Verdicts & Settlements

Based in West Los Angeles, the Law Offices of Ronald M. Papell represents clients throughout Southern California in personal injury cases, including claims involving auto, truck, motorcycle, bicycle, and pedestrian accidents. Ron resolves cases through mediation, arbitration, and trial, depending on his clients’ best interests. Below are some examples of his numerous successful verdicts and settlements.

Representative Cases:

Million Dollar Verdicts & Settlements

A 42 year old wife and mother of three children was killed when struck by an automobile while on her morning walk. Mr. Papell alleged that the driver was in the course and scope of her employment and was distracted by her laptop computer found on the front seat of her car. After protracted litigation the case was settled for $9.5 million in 2013.
The clients’ vehicle hydroplaned and flipped on a wet roadway, rendering one of the clients an incomplete quadriplegic. Ron brought suit against the State of California, the vehicle manufacturer, and the contractor who worked on the freeway. The case was settled after extensive litigation for over $6.5 million.
16 year old girl front seat passenger sustained a wrist injury in T-bone collision. After surgery to repair wrist client developed complex regional pain syndrome. Case settled in 2014 for $4.5 million dollars.
Due to excessive pressure exerted by a doctor during delivery, the client’s child sustained injury to the nerves in the neck and chest, commonly known as Erb’s palsy. Ron took the case to trial and the jury returned a verdict of over $3.9 million. A few years later, in a second Erb’s palsy case, Ron obtained another jury verdict of over $4.4 million.
A 54 year old woman was stopped behind three cars at an intersectional red light. When the light changed to green the first two cars in her lane proceeded but the car immediately ahead failed to proceed. After waiting patiently for 5-10 seconds the client tapped her horn to alert the driver ahead that the light had changed. The driver of the car in front accelerated suddenly toward the intersection then suddenly and without warning slammed on his brakes. The client had pulled forward as well and could not stop without colliding into the rear of the car ahead. Client’s car sustained $10,000.00 in damage. The police were called to the scene and after interviewing the parties and an independent witness determined that the driver ahead had caused the accident. The police noted in their report that the driver ahead had changed his story about how the incident occurred several times even though he denied that he had committed an act of “road rage”. Mr. Papell filed a complaint seeking compensatory and punitive damages. The client was recovering from a prior neck surgery and the fixation device in her neck fractured as a result of the impact between the two vehicles. After suffering severe injuries for over two years the client underwent another cervical (neck) surgery from which she has still not recovered. After numerous motions in Court in which Mr. Papell prevailed, the case was mediated and a settlement reached on behalf of the client for $4 million dollars in 2019.
The client sustained head injuries as well as other severe injuries after being ejected from a vehicle. Although the client made a miraculous recovery, he was still left with significant injuries. After accounting for all of the liable parties, including both drivers involved in the accident, a valet parking service, a restaurant, and the State of California, the client received a total settlement of $3.7 million.
The clients, a 72-year-old grandmother and her four-year-old grandson, were struck by a turning vehicle while crossing the street. Together, they incurred approximately $190,000 in medical expenses. Although the driver had no insurance, Ron contended that the driver was within the scope of his employment at the time of the accident. The driver’s employer denied liability, and the case went to trial. The jury awarded Ron’s clients $2,957,889.07. When the employer’s insurance company appealed, the case entered mediation proceedings and finally settled for $3.2 million.
Ron’s client was travelling down Pacific Coast Highway with his two dogs after taking them for a walk along the coast. A vehicle pulled from the curb and collided with the right front of the client’s vehicle. As a result, the client’s car went up on two wheels and came crashing down. The client sustained a neck injury requiring surgery and the placement of metal fixation devices in the client’s neck. Although the client was able to return to his pre-accident activities, he is left with a fused cervical spine. After a ten hour mediation, the case was settled for $3 million in 2010.
When a pedestrian, and father of five, was struck by a car and killed instantly, the driver’s insurance company offered the man’s family $100,000. Ron asserted that the driver was acting in the scope of his employment, and thus, the driver’s employer should be responsible for the driver’s acts. After an erroneous ruling at the trial level, Ron appealed the case, and the appellate court concluded that the employer was liable. The deceased’s family received over $2.1 million.
In a freeway accident, the client’s hand was crushed when the wheel detached from the defendant’s unsafely rigged truck and struck the client’s car. After eight surgeries, the client’s hand remains deformed, and after incurring approximately $100,000 in medical expenses, it is projected that he will incur approximately $40,000 in future medical expenses. Also, the client’s estimated future lost earnings total over $660,000 should he never work again. In binding arbitration, the client was awarded over $1.5 million.
Representing a client involved in an auto-truck accident, Ron uncovered that the truck driver had a history of drug use and that the driver’s employer was aware of it. Even though his client only suffered an ankle fracture, Ron attained a $1.4 million settlement.
The client’s husband died after his medical providers failed to diagnose and treat cryptococcal meningitis. The neurologist, physician, and hospital settled with the surviving family members for a total amount of over $1 million.
A 60 y/o woman volunteered at a pet adoption facility in Los Angeles. She was asked to play with a pit bull dog in the play yard while his kennel was being cleaned. Noticing that the dog was chewing on a toy and possibly swallowing it she distracted the dog and threw another toy for the dog to retrieve. When he returned he viciously attacked the woman causing severe and permanent injuries to her arm. After 5 years of litigation it was established that the dog in question had attacked numerous other people in the past and nonetheless had been repeatedly placed for adoption. Plaintiff sought both compensatory and punitive damages. The case was finally settled in 2023 for 3 million dollars.

NOTE: THESE ARE SOME OF THE NUMEROUS MILLION DOLLAR AND MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR CASES RESOLVED BY MR. PAPELL THROUGH TRIAL AND SETTLEMENT.

Auto Accidents

The client was slowing on the freeway when he was rear ended. The client sustained multiple injuries which required extensive treatment including epidural injections but not surgery. The case was heavily litigated and eventually settled for $200,000.00 in January of 2020.
In May of 2019 the client, with his wife as passenger, was driving a 3 day old Lamborghini Huracan on a highway in Riverside County when a driver of an SUV pulled from a stop sign resulting in a heavy collision. An examination of the black box in the client’s vehicle would later establish that the client was driving at a speed in excess of 100 mph. The client underwent multiple surgeries and incurred medical charges in excess of $180,000.00. When the adverse driver paid his policy limit of $15,000.00 Mr. Papell demanded and recovered an additional $235,000.00 under the client’s underinsured motorist coverage for a total recovery of $250,000.00.Mr. Papell also settled the hospital lien of $184,000.00 for $20,000.00. Finally, the 3 day old Lamborghini was rendered a total loss. After almost 6 months of negotiation with the client’s insurance company the property damage claim for the Lamborghini was settled for $352,643.91 which represented the original purchase price less the client’s deductible for which Mr. Papell did not charge an attorney fee at all. This entire matter was resolved without litigation in April of 2020.Note: Mr. Pape/I later settled the claim of the passenger in this collision for an additional $120,000.00 in May of 2021.
Our 17 year old client was traveling on the southbound 405 freeway when a car pulled in front of her and made a sudden stop. The client was able to stop but was immediately rear-ended by a large SUV. As a result of the heavy impact the client’s vehicle caught fire. Fortunately the client was removed from the vehicle before suffering burns. She would later receive treatment for her multiple soft tissue injuries and her claim was ultimately settled in May of 2020 for $160,000.00.
In April of 2018 our client was stopped in the left turn lane at an intersection in Burbank when a police vehicle approaching the intersection made a high speed right hand turn and collided into the front of our client’s vehicle which was rendered a total loss. At first denying liability the City claimed various Governmental immunities shielding it from responsibility. Mr. Papell filed suit against the City and after extensive litigation the case was resolved in June of 2020 for $240,000.00. Once again, the client’s medical bills totaling $45,000.00 were reduced by Mr. Papell to $19,000.00.
In August of 2018 our client was recovering from cervical surgery when she was rearended by an Uber driver on the 101 freeway in the San Fernando valley. The case was heavily litigated with the defendant denying liability claiming that the client made a sudden stop. After Mr. Papell took the deposition of the Uber driver the case proceeded to Mediation where it was finally resolved for $350,000.00 in February 2021. Again, the client’s medical bills were reduced from $25,000.00 to $12,000.00.
In March of 2018 our client suffered the third of three rear end accidents. The prior two incidents had been resolved when the insurance company in this third collision claimed that the injuries she suffered were due to the earlier collisions and not this accident. After extensive litigation and discovery this case was ultimately settled in March of 2021 for $350,000.00
The client, a retired attorney, was driving on a major thoroughfare in West Los Angeles when a commercial vehicle made a left turn and collided into the left front of the client’s vehicle. The client sustained dental, nasal and other soft tissue injuries. He also sustained a concussion requiring no treatment. The case was settled in June of 2021 for $125,000.00.
Our client was traveling eastbound on Ventura Boulevard in Encino when the adverse party executed a left turn resulting in a collision of the two vehicles. As the client complained of ongoing symptoms a lawsuit was filed and depositions were taken of the parties. Eventually the case went to Mediation where it was settled for $175,000.00 in August of 2021. Significantly, the clients medical bills totaling $65,000.00 were resolved by Mr. Papell for $22,750.00!
The client, a retired individual, was traveling through an intersection in Sherman Oaks on a green light when her vehicle was forcibly struck by the defendant who had run the red light. When the adverse driver claimed that she had a green light Mr. Papell filed suit. After the deposition of the adverse driver revealed inconsistencies in her testimony and the statement of an independent witness was obtained, the adverse insurance company paid their insured’s policy limit of $300,000.00 to settle the claim in September of 2021.
In December of 2016 the client had brought her vehicle to a stop for a red traffic light when an 18 wheel tractor/trailer rear ended her vehicle propelling her across the roadway and into the opposite curb. An investigation by San Bernardino sheriff’s revealed that the truck had left over 150 feet of locked wheel skid marks. Accident reconstruction indicated that the truck had been traveling at a speed in excess of 50 miles per hour when it finally applied its brakes just before the impact. After reducing the client’s medical bills from $64,000.00 to $32,000.00 the case was settled for $375,000.00 in October of 2021 even though the client did not require surgery.d
A 42 year old wife and mother of three children was killed when struck by an automobile while on her morning walk. Mr. Papell alleged that the driver was in the course and scope of her employment and was distracted by her laptop computer found on the front seat of her car. After protracted litigation the case was settled for $9.5 million in 2013.
The clients’ vehicle hydroplaned and flipped on a wet roadway, rendering one of the clients an incomplete quadriplegic. Ron brought suit against the State of California, the vehicle manufacturer, and the contractor who worked on the freeway. The case was settled after extensive litigation for over $6.5 million.
16 year old girl front seat passenger sustained a wrist injury in T-bone collision. After surgery to repair wrist client developed complex regional pain syndrome. Case settled in 2014 for $4.5 million dollars.
A 54 year old woman was stopped behind three cars at an intersectional red light. When the light changed to green the first two cars in her lane proceeded but the car immediately ahead failed to proceed. After waiting patiently for 5-10 seconds the client tapped her horn to alert the driver ahead that the light had changed. The driver of the car in front accelerated suddenly toward the intersection then suddenly and without warning slammed on his brakes. The client had pulled forward as well and could not stop without colliding into the rear of the car ahead. Client’s car sustained $10,000.00 in damage. The police were called to the scene and after interviewing the parties and an independent witness determined that the driver ahead had caused the accident. The police noted in their report that the driver ahead had changed his story about how the incident occurred several times even though he denied that he had committed an act of “road rage”. Mr. Papell filed a complaint seeking compensatory and punitive damages. The client was recovering from a prior neck surgery and the fixation device in her neck fractured as a result of the impact between the two vehicles. After suffering severe injuries for over two years the client underwent another cervical (neck) surgery from which she has still not recovered. After numerous motions in Court in which Mr. Papell prevailed, the case was mediated and a settlement reached on behalf of the client for $4 million dollars in 2019.
The client sustained head injuries as well as other severe injuries after being ejected from a vehicle. Although the client made a miraculous recovery, he was still left with significant injuries. After accounting for all of the liable parties, including both drivers involved in the accident, a valet parking service, a restaurant, and the State of California, the client received a total settlement of $3.7 million.
The clients, a 72-year-old grandmother and her four-year-old grandson, were struck by a turning vehicle while crossing the street. Together, they incurred approximately $190,000 in medical expenses. Although the driver had no insurance, Ron contended that the driver was within the scope of his employment at the time of the accident. The driver’s employer denied liability, and the case went to trial. The jury awarded Ron’s clients $2,957,889.07. When the employer’s insurance company appealed, the case entered mediation proceedings and finally settled for $3.2 million.
Ron’s client was traveling down Pacific Coast Highway with his two dogs after taking them for a walk along the coast. A vehicle pulled from the curb and collided with the right front of the client’s vehicle. As a result, the client’s car went up on two wheels and came crashing down. The client sustained a neck injury requiring surgery and the placement of metal fixation devices in the client’s neck. Although the client was able to return to his pre-accident activities, he is left with a fused cervical spine. After a ten hour mediation, the case was settled for $3 million in 2010.
When a pedestrian, and father of five, was struck by a car and killed instantly, the driver’s insurance company offered the man’s family $100,000. Ron asserted that the driver was acting in the scope of his employment, and thus, the driver’s employer should be responsible for the driver’s acts. After an erroneous ruling at the trial level, Ron appealed the case, and the appellate court concluded that the employer was liable. The deceased’s family received over $2.1 million.
In a freeway accident, the client’s hand was crushed when the wheel detached from the defendant’s unsafely rigged truck and struck the client’s car. After eight surgeries, the client’s hand remains deformed, and after incurring approximately $100,000 in medical expenses, it is projected that he will incur approximately $40,000 in future medical expenses. Also, the client’s estimated future lost earnings total over $660,000 should he never work again. In binding arbitration, the client was awarded over $1.5 million.
Representing a client involved in an auto-truck accident, Ron uncovered that the truck driver had a history of drug use and that the driver’s employer was aware of it. Even though his client only suffered an ankle fracture, Ron attained a $1.4 million settlement.
On July 30, 2017 a group of teenagers were hanging out on a public street in West Los Angeles when a dispute ensued with several of the participants accusing the defendant of having stolen personal property from one of the others in attendance. Becoming enraged, the defendant got into his car and drove toward the group eventually striking a number of those in attendance. Police were called to the scene and the defendant was arrested and ultimately charged with 14 felonies including assault with a deadly weapon. As the criminal trial date approached negotiations between Mr. Papell and the defendant’s criminal defense attorney regarding restitution from the defendant to the victims continued on behalf of two of the victims that Mr. Papell represented. The victims, Mr. Papell’s clients, suffered numerous fractures to their lower extremities and all required surgical intervention. Medical charges were well into “six figures”. After protracted discussions between plaintiff’s counsel, criminal defense counsel and prosecutors a settlement was reached in which the three victims were paid a total of $500,000.00 in restitution. (This recovery of restitution is one of highest achieved in many years!) The defendant was allowed to plead guilty to felony hit and run and is currently incarcerated. In addition, defendant’s insurance company, after asserting a reservation of rights throughout the pendency of the matter, agreed to pay their policy limits of $300,000.00 just two weeks before the statute was due to run. The total recovery for all victims was $800,000.00 in 2019.
In 2017 a 72 year old attorney was crossing a side street at Wilshire Boulevard in an unmarked crosswalk when she was struck by a motorist who was intending to make a right turn at the intersection. The client was thrown onto the hood of the defendant’s car and eventually onto Wilshire Boulevard. The client suffered numerous injuries including injuries to her neck where she had previously had a cervical fusion performed. As a result of the incident, the client eventually underwent another extensive surgery to her neck. After the motorist’s insurance company paid their policy limits of $100,000.00 Mr. Papell made a claim under the underinsured motorist coverage of the clients policy which provided for an additional $500,000.00 of coverage. When the client’s insurance company refused to pay their $500,000.00 policy limits Ron demanded Arbitration of the underinsured motorist claim. After a two day Arbitration the client was awarded the full policy limits of $500,000.00 for a total recovery of $600,000.00 in 2019. Note: Mr. Papell has retained a law firm that specializes in Insurance Bad Faith law and together the two firms will be bringing an action against the client’s insurance company for Bad Faith failure to settle her underinsured motorist claim for policy limits!
A 27 year old school teacher was riding her bicycle within a crosswalk at the entrance to a freeway onramp when she was struck by a negligent driver who tried claim that the client was at fault. The client sustained facial abrasions and a small scar as well as a fractured wrist. Just prior to trial, the case settled in 2013 for $200,000.00.
After being rear-ended, the elderly client incurred over $145,000 in present and future medical expenses. Also, his wife suffered emotional distress due to the accident and the harm it caused to both her and her husband. Ron settled the claim before trial for $550,000.
In a case in which the client did not realize the severity of her injuries until after she received compensation for vehicle damage, Ron helped her recover the maximum amount of $500,000 under the at-fault driver’s insurance policy.
After an accident, the client suffered a bowel injury that required extensive exploratory procedures to discover the source of his injury. His wife also suffered emotional distress as a result of the accident. The case was settled in the client’s favor for a total sum of $365,000.
After being partially ejected from a vehicle, the teenage client incurred approximately $66,000 in medical expenses, and also suffered from emotional distress. The at-fault driver’s insurance company only paid the policy limit of $25,000 on the client’s claim. Ron filed an underinsured motorist claim against the client’s own insurance company for additional benefits. In arbitration, the client was awarded $310,929.
In a rear-end collision, the client suffered significant shoulder injuries that required surgery. The case was settled in the client’s favor for $100,000.
After being broad-sided by a negligent driver, the husband and wife clients suffered significant injuries and damages. Ron brought a motion to add punitive damages to the clients’ claims. Because the judge planned to grant the motion, the defendant insurance company offered the maximum policy amount of $100,000 to Ron’s clients.
A 22 year old college student was a passenger in a school van that was traveling in the #1 lane when a vehicle lost control while going in the opposite direction and crossed the center median where it collided into the front of the van. There were multiple injuries to the van occupants including Mr. Papell’s client who sustained a traumatic brain injury. A product liability action was brought claiming various defects in the two vehicles involved in the collision. After protracted litigation the case the eventually settled in January of 2016 for $675,000.00
A 60 year old woman who suffered from osteoarthritis for many years was a passenger in her family automobile with her husband driving while stopped at an intersection. Without warning, their vehicle was rear-ended with a heavy jolt. Eventually, her osteoarthritis worsened and she was forced to use a cane and ultimately a walker for mobility. The defendant’s policy limit was $50,000.00 and as the insurance company refused to offer their policy limits the case was put into binding arbitration. The Arbitrator awarded the client the policy limit of $50,000.00. As the client carried Underinsured Motorist limits of $100,000.00 Mr. Papell demanded that they pay the balance of their policy limit in settlement of the underinsured motorist claim. When the client’s carrier offered $1,000.00 in settlement of the underinsured motorist claim Mr. Papell again demanded Arbitration for a second time. The second Arbitrator heard testimony and argument and awarded the additional $50,000.00 remaining under the policy for a total recovery of $100,000.00 in May of 2016.
A 63 year old man was stopped in traffic when rear-ended. He suffered neck and back injuries that caused symptoms for several years. The adverse driver had only $15,000.00 in coverage which his insurance company tendered. An underinsured motorist claim was pursued and after Arbitration was demanded the client’s insurance company paid the client’s policy limit under his underinsured motorist coverage of $100,000.00 in September 2016.
A woman and her two children were “t-boned” in an intersection. While the woman suffered multiple injuries the other driver had an insurance policy with only $50,000.00 of coverage. Although the woman and her children had incurred $135,000.00 in medical bills Mr. Papell was able to reduce the medical bills to $5,000.00. The case settled for defendant’s policy limit of $50,000.00.
A 40 year old man had come to a stop at the bottom of a freeway off-ramp when he was rearended and pushed into the vehicle ahead. The man suffered multiple injuries to his head and neck. The case was settled in 2022 for $115,000.00.
A mother and her two children were traveling on Olympic Boulevard when a homeless person suddenly ran out into the street causing the client to slam on her brakes. The car behind her was traveling too closely behind and at too great a speed and couldn’t stop before rear ending the client’s vehicle. The mother sustained a number of injuries to her foot, wrist, low back and neck. She also suffered from headaches. Her two children sustained minor injuries. The case was settled in June of 2022 for $225,000.00.
A 21 y/o student was crossing a street on the USC campus when a vehicle failed to slow or stop and struck the student mid block. The client sustained a fractured tibia and fibula and a broken nose. The case against the truck driver was settled for $100,000.00 his policy limit. Mr. Papell filed a second claim against the student’s Underinsured Motorist Policy and recovered an additional $100,000.00 for a total settlement of $200,000.00 in November 2022.
A 75 y/o man was rear ended in October of 2021 and suffered neck, shoulder and back injuries. Medical bills totaling $44,000.00 were reduced by Mr. Papell to $17,000.00. The case settled for $70,000.00 in 2023.
A 73 y/o woman had to stop suddenly when the car ahead of her stopped abruptly. As a result she was rear-ended by the car behind her. She suffered neck, shoulder, back, knee and leg injuries. The case was settled in 2023 for $100,000.00.
A 40 y/o woman was rear-ended on the freeway in stop and go traffic. She sustained neck and back injuries which required extensive treatment. Her case was settled in 2023 for $50,000.00.
A 49 year old man entered an intersection east bound to make a left turn when the vehicle traveling southbound ran the red light and collided into the driver’s side of the client’s vehicle. The client’s medical bills were reduced by 50% and the case was resolved for $50,000.00 in 2023.
The 39 year old client was stopped at a red light on Pacific Coast Highway waiting to make a right turn when a young man slammed into the rear of her car. He claimed that his “brakes weren’t working” but failed to produce any evidence that his brakes had somehow failed. The case was settled after extensive litigation in 2023.
A 34 year old man was struck in the rear and pushed into the vehicle ahead. He sustained injuries to his right knee and low back. After 5 years of litigation the case was settled for $160,000.00 in 2023.
The client a 52 year old woman was involved in a five car collision with her vehicle being forcefully struck in the rear and pushed into the car ahead. As a result of the impact she underwent multiple surgical procedures and incurred medical charges of $ 345,318.51 which Mr. Papell was able to reduce to $112,066.63, The case was eventually settled for policy limits of $1,000,000.00 in 2023.
A young woman was rear ended on the freeway. Suffering neck and back pain injuries she incurred $28,000.00 in medical bills which Mr. Papell was able to reduce to $12,000.00. The case was settled for $60,000.00 in July of 2023.
A 70 y/o woman was rear ended and sustained multiple injuries Although the adverse driver carried a minimum policy of $15,000.00 the client had purchased Underinsured Motorist coverage of $50,000.00 and was therefore able to claim an additional $35,000.00 of Underinsured Motorist coverage. Mr. Papell was able to resolve the claim for the policy limit of the client’s Underinsured Motorist coverage of $50,000.00 in September of 2023.
The clients were a brother and sister in their 30’s who were injured when their vehicle was rear ended. Each sustained multiple injuries resulting in extensive litigation. Eventually both cases were resolved in December of 2023 for $77,500.00 each.
Our client was a 60 y/o man whose vehicle was “T- boned” by a young woman who admitted at the scene that she was distracted and ran the red light. The client sustained numerous injuries including headaches and numbness in his arms as well as low back injuries. The case was settled in January of 2024 for $160,000.00.
The client was a passenger in a vehicle that was broadsided by a vehicle traveling on the intersecting roadway. The case was finally resolved for the policy limit of one of the vehicles of $15,000.00. In addition, the client was covered by her own Underinsured Motorist coverage of $100,000.00 and as a result Mr. Papell was able to resolve the case for the additional payment of $85,000.00 for a total of $100,000.00 in January of 2024.
In June of 2023 the client a 57 y/o woman was riding as a passenger in her friends vehicle when a collision incurred in an intersection in West Hollywood. There was conflicting testimony from witnesses as to which vehicle ran the red light. As a result, the case was ultimately settled for the policy limit of her driver’s insurance of $15,000.00 as well as the policy limit of the other vehicle of $25,000.00. Eventually, Mr. Papell pursued an Underinsured Motorist claim against the client’s own policy and recovered an additional $85,000.00 for a total settlement of $125,000.00 in February of 2024.
The client was rear ended and his vehicle pushed into the vehicle ahead of him. Suffering multiple soft tissue injuries. The client incurred medical charges totaling $75,000.00 which Mr. Papell was able to reduce those charges to $6,900.00! The case was settled in June of 2024 for the adverse parties policy limit of $15,000.00 and later for the policy limit of his own Underinsured Motorist coverage of $35,000.00 for a total settlement of $50,000.00 in June of 2024.
The client was an Uber driver who was stopped in a left turn lane in the San Fernando Valley when he was rear-ended and pushed into the car stopped ahead of him. He sustained injuries to his neck and back as well as his right knee. The case was ultimately settled for the policy limit of the rear-ending vehicle of $50,000.00 and later an additional $25,000.00 was recovered from the client’s Underinsured Motorist coverage for a total of $75,000.00 in 2024.
A young man was riding his bicycle when the vehicle ahead of him slammed on its brakes when he missed the driveway he intended to turn into. As a result his bicycle ran into the rear of the car ahead. The client suffered injuries to his face including lacerations requiring surgical repairs. The car ahead carried a minimal policy of $15,000.00 which was recovered. Later, an additional sum of $35,000.00 was recovered under the client’s Underinsured Motorist coverage for a total settlement of $50,000.00 in July of 2024.
An elderly woman was exiting a local pharmacy when a customer who had been leaning over the checkout counter backed suddenly and collided into her knocking her and her shopping cart over and onto the floor. The client suffered multiple injuries and exacerbations of previously existing conditions. The case was settled in September of 2024 for the responsible parties policy limit of $100,000.00.

NOTE: THESE ARE A FEW EXAMPLES OF THE HUNDREDS OF AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT CASES HANDLED BY MR. PAPELL DURING THE PAST 35 YEARS

Motorcycle Accidents

A 14 year old girl was riding on her step fathers motorcycle when they were struck by a left turning motorist in an intersection. The client sustained a severe foot injury requiring surgery. After settling with the left turning driver for his policy limits, Mr. Papell sued the City of Los Angeles and the State of California contending that the traffic signals were improperly sequenced resulting in numerous avoidable accidents at the intersection. After extensive litigation the case was settled in late 2012 for a total of $950,000.00. Note: The client’s step father was referred to an associate as Mr. Papell could not represent both victims and his case was settled for $850,000.00 for a total recovery of $1,800,000.00.
The client, a yoga instructor, was travelling on Pacific Coast Highway on her motorcycle when a driver travelling in the opposite direction made a left directly in front of her. As a result of the collision, the motorcyclist was thrown through the air landing on the hood of defendant’s car and then onto the roadway. She suffered neck and back injuries and settled with the defendant’s insurance company for its policy limits of $15,000. Ron then made a claim under the client’s underinsured motorist coverage in the amount of $100,000. When the client’s insurance company refused to offer more than $30,000, the case was taken to binding arbitration and Ron obtained an award of the full policy limit of $100,000 in 2010. As a result of the insurance company’s failure to negotiate in good faith, Ron is pursuing a bad faith claim against the insurer, which is currently pending.
A 40 year old motorcycle designer was test driving a custom motorcycle when he entered an intersection in Burbank and was struck by a left turning SUV. The vehicle was being driven by an employee of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles within the course and scope of her employment. The client sustained a compound fracture of his lower right leg as well as a left knee injury that eventually required surgery and lower back complaints. Although the client incurred $85,000.00 in medical expenses he did not make a loss of earnings claim as his business could not establish that he had earned any income in the years before the accident. Mr. Papell sued the owner and driver of the SUV as well as the employer of the driver and the City of Burbank and State of California on the theory that the intersection was a dangerous condition. During jury selection the case was settled for $637,500.00 in October of 2011.
A 32 year old motorcyclist was traveling through a major intersection in Los Angeles. He entered the intersection on a green light along with other cars that were ahead of him. As he was approaching the other side of the intersection a driver in a rental car made a left turn and struck the motorcycle. The rider suffered fractures to his left leg and ankle which were successfully repaired with the placement of hardware. Although two independent witnesses observed the driver of the car making a sudden left turn into the motorcycle the driver of the car and his two passengers claimed that they were stopped in the left turn lane when the motorcyclist suddenly “ran into their stopped vehicle”. Mr. Papell filed a lawsuit and after 18 months of litigation and the taking of numerous depositions of witnesses and the hiring of three expert witnesses, the defendant’s insurance company offered $80,000.00 which was rejected. Finally, and just prior to trial, the case was settled for $450,000.00.
A 65 year old motorcyclist was struck by an inattentive SUV driver in a low speed impact in a parking lot in Del Mar, California. Although the driver of the SUV tried to claim that the motorcyclist was speeding and made a sudden lane change, his insurance company eventually acknowledged the fault of their insured after a lawsuit was filed by Mr. Papell. The motorcyclist sustained shoulder and knee injuries and underwent arthroscopic surgery. At a mediation prior to trial the case was settled for $225,000.00.
A motorcyclist was driving down Hollywood Blvd when a driver made a sudden U turn resulting in a collision. The motorcyclist suffered multiple injuries but did not require surgery. After a lawsuit was filed, the case was settled for the policy limit of the defendant who made the U turn in the amount of $100,000.00.
Two motorcyclists were traveling down Sunset Blvd when they slowed while approaching an intersection. The driver of a Corvette pulled between their motorcycles and swung to his left to make a right hand turn. In doing so he struck both motorcycles injuring both of the riders. Although the Corvette driver claimed the motorcyclists were speeding, after Mr. Papell took his deposition his insurance company paid their policy limits of $50,000.00 to each of the motorcyclists.
29 year old female sustained multiple cuts and bruises with neck and back pain while a passenger on a motorcycle in HOV lane of I-5 freeway which was struck by vehicle that changed lanes without looking. As defendant claimed motorcycle speeding and “lane splitting” lawsuit was filed and defendant’s deposition taken. After defendant’s deposition taken in 2016 defendant’s insurance carrier paid their $100,000.00 policy limit.
30 year old female passenger on motorcycle that made left turn at 4^th and Main Street in Santa Monica when it was struck by westbound taxi that had been stopped at intersection. Although plaintiff claimed to have green arrow, taxi had on board video camera establishing it had green light at time of collision. Mr. Papell contended that taxi driver failed to yield to vehicle in intersection and was otherwise inattentive. Client sustained multiple injuries including laceration and fractured toes to right foot with residual pain and disability. Defendants denied liability and lawsuit was filed. After numerous contentious depositions defendant taxi company paid their policy limit of $100,000.00 in September, 2016.
A 35 year old motorcyclist was on his way to work in downtown Los Angeles when a vehicle in the #1 lane to his left made a sudden right turn at an intersection into the #2 lane in which the client was traveling. The collision with the automobile caused the client to be thrown from his motorcycle into the intersection. The driver of the right turning Mercedes Benz fled the scene and failed to provide her name and insurance information. When a witness identified the right turning vehicle the police investigated and found the driver to be at fault. Mr. Papell filed suit and took the deposition of the defendant driver who claimed that the client was operating his motorcycle in the parking lane. Fortunately, Mr. Papell had uncovered a video from a nearby building whose security camera had recorded the accident. The client had suffered broken ribs and a non-displaced fracture of his ankle that did not require surgey. With the evidence establishing that the driver of the Mercedes had lied in her deposition the case was settled in January of 2018 for $225,000.00.
When a 36 year old motorcyclist and his passenger were entering the freeway in an access lane the driver of a Tesla made an abrupt lane change to exit the freeway and struck the motorcycle throwing the driver and passenger onto the freeway. The motorcyclist/client sustained a shoulder injury requiring surgery. His passenger sustained “soft tissue” injuries. Suit was filed and the Tesla driver’s deposition was taken in which he testified that the client had operated his motorcycle between freeway lanes at a high rate of speed. When Mr. Papell established the falsity of the Tesla owner’s testimony the claim of the client operator was settled for the Tesla driver’s policy limit of $250,000.00 in January 2018.

NOTE: THESE ARE JUST A FEW OF THE MANY MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT CASES THAT MR PAPELL HAS SUCCESSFULLY HANDLED.

Truck Accidents

In a freeway accident, the client’s hand was crushed when the wheel detached from the defendant’s unsafely rigged truck and struck the client’s car. After eight surgeries, the client’s hand remains deformed, and after incurring approximately $100,000 in medical expenses, it is projected that he will incur approximately $40,000 in future medical expenses. Also, the client’s estimated future lost earnings total over $660,000 should he never work again. In binding arbitration, the client was awarded over $1.5 million.
Representing a client involved in an auto-truck accident, Ron uncovered that the truck driver had a history of drug use and that the driver’s employer was aware of it. Even though his client only suffered an ankle fracture, Ron attained a $1.4 million settlement.
A 47 year old professional long haul driver was rear ended by a fully loaded tractor trailer weighing 68,000 lbs. The force of the impact pushed the clients bobtail into the rear of a tractor with flat bed trailer that was slowing ahead. As a result of the accident the client sustained multiple injuries and eventually underwent surgery to both his shoulders. After extensive litigation the case was settled in August of 2017 for $925,000.00.
In an accident involving two commercial trucks, the client incurred $16,000 in medical expenses, and he could not work for a long period of time. When the at-fault driver’s insurance company failed to make a reasonable settlement offer, Ron prepared to take the case to trial. In lieu of trial, the insurance company increased its settlement offer, and the client received $180,000.

NOTE: THESE ARE JUST A COUPLE OF THE MANY TRUCK ACCIDENTS THAT RON HAS RESOLVED.

Pedestrian Accidents

Our client, an attorney, was crossing the street in West Los Angeles when she was struck in a crosswalk by a right turning motorist. The client sustained numerous injuries for which she underwent surgery. After the motorist’s insurance company paid their policy limit of $100,000.00 Mr. Papell made demand upon our client’s underinsured motorist coverage for their policy limit of $500,000.00. When the carrier refused to offer more than $250,000.00 Mr. Papell took the case to Arbitration and was awarded the policy limit of $500,000.00 for a total recovery of $600,000.00.Note: Due to the failure of the carrier to pay our client the full $500,000.00 demanded for her Underinsured Motorist coverage Mr. Pape/I referred the matter to Bad Faith counsel to pursue a claim against the client’s insurance company. The Bad Faith Claim was subsequently settled for $150,000.00.
In April of 2019 our elderly client was crossing the street in a marked crosswalk when the adverse driver made a left turn and struck her. Although our client sustained multiple injuries none required surgery nor did she suffer any permanent damage. As the client did not wish to pursue litigation Mr. Papell was able to resolve this claim favorably for the driver’s policy limit of $100,000.00 as well as a contribution of an additional $50,000.00 from the driver herself for a total settlement of $150,000.00 in November of 2020.
In January of 2018 our client was crossing a major intersection in Beverly Hills in a heavy rain when she was struck by a motorist in the curb lane after stepping off a curb into the crosswalk. When the drivers insurance company refused to accept responsibility suit was filed against the driver. After discovery revealed that the driver had a minimum insurance policy of $15,000. demand was made for the policy limit. When the insurance company refused to pay their policy limit, Mr. Papell contended that their insurance policy had been “opened” and that there was no longer a policy limit. After numerous depositions were taken the case proceeded to Mediation where the insurance company eventually paid $300,000.00 to resolve the claim in August of 2020.
A 42 year old wife and mother of three children was killed when struck by an automobile while on her morning walk. Mr. Papell alleged that the driver was in the course and scope of her employment and was distracted by her laptop computer found on the front seat of her car. After protracted litigation the case was settled for $9.5 million in 2013.
The clients, a 72-year-old grandmother and her four-year-old grandson, were struck by a turning vehicle while crossing the street. Together, they incurred approximately $190,000 in medical expenses. Although the driver had no insurance, Ron contended that the driver was within the scope of his employment at the time of the accident. The driver’s employer denied liability, and the case went to trial. The jury awarded Ron’s clients $2,957,889.07. When the employer’s insurance company appealed, the case entered mediation proceedings and finally settled for $3.2 million.
When a pedestrian, and father of five, was struck by a car and killed instantly, the driver’s insurance company offered the man’s family $100,000. Ron asserted that the driver was acting in the scope of his employment, and thus, the driver’s employer should be responsible for the driver’s acts. After an erroneous ruling at the trial level, Ron appealed the case, and the appellate court concluded that the employer was liable. The deceased’s family received over $2.1 million.
On July 30, 2017 a group of teenagers were hanging out on a public street in West Los Angeles when a dispute ensued with several of the participants accusing the defendant of having stolen personal property from one of the others in attendance. Becoming enraged, the defendant got into his car and drove toward the group eventually striking a number of those in attendance. Police were called to the scene and the defendant was arrested and ultimately charged with 14 felonies including assault with a deadly weapon. As the criminal trial date approached negotiations between Mr. Papell and the defendant’s criminal defense attorney regarding restitution from the defendant to the victims continued on behalf of two of the victims that Mr. Papell represented. The victims, Mr. Papell’s clients, suffered numerous fractures to their lower extremities and all required surgical intervention. Medical charges were well into “six figures”. After protracted discussions between plaintiff’s counsel, criminal defense counsel and prosecutors a settlement was reached in which the three victims were paid a total of $500,000.00 in restitution. (This recovery of restitution is one of highest achieved in many years!) The defendant was allowed to plead guilty to felony hit and run and is currently incarcerated. In addition, defendant’s insurance company, after asserting a reservation of rights throughout the pendency of the matter, agreed to pay their policy limits of $300,000.00 just two weeks before the statute was due to run. The total recovery for all victims was $800,000.00 in 2019.
In 2017 a 72 year old attorney was crossing a side street at Wilshire Boulevard in an unmarked crosswalk when she was struck by a motorist who was intending to make a right turn at the intersection. The client was thrown onto the hood of the defendant’s car and eventually onto Wilshire Boulevard. The client suffered numerous injuries including injuries to her neck where she had previously had a cervical fusion performed. As a result of the incident, the client eventually underwent another extensive surgery to her neck. After the motorist’s insurance company paid their policy limits of $100,000.00 Mr. Papell made a claim under the underinsured motorist coverage of the clients policy which provided for an additional $500,000.00 of coverage. When the client’s insurance company refused to pay their $500,000.00 policy limits Ron demanded Arbitration of the underinsured motorist claim. After a two day Arbitration the client was awarded the full policy limits of $500,000.00 for a total recovery of $600,000.00 in 2019. Note: Mr. Papell has retained a law firm that specializes in Insurance Bad Faith law and together the two firms will be bringing an action against the client’s insurance company for Bad Faith failure to settle her underinsured motorist claim for policy limits!
A sixty five year old woman was crossing in a marked crosswalk when she was struck by a left turning vehicle. The client sustained a shoulder injury but had not undergone surgery. The defendant’s insurance company refused to offer more than $30,000.00 so the case was submitted to binding arbitration in 2012. As the defendant had policy limits of $100,000.00 the parties agreed to hi/lo limits of $30,000/$100,000. At the arbitration the insurance company produced a well known defense doctor who claimed that plaintiff’s shoulder was not injured in the accident at all. After the defense doctor was impeached during cross examination, the Arbitrator awarded Ron’s client the maximum recovery of $100,000.00.
The client suffered a fractured skull and a traumatic brain injury after being struck by an oncoming vehicle while crossing the street. Not withstanding the client’s intoxication and her crossing against a red traffic signal, the matter settled for $275,000 in pre-trial mediation.
A college student was crossing Pacific Avenue in Venice when she stepped out from behind a parked truck into the roadway where she was struck by defendant’s automobile. The client sustained multiple facial injuries requiring surgery to her face and nose. Although the investigating officer found the client at fault, Ron filed suit against the driver who he felt was speeding and inattentive. The case was settled in 2010 for the defendant’s policy limit of $100,000.
A young woman was crossing Fairfax Avenue on her way to work when she was struck by a left turning driver who failed to yield the right of way. The plaintiff sustained injuries to her pelvis and shoulder. Although the client has returned to work with minimal physical disability, she continues to suffer from emotional distress related to the accident. The case was settled in 2010 for defendant’s policy limit of $100,000.
62 year old infusion therapist was crossing Wilshire boulevard northbound in the marked crosswalk when a southbound out of town motorist driving a
relatives car attempted to turn right from the left hand lane and collided with vehicle in the right lane. The right turning vehicle continued into the crosswalk causing the client to back up suddenly and fall to the pavement fracturing her hip. After a lawsuit was filed defendants tendered their policy limit of $250,000.00. Mr. Papell took the deposition of defendant driver and learned that she had an additional policy on her own vehicle in New York. After extensive discovery the policy was finally located and the case was settled for the total sum of $350,000.00 in August 2016.
64 year old woman was walking in a marked crosswalk at the end of a freeway offramp when she was struck by a vehicle whose driver was looking to his left for oncoming traffic when he pulled into the crosswalk. She was thrown to the ground and suffered numerous injuries including a tibial plateau fracture of her right knee. Although defendant driver’s insurance company paid their insured’s policy limit of $50,000.00 plaintiff carried underinsured motorist coverage of $300,000.00. After Mr. Papell made a Demand for Arbitration the client’s insurance company paid their policy limit of an additional $250,000.00 for a total settlement of $300,000.00 in June of 2016.

NOTE: THERE ARE JUST SOME OF THE MANY PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT CASES WHERE MR. PAPELL HAS REPRESENTED PEDESTRIANS WHO HAVE BEEN INJURED BY VEHICLES OR OTHER DANGEROUS CONDITIONS

Dangerous Condition of Public Property / Premises Liability / Products Liability / Dog Bites

In January of 2020 the client was walking towards the elevator in a strip mall when she slipped and fell on the wet deck of the second story structure. Mr. Papell contended that the landlord had failed to place mats on the walkway and that the tile flooring had a coefficient of friction that indicated an unsafe slipperiness of the surface. The client sustained shoulder and knee injuries but did not require surgery. The case was settled in December of 2021 for $100,000.00.
The client suffered severe burns because of a defective water heater in her apartment. Her landlord only offered $200,000 to settle the case even though the client’s medical expenses totaled over $190,000. At trial, Ron obtained a verdict of $951,405 on behalf of his client.
After the client’s tire blew out, causing an accident that injured the client and her five children, Ron brought a claim against the manufacturer of the defective tire. The matter settled in the client’s favor for the total sum of $825,000.
A 34 year old man was walking to the mailbox area of his apartment house when he slipped and fell on painted concrete stairs that had been left wet by the landlord’s gardener. The young man fractured a vertebrae in his spine which was eventually operated upon. Due to the severity of the injuries Mr. Papell filed a lawsuit against the landlord claiming a dangerous condition existed and that the owner had failed to use available methods to lessen the chance of such a slip fall accident including the use of friction tape and using grit or sand in the paint that was used to paint the stairs. Although the landlord had installed a hand rail it was located too far from the area where the accident happened and where the majority of tenants would walk to the mailboxes. It was also established that the handrail was in violation of the applicable building code. The case was settled prior to trial in November 2012 for the sum of $750,000.00.
A 66 year old woman was visiting a friend at her home when she tripped and fell on a raised brick area on the landing leading to the front door. The client sustained a fracture to her arm with associated nerve damage. Mr. Papell alleged that the landing was dangerous and concealed a trap condition that was not readily observable to visitors to the home. When a lawsuit was filed an early mediation was requested by the defendant homeowner’s insurance company at which the case was settled for $650,000 in 2014.
The client, a supermarket employee, fell and suffered a head and shoulder injury at work when a dock leveler malfunctioned and dropped. Ron settled the matter on behalf of his client for the total sum of $456,000.
Due to a hidden landing with no warning sign posted, the client fell and suffered severe leg injuries. Ron brought a premises liability action against the landlord, and the case settled for $400,000.
After the client, a ten-year-old boy, suffered severe burns in a restaurant, Ron obtained a settlement on behalf of his client for $350,000.
The client suffered second and third degree burns while shooting a television commercial outdoors. The production company failed to have medical personnel on set and failed to take other protective measures. After extensive litigation, the case was settled for $308,000.
Because of negligent countertop installation, the client fell and suffered a compound fracture of her ankle. Ron filed suit against the apartment house owner for maintaining a dangerous premises, and the case settled in client’s favor for $275,000.
A one-year-old infant had crawled away from her mother and into the kitchen of her aunt’s home. She began to reach into the food bowl of the family dog in the kitchen when the dog came into the kitchen and attacked her inflicting severe wounds to the child’s face requiring surgery. The case was ultimately resolved by payment of the aunt/uncle’s policy limits of $300,000.00 in 1987.
The owner of a dog with a history of biting when in a crowd of people was left with a friend who knew of the dog’s history. Nonetheless, he invited the client and two of her friends into his apartment and the dog bit the young woman inflicting a facial wound and lesser wounds to her hand and thigh. The facial wound healed leaving a noticeable scar at the corner of her mouth. The dog owner had no insurance coverage and had specifically warned her friend about the dog’s propensities around a group of people. A claim was made against the dog sitter’s insurance policy and was settled for his policy limit of $100,000.00.
The client was a 65 y/o woman who slipped and fell on the rain soaked walkway of a an outdoor shopping center. She sustained shoulder and knee injuries. Mr. Papell claimed the strip center had failed to put traction mats on the walkway and that the coefficient of friction of the tiled walkway rendered the walkway unsafe to walk upon. The case was settled without litigation in 2022 for $100,000.00.
An 87 y/o woman was seated at an outdoor table in Beverly Hills when the man sitting at a nearby table got up to leave and lost his balance landing upon the elderly woman. The woman suffered a fracture to her left ankle and numerous other injuries to her neck, back and legs. A lawsuit was filed as the man denied falling upon the client even though he admitted to doing so when paramedics arrived at the scene. The case was eventually settled for defendant’s policy limit of $300,000.00 in 2023.

THESE ARE JUST SOME OF THE MANY DANGEROUS CONDITIONS OF PUBLIC PROPERTY/ PREMISES LIABILITY CASES WHERE MR. PAPELL HAS REPRESENTED PEDESTRIANS WHO HAVE BEEN INJURED BY DANGEROUS CONDITIONS OF PROPERTY OR BITTEN BY ANIMALS.

Wrongful Death

A 42 year old wife and mother of three children was killed when struck by an automobile while on her morning walk. Mr. Papell alleged that the driver was in the course and scope of her employment and was distracted by her laptop computer found on the front seat of her car. After protracted litigation the case was settled for $9.5 million in 2013.
When a pedestrian, and father of five, was struck by a car and killed instantly, the driver’s insurance company offered the man’s family $100,000. Ron asserted that the driver was acting in the scope of his employment, and thus, the driver’s employer should be responsible for the driver’s acts. After an erroneous ruling at the trial level, Ron appealed the case, and the appellate court concluded that the employer was liable. The deceased’s family received over $2.1 million.
The client’s husband died after his medical providers failed to diagnose and treat cryptococcal meningitis. The neurologist, physician, and hospital settled with the surviving family members for a total amount of over $1 million.
The clients’ 79 year old mother died of injuries sustained after being struck by a car while she was crossing the street. The driver’s insurance company refused to offer the family more than $250,000 in compensation. Ron took the case to trial, and the jury returned a verdict of $822,084 in favor of his clients.
The decedent’s health care provider failed to provide necessary and appropriate tests and treatment for his symptoms. When he switched providers, he was diagnosed with cancer, but it was too late to prolong his life. His family recovered the amount of $800,000.
A husband and father died because his feeding tube became infected with bacteria. Ron brought a medical malpractice/wrongful death suit against the doctors who failed to diagnose the condition. The case was settled in the clients’ favor for $800,000.
The client’s mother was killed during a horseback riding lesson. The case was settled with the riding school’s insurance provider for $350,000.

THESE ARE JUST SOME OF THE MANY WRONGFUL DEATH CASES WHERE MR. PAPELL HAS REPRESENTED CLIENTS WHO HAVE SUFFERED THE LOSS OF A RELATIVE DUE TO THE NEGLIGENCE OF OTHERS.

Business Torts / Insurance Bad Faith

After the client was involved in an accident with an underinsured motorist, the client’s insurance company refused to the pay the policy limit on the underinsured motorist insurance coverage that the client had purchased. In arbitration, Ron’s client recovered the full amount of $260,000 based on his insurance coverage. In addition, Ron associated counsel to bring a bad faith action against the client’s insurance company; the claim was settled for $550,000.
The client was rear-ended by an uninsured motorist. Threatening suit, Ron accused the client’s insurance company of acting in bad faith because it improperly handled the client’s claim. As a result, the insurance company settled for $440,000.
Client sustained neck injury in auto accident. After settlement with defendant for their policy limit Mr. Papell made a demand for the policy limit of client’s underinsured motorist coverage. After insurance company denied coverage Mr. Papell filed suit for broker negligence and bad faith. Case settled in 2014 for $325,000.00
The clients were involved in an accident with an underinsured drunk driver. In arbitration, the judge awarded Ron’s clients $550,000 — almost three times the amount offered by the insurance company. Because the insurance company failed to handle the clients’ claims fairly, Ron threatened suit based on bad faith. Before the suit was filed, the insurance company settled the potential case for $125,000.

THESE ARE JUST SOME OF THE MANY BUSINESS TORTS / INSURANCE BAD FAITH CASES WHERE MR. PAPELL HAS REPRESENTED CLIENTS WHO HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY BUSINESS TORTS OR INSURANCE BAD FAITH