Judge Cherol J. Nellon, Case Number: 21STCV17531, Date: 2025-03-06 Tentative Ruling

Judge: Cherol J. Nellon, Case: 21STCV17531, Date: 2025-03-06 Tentative Ruling

Case Number: 21STCV17531 Hearing Date: March 6, 2025 Dept: 14

Case Background

This is an action for negligence. Plaintiffs allege that they were injured while they were passengers on a bus owned and operated by Defendant LACMTA. The driver slammed on the breaks, causing Plaintiffs to slam their backs and shoulders into the bus wall.

On May 10, 2021, Plaintiffs Maurice and Stephanie Stewart filed their Complaint against Defendant Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA).

On February 19, 2025, Plaintiffs filed this motion to continue trial.

Instant Pleading

Plaintiffs move to continue trial at least 90 days.

Decision

Plaintiffs’ motion to continue trial is GRANTED. Trial is continued to June 9, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. and FSC is set on May 28, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. Discovery and other trial related dates are to track with the new trial date.

Discussion

Plaintiffs move to continue trial by at least 90 days. Plaintiffs argue that good cause exists for a continuance because the parties require more time to complete discovery due to ongoing discovery disputes. (Motion, ¶¶2-28.) Plaintiffs scheduled new motions to compel Defendant’s discovery responses and were only able to secure hearing dates in May and June 2025. (Id., ¶30.) Plaintiffs have had no opportunity to take Defendant’s deposition and cannot be ready for the current April 2025 trial date. (Id., ¶¶31-32.) The current trial date also conflict with religious holidays. (Id., ¶33.)

The Court finds that good cause exists for a continuance of trial under the circumstances. The interests of justice would be served if the parties are allowed to complete discovery. A continuance of 90 days to July 2025 is reasonable to allow the parties to complete discovery.

Conclusion