School bus collided with van: Failure to yield right of way: Abdominal injuries: Wrongful death: Structured settlement

Law Reporter, Jun 2001

Doe v. Roe, Cal., Long Beach County Super. Ct., confidential docket number, Nov. 2000.

Doe, 15, was a passenger in a van going through an intersection. A school bus making a left turn collided with the van. Doe suffered abdominal injuries, requiring hospitalization for about five weeks. She was later readmitted to the hospital with a fever and infection related to the injuries. Doe died from complications. She is survived by her parents and brother.

Doe's parents sued the bus driver's employer, alleging the bus driver failed to yield the right of way.

Defendant claimed that the van in which Doe was riding went through a red light and appeared to be slowing down when the bus driver began turning.

The parties structured a settlement for $2 million, including the present value of a college scholarship fund established by plaintiffs at Doe's high school.

Plaintiffs' accident reconstruction expert was William Otto, Brea, Cal.

Plaintiffs' Counsel

*Bruce M. Brusavich, Torrance, Cal.

*Susan E. Hargrove, Torrance, Cal.