Case Background
On October 16, 2020, Juan Wilfredo Amaya walked along Foothill Boulevard at Harding Street in Sylmar. He attempted to cross in an unmarked crosswalk to reach the pedestrian overpass of the I-210 Freeway. The crossing lay in a high-traffic zone within Los Angeles County. Drivers in this area often traveled at high speeds. Despite prior citizen complaints, the intersection lacked clear markings, signals, or safety measures.
Cause
While Amaya crossed the street, a vehicle driven by Lynn Ellen Smith struck him. Amaya claimed the public entities responsible for the road failed to design, maintain, or operate the area safely. He argued they ignored complaints and prior incidents. Officials, including a Los Angeles City Council member, had walked the site and heard residents’ concerns before the incident. Yet, no effective warnings, traffic studies, or remedial actions addressed the dangers.
Injury
The collision left Amaya severely injured. He underwent more than a dozen surgeries. His injuries caused permanent disabilities and long-term health complications. He suffered a decline in strength and activity, along with continuous pain. His condition significantly reduced his quality of life.
Damages
Amaya incurred heavy medical, surgical, and household expenses. He expected such costs to continue in the future. He sought general damages for pain and suffering. He also sought special damages, including medical and related expenses. Amaya asked for pre- and post-judgment interest and recovery of court costs.
Key Arguments and Proceedings
Legal Representation
Plaintiff(s): Juan Wilfredo Amaya
Counsel for Plaintiff: Andranik Andrew Zeytuntysan
Defendant(s): California Department of Transportation | City of Los Angeles | City of San Fernando | County of Los Angeles | State of California
Counsel for Defendants: Timothy Day | Manal H. Pelch
Claims
Amaya filed a single cause of action for statutory liability under California Government Code provisions. He alleged a dangerous condition of public property against the City of Los Angeles, County of Los Angeles, California Department of Transportation, City of San Fernando, State of California, and unnamed Doe defendants. He claimed each entity bore responsibility for creating, maintaining, or failing to remedy the hazardous condition that caused his injuries.
Defense
The State of California and the City of Los Angeles both denied all allegations in Amaya’s complaint. They asserted that Amaya’s own negligence and that of third parties caused or contributed to the accident. The State argued that it exercised reasonable diligence and discretion in maintaining the roadway, raised statutory immunities under Government Code provisions, and claimed the road was not under its control at the time. It also cited weather conditions, design immunity, lack of a timely claim, and workers’ compensation exclusivity as defenses.
Similarly, the City of Los Angeles denied liability, contending that Amaya assumed known risks and failed to comply with the California Tort Claims Act. The City invoked statutory immunities and argued that any damages must be reduced by plaintiff’s comparative negligence or that of others. Both defendants requested dismissal and recovery of litigation costs.
Settlement
On September 19, 2024, Plaintiff Juan Wilfredo Amaya, through counsel Andrew Zeytuntsyan, filed a Notice of Settlement of Entire Case in Los Angeles Superior Court. The filing confirmed that the parties reached an unconditional settlement on April 30, 2024. The agreement provided Amaya with a $2,000,000 settlement, resolving all claims arising from the October 16, 2020 incident. As a result, the case, previously set for a final status conference in October 2024 and trial later that month, was taken off calendar pending dismissal.
Court Documents
Court documents are available for purchase upon request at [email protected]
