Plaintiff Turns Down $4 Million And Lives To Regret It
Chakalis v. Elevator Solutions, Inc., LASC Case No. BC 340958 (June 2009)

Katerina Chakalis was a 36 year old passenger in an elevator that failed, crashing 6 stories into the pit below. Through a series of unfortunate circumstances following treatment for her injuries, she eventually required a liver transplant. James M. Baratta of GGB was retained as defense counsel for the property manager of the building where the elevator accident occurred. Ms. Chakalis rejected a $4 million settlement offer. After three weeks of trial, the jury found that the liver transplant was not the result of the accident; that Ms. Chakalis’ doctors had been negligent in their diagnosis and treatment of her condition; and that she was entitled to recover only $317,000 of which Mr. Baratta’s client was only responsible for $119,000. After deduction of costs and expenses, GGB’s client paid nothing. Ms. Chakalis left $4 million on the table.