Judge: Lisa R. Jaskol, Case: 21STCV16083, Date: 2025-05-23 Tentative Ruling

Case Number: 21STCV16083    Hearing Date: May 23, 2025    Dept: 28

Having considered the petitioning papers, the Court rules as follows. 

BACKGROUND 

On April 28, 2021, Plaintiffs Aristides Perez (“Perez”), Jermy Villalta, and Jonathan Villalta filed this action against Defendants Sherri Finn (“Sherri Finn”) and Does 1-50 for negligence. 

On December 6, 2022, Plaintiffs amended the complaint to include Defendant Jacob Michael Finn (“Jacob Finn”) as Doe 1. 

On February 15, 2023, the Court granted Sherri Finn’s motion to strike and struck the punitive damage claim from Plaintiffs’ statement of damages without leave to amend. 

The Court overruled Sherri Finn’s demurrer. 

On March 10, 2023, Sherri Finn filed an answer. On June 23, 2023, Jacob Finn filed an answer. 

On July 18, 2023, the Court dismissed Sherri Finn with prejudice at Plaintiffs’ request. 

On October 17, 2024, Plaintiff’s counsel informed the Court that the parties had settled the case.  However, Plaintiffs have not filed a notice of settlement. 

On April 4, 2025, the Court appointed Aristides Perez to serve as Plaintiff Jermy Villalta’s guardian ad litem. 

On April 21, 2025, Petitioner Aristides Perez (“Petitioner”) filed a petition to approve the compromise of minor Plaintiff Jermy Villalta’s action. 

PETITIONER’S REQUEST 

Petitioner asks the Court to approve the compromise of minor Plaintiff Jermy Villalta's action. 

DISCUSSION 

Petitioner has submitted a complete petition with all required information.  The Court grants the petition.  The net settlement amount of $3,180.00 is to be deposited in an insured account in Bank of America, Beverly-Wilshire Financial Center, 9454 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90212 (310) 734-0321, subject to withdrawal only on authorization of the Court. 

CONCLUSION 

The Court GRANTS Petitioner Aristides Perez’s petition for approval of the compromise of minor Plaintiff Jermy Villalta’s claims filed on April 21, 2025. The net settlement amount of $3,180.00 is to be deposited in an insured account in Bank of America, Beverly-Wilshire Financial Center, 9454 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90212 (310) 734-0321, subject to withdrawal only on authorization of the Court. 

The Court sets an OSC Re: Distribution of Net Settlement on July 23, 2025, at 8:30 a.m., in Department 28 of the Spring Street Courthouse. 

The Court sets an OSC Re: Dismissal of Case (Settlement) on July 23, 2025, at 8:30 a.m., in Department 28 of the Spring Street Courthouse. 

Petitioner is ordered to give notice of this ruling. 

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