Salinas, et al. v. Nissan

VERDICT

Trial
04/17/23 – 05/08/23

Summary

In this product liability case, sisters Shanel and Nicole Salinas were involved in a car accident. The Salinas' car, a 2011 Nissan Altima, was hit by a drunk driver, allegedly resulting in Shanel suffering a serious traumatic brain injury requiring 24/7 care.

Plaintiffs, the Salinas sisters, sue Nissan, claiming that the front passenger airbag system possessed a dead zone, resulting in Shanel's head striking a pillar in the car. Representatives for the siblings argue that Nissan's identical design on both the passenger and driver's side airbags did not take into account how passengers often sit farther back than drivers. This lack of consideration, they assert, led to Shanel's severe injury, preventing her from living an independent life.

Defendant Nissan claims that their airbag functioned properly and had been tested numerous times, but the collision with the pickup truck was too severe to avoid Shanel's injury. Representatives for Nissan assert that evidence fails to support conclusions that Shanel's head hit the pillar, as she was not diagnosed with a skull fracture.

Outcome

Verdict for plaintiff.
Total damages: $20,641,626.

Apportionment of fault:
Fernando Ortiz: 100%
Nissan Motor Company: 0%

Case Information
Attorneys
Witnesses
Plaintiff
Defense
Verdict
$20,641,626
Judge
Stephen Czuleger
Jurisdiction
Superior Court of California, Los Angeles
Court
Spring Street Courthouse
Case Number
BC569227
Industry
Automotive, Transportation
Practice Area
Products Liability
Plaintiff
Salinas, Nicole
Defense
Nissan Motor Company
Defense
Ortiz, Fernando
Expert Witnesses
Lay Witnesses

Sessions

AM Session
Openings
2 Chapters
AM Session
Openings
2 Chapters
APR
17
APR
18
APR
19
APR
20
APR
21
AM Session
Plaintiff Witness(es)
2 Chapters
APR
24
APR
25
APR
26
APR
27
APR
28
PM Session
Defense Witness(es)
2 Chapters
MAY
1
MAY
2
MAY
4
AM Session
Other
3 Chapters
MAY
5
PM Session
Other
2 Chapters
MAY
8

Recording Disclaimer: This proceeding was recorded in full.

AudioCaseFiles

Exclusive audio opinions to enhance your law school experience

AudioCaseFiles

Essentials

The most important and informative moments of each trial

Essentials

Training Libraries

Trial Advocacy, Rules of Evidence and Appellate Advocacy

Training

  • Follow Us