Judge: Lisa R. Jaskol, Case: 21STCV46114, Date: 2024-08-23 Tentative Ruling

Case Number: 21STCV46114    Hearing Date: August 23, 2024    Dept: 28

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

BACKGROUND 

On December 15, 2021, Plaintiffs Sebastian Espana, Cindy Espinoza, and Ariel Espana, a minor by Cindy Espinoza, guardian ad litem, filed this action against Defendants Vazgen Madatyan (“Madatyan”) and Does 1-25 for motor vehicle tort and general negligence. 

On January 3, 2022, the Court appointed Cindy Espinoza to serve as guardian ad litem for Plaintiff Ariel Espana. 

On March 14, 2023, Plaintiffs amended the complaint to include Defendant Estate of Vazgen Madatyan, Deceased, as Doe 1 (“Estate”). 

On May 30, 2023, Madatyan filed an answer. 

On June 3, 2024, Plaintiffs filed a notice of settlement. 

On August 22, 2024, Petitioner Cindy Espinoza (“Petitioner”) filed a petition for expedited approval of a minor’s compromise. 

PETITIONER’S REQUESTS 

Petitioner asks the Court to approve the compromises of the claims of Plaintiff Ariel Espana. 

DISCUSSION 

Petitioner has submitted a complete petition with all required information.  The Court grants the petition.  At Petitioner’s request, the net settlement amount of $13,864.16 will be deposited in an insured, blocked account at Bank of America, Lynwood branch, 3505 East Imperial Highway, Lynwood, CA 90262, subject to withdrawal only on authorization of the Court. 

CONCLUSION 

The Court GRANTS the petition for expedited approval of the compromise of minor Plaintiff Ariel Espana’s action filed by Petitioner Cindy Espinoza on August 22, 2024. The Court orders that the net settlement amount of $13,864.16 will be deposited in an insured, blocked account at Bank of America, Lynwood branch, 3505 East Imperial Highway, Lynwood, CA 90262, subject to withdrawal only on authorization of the Court. 

The Court sets an OSC Re: Distribution of Net Settlement on October 22, 2024, at 8:30 a.m., in Department 28 of the Spring Street Courthouse. 

The Court sets an OSC Re: Dismissal of Case (Settlement) on October 22, 2024, 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.