Recent Cases Associated with Tinari Economics Group

The Tinari Brief – a continuing series

Covering trends, research and recent cases involving damages issues.

Award: $20,500,000
Case Type: Products Liability - Rollover Design Defect / Failure to Warn
Case: Kimberly Valentini v. Ford Motor Company, No. CIV 97-3365 (JLL)
Venue: Camden County, New Jersey
Date: December 23, 2005
Expert: Frank D. Tinari, Ph.D.
Summary: In July 1995, Kimberly Valentini was operating a 1988 Ford Bronco when she swerved to avoid an accident on a major interstate in Virginia, While attempting to avoid the accident plaintiff's vehicle rolled over 4-5 times. Injuries suffered included brain damage and several fractures. Damages included lost income and past and future medical costs.

Award: $7,255,000 (Actual $3,500,000)
Case Type: Premises Liability - Fire Code Violations / Wrongful Death
Case: Adelaida Ortiz on behalf of the estate of Jasmine Rashid, Maria Cruz v. John D. Pittenger
Builder, Inc., No. MON-L-196-03
Venue: Monmouth County, New Jersey
Date: October 21, 2005
Experts: Frank D. Tinari, Ph.D.
Summary: In January 2002, fire in Neptune apartment resulted in death of 5 year old Jasmine Rashid. Decedent's mother and grandmother suffered severe burns. Hard wired smoke detectors were not installed in apartment. Damages included compensation for emotional distress to plaintiffs.

Award: $3,800,000
Case Type: Medical Malpractice
Case: Smith v. Badin
Venue: Hudson County, New Jersey
Date: January 24, 2006
Expert: Frank D. Tinari, Ph.D.
Summary: In July 2000, Michelle Smith sought treatment from her internist for pneumonia. Her condition worsened and turned into a spinal abscess. She was admitted to Greenville Hospital in February 2001 and was admitted eight more times over the course of 13 months. The pressure on her spine increased as the abscess worsened. In September 2001, Ms. Smith was rushed to University of Medicine and Dentistry where she was told that she had lost the ability to feel and move her legs.

Award: $1,170,000 (Actual $1,450,000)
Case Type: Motor Vehicle - Head on Collision
Case: Karen Silverthorne-Kaldy and Russell Kaldy v. Salvatore Menella and Superior Oldsmobile, Inc., No. MRS-L-1314-01
Venue: Morris County, New Jersey
Date: July 26, 2005
Expert: Frank D. Tinari, Ph.D.
Summary: In May 2001, plaintiff Karen Silverthorne-Kaldy, who was eight months pregnant, was severely injured in head-on collision. Injuries included several fractures, cognitive defects and post-traumatic stress disorder. Accident resulted in pre-mature birth of baby.

Click here to access Verdict Search description on these cases and other in which Dr. Tinari has testified.


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