Judge who lost suit will appeal

Attorneys representing a federal judge who unsuccessfully sought $21 million in damages after he was allegedly injured by a malfunctioning escalator at an Encino shopping center said Tuesday that they would ask for a new trial.

A Los Angeles County Superior court jury ruled last week against U.S. District Judge George P. Schiavelli, 59, who said the escalator at Encino Place shopping center abruptly stopped, knocking him down the stairs and causing permanent injuries.

Schiavelli’s attorney, Browne Greene, said the jury was biased because his client was a federal judge -- a charge disputed by the attorney representing the management company that operates the shopping center.

“That’s the furthest thing from the truth,” attorney Russell S. Wollman said Tuesday. “They looked at the evidence and judged him like they should have.”

-- Robert J. Lopez