Family of Dishwasher Killed by RTD Bus Awarded $2.8 Million
A jury awarded nearly $2.8 million in damages Tuesday to the eight children and wife of a man killed in 1986 by an RTD bus he was trying to catch.
After a three-week trial, the Los Angeles Superior Court jury decided that RTD bus driver William Wann was mostly liable in the accident, while the victim, Roberto Torres, 43, was 24% liable. The $2.78-million award is expected to be reduced by the 24% figure, a lawyer for the family said.
Brian Holmberg, an attorney representing the RTD, said he will appeal the verdict, alleging there were legal errors.
Torres was a dishwasher supporting his wife, Guadalupe, 47, and children when he was struck by the bus about 7 p.m. on Jan. 22, 1986, as he ran across Riverside Drive at Hyperion Street, said Oscar Toscano, the family lawyer.
Wann testified that by the time he applied the brakes, it was too late.
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