Respondent disputes necessity of treatment and future care after freeway crash. $121K arb award.

Summary

Car is totaled in heavy-impact collission, but defendant disputes injury extent and causation.

Attorney for the Plaintiff:
Shawn Steel Law Firm by Alexander C. Eisner, Seal Beach.
Attorney for the Defendant:
Michael Maguire & Associates by Robert Fox, Costa Mesa.

Plaintiff’s Medical Expert(s):
Sonny J. Rubin, M.D., pain management, Newport Beach.

Kevin Trinh, M.D., pain management, Santa Ana.

Russell J. Shah, M.D., neurology, Las Vegas, NV.

Janice S. Kowalski, D.C., chiropractic, Aliso Viejo.

Dr. Judith Linnan, Ph.D., psychoanalysis, Orange.
Defendant's Medical Expert(s):
David M. Lechuga, Ph.D., psychology.

Facts and Background:
On July 17, 2016, claimant Gail Lobosco was driving her 2000 Lexus LX 470 on the East 10 Freeway when she was struck by a 2008 Lincoln Navigator driven by Manuel Espinoza. Claimant spun across four lanes of traffic and smashed into the metal center median. Claimant felt three violent impacts including the at-fault driver’s initial impact and additionally when the front and back of claimant’s vehicle collided with the median. Claimant’s car was a total loss.
Plaintiff's Contentions:
As liability was not disputed, plaintiff contended that her injuries were directly caused by her auto accident and that all of her medical treatment was reasonable and necessary.
Defendant's Contentions:
Respondent disputed the necessity of claimant’s treatment and future medical needs, especially the psychological consults.

Physical Injuries claimed by Plaintiff:
Plaintiff suffered from the following: concussion, mild traumatic brain injury, cervical strain, strain of thoracic region, headaches, back pain, neck pain, tinnitus, blurred vision, pain in left shoulder and hand, depression, post-traumatic brain syndrome, aversion to light and noise, and anhedonia.