The California Lottery is facing a lawsuit from a man who claims he holds both winning tickets for a staggering $394 million Mega Millions jackpot, but has only received half of the prize. Faramarz Lahijani filed the lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court on December 6th, 2024, alleging that he purchased two winning tickets for the December 8th, 2023 drawing, both with the same lucky numbers. The lawsuit contends that Lahijani is entitled to the full $394 million, not just the $197 million he has already received.
The Case of the Missing Mega Millions Ticket
Lahijani’s complaint states that he has been unable to locate the second winning ticket since the draw. However, he insists he purchased both tickets at the same Chevron gas station in Encino, California. He further asserts that both tickets bore the same numbers: 21, 26, 53, 66, 70, and mega number 13 – a combination he says his children chose “long ago” and he has consistently played for three decades.
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The lawsuit emphasizes that the California Lottery has confirmed these matching tickets were the only two winners for the December 8th, 2023 Mega Millions drawing. Lahijani argues that the Lottery possesses ample evidence to verify his purchase of both tickets and declare him the sole winner of the entire $394 million jackpot.
A Race Against the Clock and a Lawsuit “Out of Abundance of Caution”
According to the lawsuit, Lahijani submitted a claim for the second winning ticket on December 4th, 2023, just days before the December 8th deadline. He filed the lawsuit “out of an abundance of caution” to protect his claim to the full jackpot amount. This preemptive legal action highlights the high stakes involved and the plaintiff’s determination to secure what he believes is rightfully his.
The California Lottery’s Response and the Implications of the Case
The California Lottery has declined to comment on the ongoing litigation, citing the need to maintain the integrity of the process. A spokesperson for the Lottery issued a statement to PEOPLE magazine, stating that it would be inappropriate to discuss active or pending legal matters. This silence leaves many questions unanswered and fuels speculation about the case’s potential outcome.
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This case raises significant questions about lottery procedures, lost tickets, and the verification of winners. If Lahijani prevails, it could set a precedent for future lottery disputes and force lottery organizations to re-evaluate their protocols for handling such situations. The outcome of this case will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the lottery industry and its players.
Could This Happen to You? Lost Tickets and Lottery Claims
Losing a winning lottery ticket is a nightmare scenario for any player. This case highlights the importance of safeguarding lottery tickets and understanding the claims process. While lottery regulations vary by state, most jurisdictions have strict deadlines for claiming prizes. Losing a ticket, especially one worth hundreds of millions of dollars, can result in forfeiting the winnings.
This lawsuit underscores the need for players to:
- Keep lottery tickets in a safe place: Consider a fireproof safe, a safety deposit box, or another secure location.
- Sign the back of the ticket: This establishes ownership and can help prevent theft or unauthorized claims.
- Check lottery results promptly: Don’t wait until the last minute to see if you’ve won.
- Understand the claims process: Familiarize yourself with your state’s lottery rules and regulations regarding lost or damaged tickets.
The Allure of the Jackpot and the Dreams It Inspires
The Mega Millions lottery, with its massive jackpots, captures the imagination of millions hoping for a life-changing win. Stories like Lahijani’s, while unusual, add another layer of intrigue to the lottery’s allure. Whether he ultimately wins his case or not, his story serves as a reminder of the immense sums of money at stake and the complex legal battles that can arise from the pursuit of such a fortune. This case will be closely watched by lottery enthusiasts and legal experts alike, as it could reshape the landscape of lottery claims and winner verification for years to come. The courtroom drama unfolds, leaving everyone wondering: will Lahijani claim the full jackpot, or will half a billion dollars remain unclaimed?
