Attorneys on Thursday wrapped up their arguments in a civil case against Sacramento Kings minority owner Phil Oates filed by the widow of a motorcyclist who died in a traffic collision with the businessman in a suburban neighborhood.
Oates, 75, was responsible for the 2024 incident in Granite Bay, but not cited or found to be grossly negligent, records show. But after he was unable to reach a settlement with Miranda Flores, whose husband, Patrick Mulderrig, was riding the motorcycle, she sued, seeking $45 million.
The case sets a difficult task before the jury of eight men and four women — how to assess the value of human life and loss in a case where severe misbehavior is not alleged, punitive damages are not allowed and the wealth of the parties cannot be a consideration…