Case Background
This case began after a collision on September 22, 2022, along Lomita Boulevard east of Crenshaw Boulevard in Los Angeles County. Plaintiff Dwight William Dudley filed suit against Abel Arteaga De Leon and his business, ARTLUX Builders Corp, claiming that their negligence while operating a vehicle caused him personal injuries and financial losses.
The complaint, filed on May 24, 2024, set out causes of action for motor vehicle negligence and sought compensation for wage loss, medical expenses, property damage, and pain and suffering. Dudley alleged that Arteaga De Leon was driving a company vehicle within the scope of his employment when the crash occurred and that his careless driving led directly to the collision and Dudley’s injuries.
The Defendants denied all wrongdoing, contending that any injuries or damages claimed by Dudley were not their fault, that other causes might have contributed to the incident, and that the claimed damages were excessive or unsupported by law.
Cause
Dudley’s complaint focused on a motor vehicle accident. He alleged that Arteaga De Leon’s negligent operation of his vehicle on Lomita Boulevard caused the crash. The Plaintiff maintained that the driver either failed to maintain a safe distance, lost control, or otherwise acted carelessly on the road, resulting in a collision that caused him bodily injury and property loss.
Injury
Dudley stated that the accident caused him bodily pain, emotional distress, and economic loss. He claimed he needed medical care and suffered from lingering pain that limited his ability to work. He also asserted that his property his vehicle was damaged and that he lost wages because he was unable to perform his regular duties after the crash.
Damages Sought
In his filing, Dudley sought compensatory damages according to proof. He requested recovery for past and future medical expenses, lost income, and general damages for pain and suffering. The claim was filed as an unlimited civil action, meaning the total damages sought exceeded $25,000.
Legal Representation
Plaintiff: Dwight William Dudley
· Counsel for Plaintiff: Michael Louis Kelly | Samantha K. Browning
· Experts for Plaintiff: David Franklin | Sadia Sadaf Khan | Niree Kodaverdian | Gregory Tchejeyan
Defendant: Abel Arteaga De Leon | ARTLUX Builders Corp
· Counsel for Defendant: Colin H. Walshok
· Experts for Defendant: Stephanie Engler | Paul E. Kaloostian | Earl C. Thorndyke | Vernon B. Williams
Key Arguments and Proceedings
Plaintiff’s Position
Represented by Kirtland & Packard LLP, attorneys Michael Louis Kelly and Samantha K. Browning, Dudley argued that Arteaga De Leon failed to operate his vehicle with reasonable care under the circumstances. They asserted that the Defendant’s negligent driving created a substantial risk of harm to others and that Dudley, as a careful driver, became the victim of that negligence.
The Plaintiff’s team emphasized that Dudley’s injuries disrupted his daily life and caused him to miss work. They claimed his pain and suffering extended beyond the physical damage, describing emotional stress and limitations on his ability to enjoy normal activities.
Defense Position
Arteaga De Leon, represented by Colin H. Walshok of Wingert Grebing Brubaker & Walshok LLP, denied every allegation. The defense’s answer raised multiple affirmative defenses, including the statute of limitations, comparative fault, alternative causes, and failure to mitigate damages.
The defense contended that Dudley’s own conduct might have contributed to the accident. They also claimed that if damages existed, they resulted from causes outside Arteaga De Leon’s control, such as other drivers or conditions on the roadway. The defense further asserted that Dudley’s alleged injuries were overstated or pre-existing and that his medical treatment and claimed wage losses were unreasonable.
Another key point in the defense strategy involved apportionment of fault, arguing that responsibility, if any, should be divided among all potential contributing parties rather than placed solely on Arteaga De Leon or ARTLUX Builders Corp.
Jury Verdict
The jury returned a special verdict on September 11, 2025, finding that the negligence of Abel Arteaga DeLeon and ARTLUX Builders Corp was a substantial factor in causing harm to Dwight William Dudley. As a result of this finding, the jury awarded Dwight William Dudley total damages of $162,250. This total is comprised of $2,250 for Future economic loss (specifically for medical expenses), and $160,000 for Past noneconomic loss, which includes physical pain and mental suffering.
Court documents are available upon request at [email protected]
