Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP Obtains $34.1 Million Verdict for Pedestrian Severely Injured by Driver Who Ran a Red Light

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A San Bernardino County jury has awarded more than $34.1 million to an elderly pedestrian who suffered catastrophic injuries after being struck while on the sidewalk by a vehicle driven by an Amphastar Pharmaceuticals Co-Founder who ran a red light.

Defendants Amphastar Pharmaceuticals Inc., International Medication Systems, Ltd., and Dr. Mary Zi-Ping Luo (the defendant driver who is also the companies’ Chairwoman/COO/Chief Scientist/Co-Founder) admitted liability before trial, leaving the jury to determine the amount of damages to award the 80-year-old Plaintiff, who has been living in a long-term rehabilitation facility since the incident.

Attorneys Brian Panish, Tom Schultz, Andrew Schrader, and Diana Panish of Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP and co-counsel, Lalit Kundani of Bridge Law, LLP, represented Plaintiff at trial.

“Our client’s life—and the lives of his family—has been forever changed by the careless actions of the defendant,” said Brian Panish. “We are grateful to the jury for delivering a just verdict that will ensure he receives the round-the-clock care and rehabilitation he so desperately needs.”

On the morning of August 7, 2023, Defendant Luo was driving in a professional capacity for her two companies when she failed to stop at a red light, made an unsafe right turn, and collided with a truck that had the right-of-way. The impact caused Luo to lose control of her vehicle, which then jumped the curb and struck Plaintiff, who was walking on the sidewalk during his daily 1.6-mile morning walk to get coffee. The violent collision was captured on surveillance video.

Plaintiff sustained a severe traumatic brain injury and multiple orthopedic injuries, requiring several surgeries and ongoing medical treatment. Once an independent and active father and grandfather, he is now unable to care for himself and has been residing at Casa Colina Hospital and Centers for Healthcare, where he receives 24-hour care.

During the three-week trial, Plaintiff's counsel presented evidence that their client’s injuries have caused permanent cognitive and physical impairments, requiring lifelong inpatient medical care and rehabilitation and profound pain and suffering. The defense argued that Plaintiff had experienced cognitive decline several years before the accident, his activities before the collision were limited given his age, he had made significant progress from his injuries, and he had a relatively good prognosis.

Following two days of deliberation, the jury awarded Plaintiff $34,146,940 including $14,146,940 for past and future medical expenses and $20,000,000 in non-economic damages to compensate him for his pain, suffering and loss of enjoyment of life.

Defendants Amphastar Pharmaceuticals Inc., Dr. Mary Zi-Ping Luo, and International Medication Systems, Ltd. were represented in the case and at trial by Timothy Yoo, Gopi Panchapakesan, and Devon Porter of Bird, Marella, Rhow, Lincenberg, Drooks & Nessim, LLP; Kevin J. Gramling and Carly J. English of Klinedinst PC; and Joseph Faccone Jr. and Stacy Miller of Tharpe & Howell LLP.

Doe v. Amphastar Pharmaceuticals Inc., et al

Superior Court of the State of California, San Bernardino County | San Bernardino District
Case No. CIVSB2319798
Hon. Wilfred J. Schneider, Jr.

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Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP is a nationally recognized law firm representing plaintiffs in wrongful death, catastrophic injury, sexual abuse/assault, product liability, mass torts, and business litigation cases. With offices in California, Nevada, and Arizona, Firm attorneys are licensed around the country and have dedicated themselves to obtaining justice for clients who are often dealing with a life-altering injury, death of a family member, or other challenges caused by the wrongful act of another. With this mission at the heart of its work, the Firm has obtained some of the most significant verdicts and settlements for plaintiffs in U.S. history. Learn more about Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP and our work on behalf of our clients at panish.law.