Case Background
Juana Ivett Busby Arango lived in Pasadena, Los Angeles County. On March 29, 2022, she walked near Crocker Street in Los Angeles. The sidewalk at 1180, 1182, and 1186 Crocker Street was cracked, uneven, and sloped. Multiple public entities and private owners controlled the property, including the City and County of Los Angeles, the State of California, and several private corporations. Arango alleged they all shared responsibility for inspections and maintenance at the location.
Cause
While walking with reasonable care, Arango tripped and fell on the damaged sidewalk. She claimed the City, County, and State allowed the sidewalk to remain dangerous despite their legal duty to inspect and repair. She also argued private property owners and maintenance companies contributed by neglecting repairs, failing to provide lighting, and allowing tree roots or utilities to worsen conditions. She maintained both public and private defendants knew, or should have known, about the risks.
Injury
Arango suffered serious physical injuries from the fall. She reported lasting pain, physical impairment, and emotional distress. Her injuries disrupted her ability to work, earn income, and perform household tasks. She claimed the harm diminished her quality of life and caused anxiety and humiliation.
Damages
Arango sought recovery for medical expenses, lost earnings, and reduced earning capacity. She also sought compensation for household services, incidental expenses, and future healthcare costs. Beyond financial harm, she claimed damages for physical pain, mental suffering, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Key Arguments and Proceedings
Legal Representation
Plaintiff: Juana Ivett Busby Arango
Counsel for Plaintiff: Robert J. Ounjian
Defendants: Century Maintenance Group Inc. | Chris & Carol Apparel Inc. | City of Los Angeles (Public Entity) | County of Los Angeles (Public Entity) | D.N.A.M. Apparel Industries LLC | D.N.A.M. Industries LLC | Dess Inc. | Downtown LA Property Owners Association dba LA Fashion District Business Improvement District | LA Fashion District Business Improvement District | LA Fashion District Clean and Safe Team | LB Property Management Inc. (Doe 3) | Silhouette LLC | State of California (Public Entity) | Universal Protection Service LP | Winstress Limited (Doe 2) | Does 1 to 10 Inclusive
Counsel for Defendants: Lori L. Vieira | Steven R. Yee
Claims
Arango raised three causes of action. First, she alleged a dangerous condition of public property against the City, County, and State of California. Second, she pursued premises liability against the private property owners, business improvement districts, and maintenance companies. Third, she claimed general negligence against all defendants. She demanded general and special damages, prejudgment interest, costs of suit, and a jury trial.
Defense
The Downtown Property Owners Association dba LA Fashion District Business Improvement District filed an Answer denying all allegations in Juana Ivett Busby Arango’s complaint. The Defendant asserted that the Plaintiff suffered no damages caused by them and that the complaint failed to state a cause of action.
The Defendant raised multiple defenses. These included comparative negligence, assumption of risk, and negligence of third parties. They argued their liability, if any, was several and not joint. They also claimed intervening causes, trivial defect, no prior notice, and no duty owed. Additional defenses included failure to mitigate, statute of limitations, open and obvious condition, estoppel, waiver, laches, unclean hands, and lack of capacity. The Defendant sought judgment that Plaintiff take nothing, recovery of costs, and other relief deemed proper.
Settlement
On September 16, 2024, the parties reached a settlement resolving Juana Ivett Busby Arango’s claims against the Downtown Property Owners Association dba LA Fashion District Business Improvement District and other defendants. The case concluded with a payment of $190,000 to the Plaintiff in exchange for dismissal of the action and release of all claims, avoiding the scheduled trial.
Court Documents
Court documents are available for purchase upon request at [email protected]
