James Russell v. Pebble Beach Company, et al.

James Russell v. Pebble Beach Company, et al.

Defendants’ Motion to Bifurcate Trial

Hearing Date: June 12, 2026

In their motion, Defendants Pebble Beach Company and John Cross (collectively, “Defendants”) request an order to bifurcate the trial into two phases: (i) liability and (ii) damages. Plaintiff James Russell (“Plaintiff”) opposes the motion. After reviewing each party’s papers, the motion is DENIED.

The Court may bifurcate a trial for the convenience of witnesses, the ends of justice, or the economy and efficiency of managing the litigation. [Code Civ. Proc. § 598.]

Defendants argue that bifurcation will save judicial resources because the liability issues are much simpler than Plaintiff’s claims for medical damages. However, the Court is not convinced that bifurcation will promote judicial economy or that any prejudice will occur. Although the claims raise additional facts and issues, the Court considers this case a straightforward personal-injury action involving no complex legal or factual questions. There is no clear evidence that witness convenience would be improved, such as by avoiding witness overlap or reducing trial time. Overall, Defendants’ arguments do not adequately demonstrate that bifurcation would make the trial more convenient for witnesses or efficient for the court. As the moving party, Defendants did not meet their initial burden.

The motion to bifurcate is DENIED. Plaintiff shall draft and submit the Proposed Order in accordance with this Tentative Ruling.

NOTE RE TENTATIVE RULING

This tentative ruling becomes the court’s order, and no hearing shall be held unless one of the parties contests it by following Rule 3.1308 of the California Rules of Court and Monterey County Local Rule 7.9. Those parties wishing to present an oral argument must notify all other parties and the Court no later than 4:00 p.m. on the court day before the hearing; otherwise, NO ORAL ARGUMENT WILL BE PERMITTED, AND THE TENTATIVE RULING WILL BECOME THE ORDER OF THE COURT AND THE HEARING VACATED. You must notify the court by email or by calling the Calendar Department at 831-647-5800, extension 3040, before 4:00 p.m. on the court day before the hearing.

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