Failure To Give Proper Notice Of Amount Sought Prevents Default Judgment.

Where the complaint fails to specify the amount sought to be recovered (or in cases involving personal injury, or wrongful death, where the plaintiff fails to serve a statement of damages (Code of Civil Procedure section 425.11)), the court lacks jurisdiction to enter a default judgment. This is true whether the default is the result of a failure to file a responsive pleading, or whether the default is entered after an answer is struck as sanctions for discovery abuse. Van Sickle v. Gilbert (Cal. App. Third Dist.; June 29, 2011) 196 Cal.App.4th 1495, [127 Cal.Rptr.3d 542, 2011 DJDAR 9763].