The trial: Garcia v. Tri-Modal Distribution Services, Inc., et al.
The attorney: Steve Vartazarian
Case summary: Jose Garcia died when his vehicle struck the back of a big-rig truck parked on the side of the road. Vartazarian, representing Garcia’s widow in a suit against the trucking company involved, claims the tractor-trailer was parked illegally. The defense contested liability, and, as to damages, argued Garcia suffered from health conditions that reduced his life expectancy.
Synopsis: Vartazarian highlights jury definitions related to non-economic damages, using real-world examples and focusing on Garcia's widow's life without him. Vartazarian further recounts anecdotes from his own life before he had a companion to compare it to the Garcias' relationship. As he details their life together, Vartazarian shows jurors photos and love letters from the couple. He then highlights evidence he says refutes the defense's claim that Garcia's health problems would have limited his life expectancy. Vartazarian tells jurors that cases such as this are worth $10 - $20 million, setting a range for the jury.
The verdict: $11.05 million, including $10 million in non-economics.
