In a striking legal development, an individual has filed a lawsuit against several governmental entities in California, alleging negligence that resulted in personal injury. The complaint was filed by Ruth Larrave on April 23, 2025, in the Superior Court of California for the County of Ventura, targeting the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), the State of California, the County of Ventura, and the City of Simi Valley.
The case revolves around an incident that occurred on November 15, 2024. According to Larrave's allegations, she sustained injuries at a DMV location in Simi Valley when a security guard prematurely closed an electronic door as she approached it with a small group. This abrupt action reportedly caused the door to strike her left arm and shoulder. Larrave claims that this incident resulted from negligent behavior by the defendants who failed to maintain safe premises and properly train their personnel.
Larrave's complaint outlines two primary causes of action: statutory negligence based on various sections of the Government Code and statutory liability due to dangerous conditions on public property. She asserts that the defendants did not exercise reasonable care in controlling and maintaining their premises, which directly led to her injuries. "Defendants failed to have safety procedures in place to prevent doors from closing on individuals," Larrave states in her filing.
Moreover, Larrave argues that all named defendants had prior notice regarding potential risks associated with improperly operated facility doors but neglected to implement necessary safety measures or adequately train their staff. As a result, she suffered significant physical injuries including pain and impaired mobility in her left shoulder, elbow, wrist, and arm.
In seeking redress from the court, Larrave is asking for general damages exceeding the jurisdictional minimums along with special damages yet to be determined. She also requests costs related to medical care and treatment arising from her injuries as well as any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Representing Ruth Larrave are attorneys Ryan Naim and Nathan H. Soleimani from Gould & Jefferson LLP based in Beverly Hills. The case has been assigned Case No.: 2025 CUPOO42750 at Ventura County Superior Court where it awaits further proceedings.