Judge: Daniel M. Crowley, Case: 20STCV23436, Date: 2022-09-29 Tentative Ruling

Case Number: 20STCV23436    Hearing Date: September 29, 2022    Dept: 28

Defendants’ Motion to Bifurcate Trial

Having considered the moving and supporting papers, the Court rules as follows. 

BACKGROUND

On June 22, 2020, Plaintiff Arash Arani (“Plaintiff”) filed this action against Defendants R&R Studio Equipment, Inc. (“R&R”), Fox Entertainment Group, Inc. (“Fox”), Kelly Murphy (“Murphy”), Bryan Northup (“Northup”) and John Williams (“Williams”) for motor vehicle negligence. Plaintiff later amended the complaint to include Defendant TFCF Entertainment Group, LLC (“TFCF”).

On September 10, 2020, Murphy filed an answer. On September 15, 2020, Williams filed an answer. On November 30, 2020, R&R filed an answer. On February 1, 2021, TFCF filed an answer. On February 24, 2021, Northup filed an answer.

On August 31, 2022, R&R, Murphy, Northrup and TCFC (“Moving Defendants”) filed a Motion to Bifurcate Trial to be heard on September 29, 2022. On September 16, 2022, Williams filed a joinder. On September 26, 2022, Plaintiff filed an opposition.

Trial is currently scheduled for May 26, 2023.

PARTY’S REQUESTS

Moving Defendants request the Court bifurcate the issue of causation and legal responsibility from the determination of damages.  Williams joins in this request.

Plaintiff requests the Court deny the motion.

DISCUSSION

The motion is continued to the trial date and will be considered by the trial court.

CONCLUSION

Defendants’ Motion to Bifurcate Trial is CONTINUED to June 16, 2023, to the trial court assigned at that time.

            Moving party is ordered to give notice of this ruling.

Moving Party is ordered to file the proof of service of this ruling with the Court within five days.

The parties are directed to the header of this tentative ruling for further instructions.