Kaitlin Kazanjian, 16, went driving with her classmate, Carlos Pozo, in his brother’s car. As Pozo was speeding down a suburban street, he lost control of the car and crashed into a tree. Kazanjian suffered fatal injuries. She is survived by her parents.
Pozo was convicted of vehicular homicide and sentenced to 5½ years in prison.
Kazanjian’s father, on behalf of her estate, sued Pozo, alleging he was grossly negligent in his operation of the vehicle. Evidence showed that Pozo was driving about 80 mph on a residential street with winding curves in rainy weather.
The jury awarded $6 million.
Citation: Kazanjian v. Pozo, No. 502004CA11347XXXXMB AD (Fla., Palm Beach Co. Jud. Cir. June 10, 2010).
Plaintiff counsel: Rebecca L. Larson and Michael R. Santana, both of West Palm Beach, Florida.
