Robert W. Johnson & Associates was retained to provide economic testimony in quantifying compensatory damages and general damages.
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Case: Teresa Behena, et al. v. Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company.
Court: Clark County District Court, Case No. A503395.
Plaintiff’s Attorneys: Albert D. Massi and Chad A. Bowers of The Law Office of Albert D. Massi, Las Vegas, Nevada.
Judge: The Honorable Sally Loehrer
Case Synopsis: The plaintiffs rented a Ford Econoline 350, 15-passenger van from Valley View Hitch and Truck Rental. The plaintiffs, who consisted of 3 adults and six minors, were going to Missouri to see a boxing event that was sanctioned by the United States Olympic Committee.
On August 14, 2006, while Ernesto Torres was operating the van on Highway SR 70 (I-70) near Moab, Utah, the left rear Goodyear tire blew out, resulting in the van going off the road surface and rolling over. Ervetina Trujillo Tapia, a 65-year-old grandmother, and Frank Enriquez, a single father with 3 children, were pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. Andres Torres died in the hospital shortly after the accident. Joseph Enriquez suffered profound brain injuries, resulting in inability to communicate and permanent, total disabled.
Expert Testimony: First, Mr. Johnson was retained to calculate the compensatory damages for plaintiffs Frank Enriquez, Ervetina Trujillo Tapia, Andres Torres and Joseph Enriquez. Next, Mr. Johnson was asked to give his expert opinion as to the general damages (intangible value of life and the loss of enjoyment of life) of the case.
Beginning with Mr. Enriquez, Mr. Johnson first calculated the loss of support in wages and household services to his three surviving children. The total present value damages were $418,200. He then calculated the loss of household support that Ms. Ervetina Trujillo Tapia (a 65-year-old grandmother) would have provided to her adult children and grandchildren. The total present value damages were $428,600.
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