L.A. Jury Returns Defense Verdict in Isuzu Rodeo Case; No Defect Found in Stability or Roof Strength of Isuzu SUV

    LOS ANGELES--Dec. 16, 2002--Today, a jury in downtown Los Angeles found no defect in the stability or roof structure of the 1991 Isuzu Rodeo sport utility vehicle (SUV). Ending the 26-day trial, the jury returned a defense verdict for Isuzu following three-and-a-half hours of deliberation (10-2).
    Plaintiff Elpidia Toledo was injured in a single vehicle, on-road rollover January 2, 1999, on State Route 86 near Salton Sea, CA. Toledo lost control of her SUV, rolling the vehicle five times, and her left arm was amputated as a result of her injuries. Plaintiff's attorney Michael Piuze alleged the Rodeo had defective rollover resistance because the crash occurred on the road. They also claimed the roof structure failed to protect her from partial ejection, resulting in the arm injury.
    Isuzu contended the Rodeo had excellent rollover resistance and roof design, and the plaintiff's injuries were a result of her negligent driving causing the vehicle to go out of control.
    Plaintiff's attorney had asked the jury for a multi-million dollar award.
    Attorneys for the Defense: Vincent Galvin, Jr. and Mark V. Berry of the San Jose and Los Angeles offices of Bowman and Brooke LLP.
    Attorneys for the Plaintiff: Michael J. Piuze of Law Offices of Michael J. Piuze, Los Angeles, CA.

    Bowman and Brooke LLP is a rarity in the legal world - a firm of real trial lawyers. Representing clients in all 50 states, we routinely defend some of the highest profile cases for large household-name companies, in areas such as product liability, business litigation, construction defect, drug and medical device, toxic exposure, intellectual property and employment law. Bowman and Brooke has more than 100 lawyers and offices in Minneapolis, Phoenix, Detroit, San Jose, Los Angeles and Richmond. http://www.bowman-brooke.com.