Judge: Peter A. Hernandez, Case: 23STCV06087, Date: 2024-10-22 Tentative Ruling

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Case Number: 23STCV06087    Hearing Date: October 22, 2024    Dept: 34

Juan Carlos Alvarez, et al. v. 2525 E 10th, LLC, et al. (23STCV06087)

 

1.     Petitioner Amparo Mendoza’s Petition to Approve Minor’s Compromise of Pending Action [i.e., as to Eduardo Angel Barajas] is GRANTED.

 

2.     Petitioner Amparo Mendoza’s Petition to Approve Minor’s Compromise of Pending Action [i.e., as to Angelique Barajas] is GRANTED.

 

3.     Petitioner Marta Alicia Madrigal’s Petition to Approve Minor’s Compromise of Pending Action [i.e., as to Rose Melody Madrigal] is GRANTED.

 

4.     Petitioner Marta Alicia Madrigal’s Petition to Approve Minor’s Compromise of Pending Action [i.e., as to Oscar Antonio Maldonado] is GRANTED.

 

5.     Petitioner Marta Alicia Madrigal’s Petition to Approve Minor’s Compromise of Pending Action [i.e., as to Angel Adam Madrigal] is GRANTED.

 

6.     Petitioner Marta Alicia Madrigal’s Petition to Approve Minor’s Compromise of Pending Action [i.e., as to Jose Guillermo Madrigal] is GRANTED.

 

BACKGROUND

 

Plaintiffs Juan Carlos Alvarez, Marta Alicia Madrigal, Jose Guillermo Madrigal, Angel Adam Madrigal, Oscar Antonio Maldonado, Rose Melody Madrigal, Amparo Mendoza, Eduardo Barajas, Estephania Gonzalez, Bernardo Gonzalez, Jessica Gonzalez, Eduardo Angel Barajas, and Angelique Barajas (“Plaintiffs”) allege various causes of action arising from Plaintiffs’ tenancy at Defendants 2525 E 10th, LLC and Sean Plotkin’s (“Defendants”) apartment building.

 

On March 20, 2023, Plaintiffs filed a complaint asserting causes of action against Defendants and Does 1-50 for:

 

1.                 Breach of Implied Warranty of Habitability;

2.                 Breach of Statutory Warranty of Habitability;

3.                 Breach of the Covenant of Quiet Enjoyment;

4.                 Negligence; 

5.                 Private Nuisance; and

6.                 Violation of City of Long Beach Ordinance No. Ord 20-0044.

 

On June 15, 2023, Defendants filed their answer to Plaintiffs’ complaint.

 

On June 18, 2023, the court granted the parties’ stipulation to mediation and to continuance of the case.

 

1.     Minor’s Compromise (i.e., as to Eduardo Angel Barajas)

 

Legal Standard

 

Court approval is required for all settlements of a minor’s claim.  (Prob. Code §§ 3500, 3600, et seq.; Code Civ. Proc., § 372.)  California Rules of Court Rule 7.950 provides that a petition “must be verified by the petitioner and must contain a full disclosure of all information that has any bearing upon the reasonableness of the compromise.”  (See Cal. Rules of Court, rule 7.950.)  Rule 7.950 states that the Petition must be filed on a completed Petition for Approval of Compromise of Claim or Action or Disposition of Proceeds of Judgment for Minor or Person with a Disability (form MC-350).

 

Discussion

 

Petitioner Amparo Mendoza ("Petitioner") seeks court approval of a settlement between minor claimant Eduardo Angel Barajas (“Eduardo”) (DOB: 10/14/15) and Defendants 2525 E 10th, LLC and Sean Plotkin (“Defendants”) in the total amount of $10,000.00. (Petition, ¶ 10.) Petitioner is Eduardo’s parent.

 

The petition is executed by Petitioner. The petition explains that from March 20, 2023, to present, Eduardo lived in unhabitable conditions including living with cockroach infestation, bed bug infestation, and rodent infestation. (Id., ¶¶ 4-7.) Eduardo suffered from bed bug bites, lack of sleep, and allergies. (Ibid.) For treatment, over-the-counter ointments, creams, and rubbing alcohol were applied to Eduardo's skin to relieve itchiness due to the insect bites. (Ibid.) Non-prescription allergy and cough relief medications were administered to Eduardo by Petitioner as needed for allergy symptoms. (Ibid.) Eduardo was not treated by a medical doctor for these symptoms or injuries. (Ibid.) Eduardo has recovered completely from the effects of the injuries and did not sustain any permanent injuries. (Ibid.)

 

The total amount of attorney’s fees for which court approval is requested is $2,454.42. (Petition, ¶ 13; Attachment 11.) This equates to 25% of Eduardo’s total recovery after deducting costs. (Petition, Attachment 13a; Chapman Decl., ¶ 9.) The total amount of litigation costs and expenses is $182.33. (Petition, ¶ 13; Attachment 11.) Petitioner has attached a declaration from Counsel Christofer R. Chapman, as well as a copy of the retainer agreement. (Petition, Attachment 13a, 17a.) The court has reviewed the declaration of Chapman and believes that 25% is an appropriate percentage for attorney’s fees here.

 

The net balance of proceeds for Eduardo after payment of all requested fees and expenses is $7,363.25 which will be deposited into a blocked account with Pacific Premier Bank. (Petition, ¶¶ 10, 15-16.)

 

The court finds the settlement is fair and reasonable. The petition is GRANTED.

 

2.     Minor’s Compromise (i.e., as to Angelique Barajas)

 

Legal Standard

 

See Petition #1, above.

 

Discussion

 

Petitioner Amparo Mendoza ("Petitioner") seeks court approval of a settlement between minor claimant Angelique Barajas (“Angelique”) (DOB: 12/25/16) and Defendants 2525 E 10th, LLC and Sean Plotkin (“Defendants”) in the total amount of $10,000.00. (Petition, ¶ 10.) Petitioner is Angelique’s parent.

 

The petition is executed by Petitioner. The petition explains that from March 20, 2023, to present, Angelique lived in unhabitable conditions including living with cockroach infestation, bed bug infestation, and rodent infestation. (Id., ¶¶ 4-7.) Angelique suffered from bed bug bites, lack of sleep, and allergies. (Ibid.) For treatment, over-the-counter ointments, creams, and rubbing alcohol were applied to Angelique's skin to relieve itchiness due to the insect bites. (Ibid.) Non-prescription allergy and cough relief medications were administered to Angelique by Petitioner as needed for allergy symptoms. (Ibid.) Angelique was not treated by a medical doctor for these symptoms or injuries. (Ibid.) Angelique has recovered completely from the effects of the injuries and did not sustain any permanent injuries. (Ibid.)

 

The total amount of attorney’s fees for which court approval is requested is $2,454.42. (Petition, ¶ 13; Attachment 11.) This equates to 25% of Angelique’s total recovery after deducting costs. (Petition, Attachment 13a; Chapman Decl., ¶ 9.) The total amount of litigation costs and expenses is $182.33. (Petition, ¶ 13; Attachment 11.) Petitioner has attached a declaration from Counsel Christofer R. Chapman, as well as a copy of the retainer agreement. (Petition, Attachment 13a, 17a.) The court has reviewed the declaration of Chapman and believes that 25% is an appropriate percentage for attorney’s fees here.

 

The net balance of proceeds for Angelique after payment of all requested fees and expenses is $7,363.25 which will be deposited into a blocked account with Pacific Premier Bank. (Petition, ¶¶ 10, 15-16.)  

 

The court finds the settlement is fair and reasonable. The petition is GRANTED.

 

3.     Minor’s Compromise (i.e., as to Rose Melody Madrigal)

 

Legal Standard

 

See Petition #1, above.

 

Discussion

 

Petitioner Marta Alicia Madrigal ("Petitioner") seeks court approval of a settlement between minor claimant Rose Melody Madrigal (“Rose”) (DOB: 10/04/19) and Defendants 2525 E 10th, LLC and Sean Plotkin (“Defendants”) in the total amount of $10,000.00. (Petition, ¶ 10.) Petitioner is Rose’s parent.

 

The petition is executed by Petitioner. The petition explains that from March 20, 2023, to present, Rose lived in unhabitable conditions including living with cockroach infestation, bed bug infestation, and rodent infestation. (Id., ¶¶ 4-7.) Rose suffered from bed bug bites, lack of sleep, and allergies. (Ibid.) For treatment, over-the-counter ointments, creams, and rubbing alcohol were applied to Rose's skin to relieve itchiness due to the insect bites. (Ibid.) Non-prescription allergy and cough relief medications were administered to Rose by Petitioner as needed for allergy symptoms. (Ibid.) Rose was not treated by a medical doctor for these symptoms or injuries. (Ibid.) Rose has recovered completely from the effects of the injuries and did not sustain any permanent injuries. (Ibid.)

 

The total amount of attorney’s fees for which court approval is requested is $2,454.42. (Petition, ¶ 13; Attachment 11.) This equates to 25% of Rose’s total recovery after deducting costs. (Petition, Attachment 13a; Chapman Decl., ¶ 9.) The total amount of litigation costs and expenses is $182.33. (Petition, ¶ 13; Attachment 11.) Petitioner has attached a declaration from Counsel Christofer R. Chapman, as well as a copy of the retainer agreement. (Petition, Attachment 13a, 17a.) The court has reviewed the declaration of Chapman and believes that 25% is an appropriate percentage for attorney’s fees here.

 

The net balance of proceeds for Rose after payment of all requested fees and expenses is $7,363.25 which will be deposited into a blocked account with Pacific Premier Bank. (Petition, ¶¶ 10, 15-16.)  

 

The court finds the settlement is fair and reasonable. The petition is GRANTED.

 

4.     Minor’s Compromise (i.e., as to Oscar Antonio Maldonado)

 

Legal Standard

 

See Petition #1, above.

 

Discussion

 

Petitioner Marta Alicia Madrigal ("Petitioner") seeks court approval of a settlement between minor claimant Oscar Antonio Maldonado (“Oscar”) (DOB: 11/05/14) and Defendants 2525 E 10th, LLC and Sean Plotkin (“Defendants”) in the total amount of $10,000.00. (Petition, ¶ 10.) Petitioner is Oscar’s parent.

 

The petition is executed by Petitioner. The petition explains that from March 20, 2023, to present, Oscar lived in unhabitable conditions including living with cockroach infestation, bed bug infestation, and rodent infestation. (Id., ¶¶ 4-7.) Oscar suffered from bed bug bites, lack of sleep, and allergies. (Ibid.) For treatment, over-the-counter ointments, creams, and rubbing alcohol were applied to Oscar's skin to relieve itchiness due to the insect bites. (Ibid.) Non-prescription allergy and cough relief medications were administered to Oscar by Petitioner as needed for allergy symptoms. (Ibid.) Oscar was not treated by a medical doctor for these symptoms or injuries. (Ibid.) Oscar has recovered completely from the effects of the injuries and did not sustain any permanent injuries. (Ibid.)

 

The total amount of attorney’s fees for which court approval is requested is $2,454.42. (Petition, ¶ 13; Attachment 11.) This equates to 25% of Oscar’s total recovery after deducting costs. (Petition, Attachment 13a; Chapman Decl., ¶ 9.) The total amount of litigation costs and expenses is $182.33. (Petition, ¶ 13; Attachment 11.) Petitioner has attached a declaration from Counsel Christofer R. Chapman, as well as a copy of the retainer agreement. (Petition, Attachment 13a, 17a.) The court has reviewed the declaration of Chapman and believes that 25% is an appropriate percentage for attorney’s fees here.

 

The net balance of proceeds for Oscar after payment of all requested fees and expenses is $7,363.25 which will be deposited into a blocked account with Pacific Premier Bank. (Petition, ¶¶ 10, 15-16.)  

 

The court finds the settlement is fair and reasonable. The petition is GRANTED.

 

5.     Minor’s Compromise (i.e., as to Angel Adam Madrigal)

 

Legal Standard

 

See Petition #1, above.

 

Discussion

 

Petitioner Marta Alicia Madrigal ("Petitioner") seeks court approval of a settlement between minor claimant Angel Adam Madrigal (“Angel”) (DOB: 10/26/10) and Defendants 2525 E 10th, LLC and Sean Plotkin (“Defendants”) in the total amount of $10,000.00. (Petition, ¶ 10.) Petitioner is Angel’s parent.

 

The petition is executed by Petitioner. The petition explains that from March 20, 2023, to present, Angel lived in unhabitable conditions including living with cockroach infestation, bed bug infestation, and rodent infestation. (Id., ¶¶ 4-7.) Angel suffered from bed bug bites, lack of sleep, and allergies. (Ibid.) For treatment, over-the-counter ointments, creams, and rubbing alcohol were applied to Angel's skin to relieve itchiness due to the insect bites. (Ibid.) Non-prescription allergy and cough relief medications were administered to Angel by Petitioner as needed for allergy symptoms. (Ibid.) Angel was not treated by a medical doctor for these symptoms or injuries. (Ibid.) Angel has recovered completely from the effects of the injuries and did not sustain any permanent injuries. (Ibid.)

 

The total amount of attorney’s fees for which court approval is requested is $2,454.42. (Petition, ¶ 13; Attachment 11.) This equates to 25% of Angel’s total recovery after deducting costs. (Petition, Attachment 13a; Chapman Decl., ¶ 9.) The total amount of litigation costs and expenses is $182.33. (Petition, ¶ 13; Attachment 11.) Petitioner has attached a declaration from Counsel Christofer R. Chapman, as well as a copy of the retainer agreement. (Petition, Attachment 13a, 17a.) The court has reviewed the declaration of Chapman and believes that 25% is an appropriate percentage for attorney’s fees here.

 

The net balance of proceeds for Angel after payment of all requested fees and expenses is $7,363.25 which will be deposited into a blocked account with Pacific Premier Bank. (Petition, ¶¶ 10, 15-16.)  

 

The court finds the settlement is fair and reasonable. The petition is GRANTED.

 

6.     Minor’s Compromise (i.e., as to Jose Guillermo Madrigal)

 

Legal Standard

 

See Petition #1, above.

 

Discussion

 

Petitioner Marta Alicia Madrigal ("Petitioner") seeks court approval of a settlement between minor claimant Jose Guillermo Madrigal (“Jose”) (DOB: 04/10/08) and Defendants 2525 E 10th, LLC and Sean Plotkin (“Defendants”) in the total amount of $10,000.00. (Petition, ¶ 10.) Petitioner is Jose’s parent.

 

The petition is executed by Petitioner. The petition explains that from March 20, 2023, to present, Jose lived in unhabitable conditions including living with cockroach infestation, bed bug infestation, and rodent infestation. (Id., ¶¶ 4-7.) Jose suffered from bed bug bites, lack of sleep, and allergies. (Ibid.) For treatment, over-the-counter ointments, creams, and rubbing alcohol were applied to Jose's skin to relieve itchiness due to the insect bites. (Ibid.) Non-prescription allergy and cough relief medications were administered to Jose by Petitioner as needed for allergy symptoms. (Ibid.) Jose was not treated by a medical doctor for these symptoms or injuries. (Ibid.) Jose has recovered completely from the effects of the injuries and did not sustain any permanent injuries. (Ibid.)

 

The total amount of attorney’s fees for which court approval is requested is $2,454.42. (Petition, ¶ 13; Attachment 11.) This equates to 25% of Jose’s total recovery after deducting costs. (Petition, Attachment 13a; Chapman Decl., ¶ 9.) The total amount of litigation costs and expenses is $182.33. (Petition, ¶ 13; Attachment 11.) Petitioner has attached a declaration from Counsel Christofer R. Chapman, as well as a copy of the retainer agreement. (Petition, Attachment 13a, 17a.) The court has reviewed the declaration of Chapman and believes that 25% is an appropriate percentage for attorney’s fees here.

 

The net balance of proceeds for Jose after payment of all requested fees and expenses is $7,363.25 which will be deposited into a blocked account with Pacific Premier Bank. (Petition, ¶¶ 10, 15-16.)  

 

The court finds the settlement is fair and reasonable. The petition is GRANTED.

 

CONCLUSION

 

1.     Petitioner Amparo Mendoza’s Petition to Approve Minor’s Compromise of Pending Action [i.e., as to Eduardo Angel Barajas] is GRANTED.

 

2.     Petitioner Amparo Mendoza’s Petition to Approve Minor’s Compromise of Pending Action [i.e., as to Angelique Barajas] is GRANTED.

 

3.     Petitioner Marta Alicia Madrigal’s Petition to Approve Minor’s Compromise of Pending Action [i.e., as to Rose Melody Madrigal] is GRANTED.

 

4.     Petitioner Marta Alicia Madrigal’s Petition to Approve Minor’s Compromise of Pending Action [i.e., as to Oscar Antonio Maldonado] is GRANTED.

 

5.     Petitioner Marta Alicia Madrigal’s Petition to Approve Minor’s Compromise of Pending Action [i.e., as to Angel Adam Madrigal] is GRANTED.

 

6.     Petitioner Marta Alicia Madrigal’s Petition to Approve Minor’s Compromise of Pending Action [i.e., as to Jose Guillermo Madrigal] is GRANTED.