Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP obtained a $10,450,000 verdict for the family of a man killed on set by a CBS truck in 2011. Julio Villamariona, age 52, was a security guard killed on the set when a CBS van transporting actors went out of control and ran over him. He was survived by his loving wife and three adult children.
CBS Television Studios and CBS Entertainment issued a joint statement after the collision: “Everyone at the network, the studio and NCIS is devastated at the news. Our hearts grieve for his family and friends for this tragic loss. We are, of course, cooperating with local authorities in Santa Clarita to help determine what caused this terrible accident.”
Despite the apology, the defendant fought the case, claiming that the accident was caused by a medical emergency outside of their control. But a few days before trial, the defendant admitted that they were the sole party responsible for the death. But the defendant still fought the value of the loss of the relationship.
The Villamariona family immigrated from San Salvador to seek a better life in America.
The plaintiffs are being represented by Brian Panish and David Rudorfer of Panish, Shea & Boyle, and Reza Mirroknian and Daniel Raffi.
Attorney Brian Panish stated, “I am so proud of the surviving family members and the jury for standing up to a powerful entity like CBS. The family lost a wonderful man who was the hub of their family. The defendant refused to accept responsibility for what they did, but the jury made them pay”.
Villamariona v. CBS
Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles
Case No PC 053402
Hon. Stephen M. Moloney, Judge
Brian Panish
David Rudorfer
Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP
310-477-1700
panish@psbr.law
rudorfer@psbr.law
www.psblaw.com