Head-on collision results in MTBI, other injuries. $2.6M. San Bernardino County.

Summary

Plaintiff applies the vehicle-use exception to "coming and going" rule in course-and-scope-of-employment claim. Beats 998.

Gross Verdict or Award: $2,600,000
Award as to each Defendant:
Past medical: $718,589

Future medical: $800,000

Past lost earnings: $77,000

Future lost earnings: $554,411
Non-Economic Damages:
Past noneconomic: $450,000

Future noneconomic: $554,411

Attorney for the Plaintiff:
Greene Broillet & Wheeler, LLP by Tobin M. Lanzetta and Taylor Rayfield, Santa Monica.
Attorney for the Defendant:
Bordin Semmer LLP by Joshua Bordin-Wosk and Justin Spearman, Los Angeles.

Plaintiff’s Medical Expert(s):

Carol Hyland, life care planning, Lafayette.

Daniel Zehler, Psy.D., neuropsychology, Long Beach.

Amy Magnusson, M.D., physical medicine and rehabilitation, San Diego.
Defendant's Medical Expert(s):
Rhonda Renteria, life care planning, Anaheim.
Plaintiff's Technical Expert(s):

Peter Formuzis, Ph.D., forensic economics, Santa Ana.
Defendant's Technical Expert(s):
David Weiner, economics, Los Angeles.

Facts and Background:
On October 12, 2016 at approximately 5:35pm plaintiff was driving a 2015 Toyota Camry eastbound on Edison Avenue, east of the intersection of Walker Avenue in San Bernardino County. Lewis Rocchetti was driving an Audi westbound on Edison Ave. and decided to pass an 18-wheeler on the two- lane highway. He did not make the pass and collided head-on with plaintiff’s vehicle.

At the time of the incident Rocchetti was an employee of ConvergeOne, Inc. and driving home from work. Rocchetti worked as an IT engineer. Rocchetti was an exempt employee and given a cell phone and laptop so that ConvergeOne could get in touch with him when he was not in the office. When he was hired he was told that travel would be less than 10% of his job responsibilities. During the 11 months that he worked for ConvergeOne, Inc. he traveled offsite three different times. When he traveled offsite, ConvergeOne, Inc. reimbursed him for mileage.
Plaintiff's Contentions:
Plaintiff argued that the vehicle use exception to the "coming and going" rule applied as ConvergeOne received a benefit from plaintiff having his car at work and readily available in case he needed to drive to a client site.
Defendant's Contentions:
ConvergeOne argued that Rocchetti was not in the course and scope as he only used his vehicle three times in close to 11 months. Twice he volunteered to travel to a client site and the on the third, it was pre-planned.

Physical Injuries claimed by Plaintiff:
Right bimalleolar (outer ankle) fracture, right open talar (inner ankle) fracture and dislocation, fracture to distal fibula, fracture of the inferior wall of right orbit, facial lacerations, partial amputation of ring finger, abdominal bleeding, internal injuries, traumatic brain injury, cognitive impairment, depression and anxiety.