Extent of soft-tissue injuries disputed after rear-ender. $113K. Ventura County.

Gross Verdict or Award: $113,500
Economic Damages: $53,500
Non-Economic Damages: $60,000
Trial or Arbitration Time: 3 days.
Jury Deliberation Time: 3 hours.
Jury Polls: 12-0

Summary

Defendant driver makes U-turn in front of plaintiff; she rear-ends him.

Attorney for the Plaintiff:
Quirk Law Firm, LLP by Trevor Quirk, Ventura.
Attorney for the Defendant:
Raffalow, Bretoi, Lutz & Stele by Kevin Barry, Newbury Park.

Plaintiff’s Medical Expert(s):
Alan Moelleken, M.D., orthopedic surgery, Santa Barbara.

Joseph Combs, D.C., chiropractic, Oxnard.
Defendant's Medical Expert(s):
Jeffrey Korchek, M.D., orthopedic surgery, North Hollywood.

Lawrence Harter, M.D., radiology, Santa Barbara.

Facts and Background:
On November 10, 2016, plaintiff was driving her 2002 Nissan Maxima on SR-34 in Ventura when defendant made an illegal U-turn in front of her. Plaintiff attempted to avoid the collision but rear-ended defendant's vehicle.
Plaintiff's Contentions:
Plaintiff contended she was injured from the incident and her medical bills were reasonable and necessary.
Defendant's Contentions:
Defendant admitted liability, but argued all treatment, except Kaiser and 4-6 weeks of chiropractic care was unreasonable an unnecessary.

Physical Injuries claimed by Plaintiff:
Plaintiff sustained soft tissue injuries. Plaintiff went to Kaiser three days after the incident, and a chiropractor 11 days later. She treated with the chiropractor for two years in 90+ visits. Her chiropractic bill was $11,000, all on a lien. Plaintiff also sought treatment from Dr. Moelleken at the Spine & Orthopedic Center where she eventually received an injection, all on a lien.

Insurer: Mercury