Case Background
The legal battle began after a tragic morning accident in a Torrance parking lot led to the death of Gary Ginn. On August 22, 2022, around 7:00 a.m., Gary Ginn walked near 2200 Crenshaw Boulevard when a 2016 Lexus GS350 struck him. Aileen Connett operated the vehicle, which she and Elmer Connett owned. Nancy Ginn, Gary’s widow, filed a lawsuit alongside her four children—Diane Ginn, Robin Henmi, Nannette Ginn, and Harlan Ginn. They sought justice for the loss of their husband and father, claiming the Defendants' negligence directly caused the fatal incident.
Cause
The Plaintiffs alleged that Aileen Connett drove in a reckless and careless manner while attempting to park. According to the complaint, Connett performed a U-turn in the parking lot to pull into a spot. In the process, she struck Gary Ginn, ran over him, and then backed up, running over him a second time.
Injury
Gary Ginn suffered catastrophic injuries from the collision. He survived for twelve days in significant pain and physical distress before he passed away on September 3, 2022. His family claimed the trauma of losing him caused them permanent emotional and physical suffering.
Damages Sought
The Ginn family requested compensation for several types of losses. They sought special damages to cover funeral and burial expenses, as well as the medical costs Gary incurred before his death. Additionally, they pursued general damages for the loss of Gary’s love, companionship, protection, and financial support.
Key Arguments and Proceedings
The legal proceedings focused on whether Aileen Connett's actions met the legal definition of negligence and the extent of the impact on the Ginn family.
Legal Representation
Plaintiff(s): Nancy Ginn (individually and as Successor-in-Interest) | Diane Ginn | Robin Henmi | Nannette Ginn | Harlan Ginn.
· Counsel for Plaintiff(s): Arthur M. Petrousian | Daniel S. Desantis | Tatevik Gasparyan
· Experts for Plaintiff(s): Stephen Casner | Bennett Omalu
Defendant(s): Aileen Connett | Elmer Connett
· Counsel for Defendant(s): Frederick John Ufkes | Lei Wei | Kimia Karami
· Expert: Siamak Nabili
Key Arguments or Remarks by Counsel
Claims
The Plaintiffs argued that Aileen Connett failed to keep a proper lookout for pedestrians. They insisted she operated the vehicle inattentively and ignored basic safety rules. The family also claimed Elmer Connett was responsible for the accident because he allowed Aileen to drive the vehicle.
Defense
The Connetts denied all allegations of wrongdoing. They argued that Gary Ginn failed to use ordinary care for his own safety and that his own actions contributed to the accident. They also suggested that third parties might have shared responsibility for the injuries.
Jury Verdict
After reviewing the evidence, the jury reached a decision on October 30, 2025.
Liability Findings The jury found that Aileen Connett was negligent in her operation of the vehicle. They also determined that her negligence was a substantial factor in causing harm to the Ginn family. Crucially, the jury decided that Gary Ginn was not negligent himself, placing full responsibility on the Defendant.
Awarded Damages
The jury awarded significant compensation to Gary Ginn’s estate and his family members:
· Survival Damages: The jury granted $3.5 million for the pain, suffering, and disfigurement Gary Ginn endured between the accident and his death.
· Nancy Ginn: The widow received $300,000 for past loss of companionship and $250,000 for future loss.
· The Children: Harlan Ginn, Robin Henmi, and the other children were each awarded $100,000 for past losses and $100,000 for future losses regarding their father’s companionship and guidance.
The total verdict held Aileen Connett accountable for the tragedy that had devastated the Ginn family three years earlier.
Court documents are available upon request at [email protected]
