Mr. Callahan expressed his pleasure with the settlement, stating: “This was a very significant injury suffered by our client. At the very least, she will now be able to address the quality of life issues caused by the accident and live comfortably for the rest of her life.” Mr. Callahan further stated “Given some of the adverse facts and defenses available to the MTA, this was an excellent resolution.”

The settlement has been approved by the MTA Board. The matter is being dismissed today by the Plaintiff as a result of the payment of the funds.

Ms. Lopez’s attorney, Daniel J. Callahan, previously represented two women in a record breaking $50 million settlement against the City of Dana Point for injuries suffered while jogging down Pacific Coast Highway. That settlement is the highest personal injury settlement ever in United States history. Mr. Callahan also obtained the highest jury verdict in Orange County history, $934 million, representing Beckman Coulter of Fullerton, California in a business dispute with Flextronics, a large multi-billion dollar corporation in Northern California.