City of Los Angeles Hit With $17.8 Million Verdict Stemming From Injury Due to Malfunctioning Street Light

Melanie Gonzalez, et al. v. City of Los Angeles, et al. (Los Angeles Super Ct No. 20STCV15846): On January 31, 2025 a jury entered a verdict of $17.8 million on behalf of pedestrians who sustained catastrophic injuries after being struck in the middle of a crosswalk by a vehicle. At the time of the incident, plaintiffs Melanie and Magie Gonzalez were crossing the street amidst thousands of people who were celebrating the result of a soccer match played between the United States and Mexico. Traffic lights were allegedly not working during the time of the incident, which plaintiffs argued was the reason why a vehicle ran through the intersection and struck them. Defendants denied liability, arguing that the driver of the vehicle ignored instructions to make a u-turn prior to driving through the intersection, and that the driver was the sole party at fault. Defendants rejected a pre-trial 998 offer of $1.75 million before the verdict was ultimately rendered.