City of Hanford Hit with $17.4 Million Verdict In Truck v. Auto Case

Barbara Musick, et al. v. City of Hanford (Kings County Super Ct. No. 23CU0185): On August 24, 2024 a jury entered a verdict of $17.4 million against the City of Hanford in regards to an underlying matter where a truck driver employed by the City hit plaintiffs’ passenger vehicle, causing catastrophic injuries to them including orthopedic and traumatic brain injuries. Plaintiffs alleged that Daman Espinoza ran a stop sign in a Ford F450, striking the vehicle driven by plaintiff Barbar Musick, causing injuries to Musick and her 87-year-old sister Gayle Dutton, a passenger in the vehicle. Plaintiffs argued that prior to the accident they were in good health and lived independently, but that after the accident their quality of life was reduced drastically due to the injuries, requiring them to rely on others for simple daily tasks. Defendant stipulated that their employee was negligent, but disputed the scope and severity of the injuries suffered by plaintiffs. Plaintiffs were represented by Sweet James LLP. Defendant was represented by Griswold LaSalle.