Plaintiff beats CCP 998 in rear-ender with disputed injuries. $1M. Los Angles County.

Gross Verdict or Award: $1,075,000
Economic Damages: $575,000
Non-Economic Damages: $475,000
Trial or Arbitration Time: 4 days.
Jury Deliberation Time: 1 hour, 20 minutes.
Jury Polls: 12-0

Summary

Liability admitted. Nature and extent of damages disputed when two pickup trucks collide.

Attorney for the Plaintiff:
Rodriguez Apodaca Law Firm LLP by Richard A. Apodaca, Ontario.
Attorney for the Defendant:
McClaugherty & Associates by Jay McClaugherty, Arcadia.

Plaintiff’s Medical Expert(s):
Stepan Kasimian, MD; HASS Spine & Orthopedics; Glendale
Defendant's Medical Expert(s):
Babak Barohanda, MD; Southern California Ortho Institute; Van Nuys CA

Philip D. Rake, D.C., D.A.B.C.O.; Philip D. Rake Chiropractic, Inc., Montrose

Facts and Background:
On July 19, 2014, plaintiff was driving his Chevy Tahoe on the 110 freeway when he came to a complete stop and was rear-ended by defendant in a Ford F-150. Plaintiff’s vehicle was a total loss.
Plaintiff's Contentions:
Plaintiff suffered chronic pain to lower back, including disc protrusions of 5-6 mm at L4-L5, and 6-7 mm at L5-S1. Seven months of medical treatment following crash, including orthopedic evaluation, physical therapy, and chiropractic care. Plaintiff then had a gap in treatment of approximately two years with no injections or any other conservative treatment.
Defendant's Contentions:
Defendant admitted liability, but disputed nature and extent of injuries. Further, contended injuries were sprain/strain and should have been resolved.

Physical Injuries claimed by Plaintiff:
Plaintiff suffered chronic pain to lower back, including disc protrusions of 5-6 mm at L4-L5, and 6-7 mm at L5-S1.