Pettit Kohn Obtains Defense Verdict for Retail Client in Bakersfield Jury Trial

On October 8, 2008, Pettit Kohn successfully defended one of its large retail clients in a personal injury action in Bakersfield. The plaintiff alleged that she was injured when she slipped and fell at the client’s premises (“the store”), damaging her right knee, lower back, and left shoulder. The plaintiff argued that the store negligently maintained its premises, allowing for the accumulation of the liquid substance that caused her fall. The Plaintiff went through one surgery prior to trial, and allegedly needed two further surgeries to correct her symptoms. Her last pre-trial demand was for several hundred thousand dollars. After two weeks of testimony and argument, the jury returned an 11-1 verdict in favor of the store. Grant Waterkotte and Martin Moreno represented the store on the firm’s behalf.