- “She has traumatic brain injury leading to significant volume loss in her frontal and temporal lobes, which has, in turn, led to loss of executive function, emotional regulation, and memory capacity.” – Trial Lawyers for Justice
LOS ANGELES — The Trial Lawyers for Justice reports that, during a five-week jury trial, the City of Whittier agreed to pay $7.5 million to special education teacher Justine Gurrola after a jury found the city at fault for injuries she sustained from an uplifted sidewalk. The case highlighted Whittier’s longstanding failure to maintain public sidewalks despite repeated complaints about tree-root damage.
According to court records cited by the Trial Lawyers for Justice, on Feb. 25, 2018, Gurrola was walking with her nephew when she tripped on a section of sidewalk raised by tree roots 2⅛ inches. She fell forward, fracturing her wrist, elbow, and knees, and also sustained acute nasal fractures and a split lip. A CT scan revealed a scalp hematoma, later diagnosed as a mild traumatic brain injury.
Over the following seven years, Gurrola reportedly experienced lasting cognitive changes, including post-traumatic stress disorder, memory loss, and difficulties with emotional regulation…