Disputed extent of injury in freeway rear-ender, over $800K non-economic award. Los Angeles County.

Summary

Car is rearended on freeway by truck. Neck injury disputed, with claim of constant pain and the need for surgery.

The Case

Case Name: Gutierrez v. ECCO Equipment Corporation, et al.
Court and Case Number: Los Angeles Superior Court / BC 510071
Date of Verdict or Judgment: Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Date Action was Filed: Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Type of Case: Vehicles - Auto vs. Auto
Judge or Arbitrator(s): Hon. Ralph Dau
Plaintiffs:
Julie Gutierrez, 43, unemployed
Defendants:
ECCO Equipment Corportation; Timothy Stubbs
Type of Result: Jury Verdict

The Result

Gross Verdict or Award: $1,004,000
Economic Damages:
Past Economic Damages: $0 (Waived)

Future Economic Damages: $180,000
Non-Economic Damages:
Past Non-Economic: $240,000.00

Future Non-Economic: $584,000.00
Trial or Arbitration Time: 6 days
Jury Deliberation Time: 1 day
Jury Polls: 12-0, 12-0, 12-0

The Attorneys

Attorney for the Plaintiff:
Purcell Law by Chris Purcell, Santa Ana.

Law Offices of Brent W. Caldwell by Brent W. Caldwell, Huntington Beach.
Attorney for the Defendant:
Law Offices of Melissa M. Ballard by John Hauser and Ken Wright, Brea.

The Experts

Plaintiff’s Medical Expert(s):
Brian Perri, DO, orthopedic surgery, Los Angeles.

David Hallegua, M.D., rheumatology, Beverly Hills.
Plaintiff's Technical Expert(s):
John Smith, PE, accident reconstruction and biomechanics.
Defendant's Technical Expert(s):
Michael Ackerman, PE, accident reconstruction and biomechanics.

Facts and Background

Facts and Background:
Plaintiff was a passenger in a Toyota 4-Runner that was stopped or almost stopped on the 405 when it was rear-ended by defendants' Freightliner work truck. Plaintiff was turned to talk to the driver at the time of impact. Plaintiff complained of neck pain the next morning. Plaintiff had an underlying genetic condition that was diagnosed originally as rheumatoid arthritis. Treating doctors suspected the condition in plaintiff's neck was related, but an MRI showed otherwise. Dr. Perri indicated she was a surgical candidate for either disk replacement or fusion.
Plaintiff's Contentions:
That plaintiff's neck injury and need for surgery was directly related to the impact from defendant's truck. MRI showed no underlying inflammation that would be seen if her underlying condition was in fact the problem in her neck. Degenerative disk disease was "normal" for her age. That plaintiff has ongoing, daily pain due to her neck injury from the accident.
Defendant's Contentions:
That plaintiff's neck injury was merely a sprain, and that three months of physical therapy was appropriate treatment and care. That plaintiff's ongoing pain was either related to her degenerative disk disease or a "non-physical cause." Defendants claimed that the rear-end accident impact was between 2 and 8 mph. (Per defense counsel: Plaintiff’s expert claimed the rear-end accident impact was between 15 and 20 mph.)

Injuries and Other Damages

Physical Injuries claimed by Plaintiff:
Neck injury with need for future surgery; claim of daily pain.

Special Damages

Special Damages Claimed - Past Medical: $0 (waived)
Special Damages Claimed - Future Medical: $180,000 surgical costs

Demands and Offers

Plaintiff §998 Demand: $150,000
Plaintiff Final Demand before Trial: Plaintiff demanded $475,000 just before trial.
Defendant Final Offer before Trial: $125,000

Additional Notes

Per plaintiff's counsel: Defendants (carrier Hartford Insurance) offered $20,000, then $75,000, then $125,000 just before trial. Defendants offered $225,000 after voir dire, then moved to $300,000.

Per defense counsel: Defendants offered $300,000 just before trial.