Jones Mayer Successfully Defends City of Whittier in Trip and Fall Case

FULLERTON, CA—Jones Mayer is pleased to announce the successful defense of the City of Whittier in a trip-and-fall personal injury case brought in Los Angeles County Superior Court. The case, Sanchez v. City of Whittier, Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. 19STCV35671, was brought by a plaintiff who claimed she was injured after stepping into a gutter on her way to her car parked outside her apartment complex. 

Jones Mayer Partner Gary Kranker and Associate Brooke Buchanan represented the City of Whittier in the case.

The City’s counsel stated the case went to trial after the plaintiff refused to discuss mediation or settlement. They went on to state, “The main issue was whether the offset of a curb and gutter was considered a dangerous condition of public property.” In completing a special jury verdict form, “the jury unanimously agreed with the City’s position that the gutter was not a dangerous condition of public property.”

The plaintiffs had sought just under $1 million in damages for claimed medical expenses and pain and suffering.

“We’re pleased the jury agreed with the City’s position,” Counsel for the City stated. 

About the Attorneys

Partner Gary Kranker has represented municipal clients on behalf of Jones Mayer since 2010. His practice includes personal injury, premises liability, breach of contract, and landlord-tenant matters. He earned his J.D. from Whittier College School of Law. He can be emailed at gsk@jones-mayer.com.

Associate Brooke Buchanan has been part of the Jones Mayer litigation team since 2019. Her practice focuses on personal injury defense. She earned her J.D. from Chapman University, School of Law. She can be emailed at bab@jones-mayer.com.

About Jones Mayer

The law firm of Jones Mayer is devoted to serving public entities throughout California. Its clients include city and county governments, councils of government, state and local law enforcement agencies, utility districts, and more. The firm has offices in Fullerton and Citrus Heights. To learn more about Jones Mayer please visit jones-mayer.com or call (714) 446-1400.