Joseph D. Gilbert v. Ford Motor Company, et al.

| | Hon. Thomas D. Long Judge of the Superior Court |

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA FOR THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES - CENTRAL DISTRICT JOSEPH D. GILBERT, Plaintiff, vs. FORD MOTOR COMPANY, et al., Defendants. |))))))))))) | CASE NO.: 25STCV26786 [TENTATIVE] ORDER GRANTING IN PART MOTION TO COMPEL INITIAL DISCLOSURES Dept. 506 8:30 a.m. August 18, 2026 |

On September 11, 2025, Plaintiff Joseph D. Gilbert filed this Song-Beverly action against Defendant Ford Motor Company. On June 1, 2026, Defendant filed a motion to dismiss, or in the alternative, to compel Plaintiff's initial disclosures, document production, and deposition under Code of Civil Procedure section 871.26, subdivisions (c), (f), and (g).

Plaintiff has not provided the required initial discloses. (Lippold Decl. P. 4.) Defendant noticed Plaintiff's deposition, but he and counsel did not appear, so Defendant took a Certificate of Non-Appearance. (Lippold Decl. P.P. 5-7.) Plaintiff's counsel explains that they were "unable to produce Plaintiff for the deposition because we could not reach him." (Smith Decl. P. 11.) Plaintiff's counsel explains some failed attempts to contact Plaintiff through June 2026. (Smith Decl. P. 12.) Yet, Plaintiff's initial disclosures were due no later than February 10, 2026, after Defendant's December 12, 2025 initial responsive pleading. (See Lippold Decl. P.P. 3-4.) Plaintiff's counsel provides no explanation for failing to timely provide initial disclosures by February 10, 2026.

Defendant's motion is GRANTED IN PART. Plaintiff is ORDERED to provide initial disclosures, initial document production, and initial deposition within 30 days and attend mediation with Defendant within 90 days. (See Code Civ. Proc, Sec. 871.26.) The request to dismiss the action is denied.

Defendant's request for sanctions is GRANTED IN PART. Plaintiff's counsel is ORDERED to pay total sanctions of $3,000.00 to Defendant within 15 business days. (See Code Civ. Proc, Sec. 871.26, subds. (j)(1), (j)(2).)

Moving party to give notice. Parties who intend to submit on this tentative must send an email to the Court at [email protected] indicating intention to submit. If all parties in the case submit on the tentative ruling, no appearances before the Court are required unless a companion hearing (for example, a Case Management Conference) is also on calendar. Dated this 18th day of August 2026 | | | Hon. Thomas D. Long Judge of the Superior Court | Case Number: 26STCP01978 Hearing Date: August 18, 2026 Dept: 506 SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA FOR THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES - CENTRAL DISTRICT J.G. WENTWORTH ORIGINATIONS, LLC, Petitioner,