POGOSYAN V. SCRTD

Case Synopsis:

Lusik Pogosyan, a 45-year old student, was getting into her car after taking classes at Los Angeles City College when she was struck by a vehicle driven by a man fleeing from the Southern California Rapid Transit District (RTD) police, after a minor traffic accident, half a mile away.  The defendant driver reportedly reached speeds of 50 mph, while the police were in pursuit with lights and sirens and without proper authority. As a result of the accident, Ms. Pogosyan sustained multiple fractures in her right leg, a fractured pelvis and had to have her left leg amputated. Attorney Brian Panish represented Ms. Pogosyan at trial and obtained a gross $22 million jury verdict on her behalf.  The RTD is the precursor agency to the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA).