$17.4 Million Verdict for Two Elderly Sisters Struck by City of Hanford Tree-Trimming Truck

On a weekday morning in Hanford, California, Gayle Dutton, 89, and her sister Barbara Musick, 81, were traveling westbound on Houston Avenue when a City of Hanford tree-trimming truck blew through a stop sign at approximately 51 mph and struck their vehicle broadside. The municipal truck was operated by city employees Damian Espinoza and Colton Banuelos in the course of their work duties.

The collision left both women with serious injuries. Dutton, the older of the two, suffered multiple orthopedic injuries along with a severe traumatic brain injury. Musick sustained significant orthopedic and head trauma as well. Their combined past medical expenses exceeded $4 million, and Dutton's future care needs alone were projected at roughly $1.85 million in present-day value.

Sweet James partners Ashkahn Mohamadi and Bobby Taghavi handled the trial, filing suit on May 18, 2023. The City of Hanford made a pre-trial settlement offer of $7.65 million, which plaintiffs' counsel rejected. Judge Valerie Chrissakis presided over a five-day trial in Kings County Superior Court.

The jury returned its verdict on August 29, 2024, awarding $9,627,873 to Gayle Dutton and $7,848,944 to Barbara Musick, for a combined total of $17,476,817. Judgment was entered on October 1, 2024. The City confirmed it carried liability insurance beyond a $100,000 self-insured deductible, so the award would not draw directly on municipal services.

The $17.4 million verdict was reported as the largest in Kings County history. No post-trial reduction or appeal reversal had been reported as of the date of publication.