Facts

On July 23, 2007, defendant Nicole A. Cooper, lost control of her 1995 Volvo vehicle, crashing into a 2006 XTRM utility trailer loaded with gravel and being towed behind a 2004 Ford F150 pickup truck. The 2004 Ford F150 pickup truck and trailer was operated by plaintiff Alan J. Christman in the course and scope of his employment with Bethel Services Inc. Plaintiff Matthew P. Frenzel was 34, plaintiff Christman was 26. Both plaintiffs were electrical contractors.

The major impact totaled the 1995 Volvo, twisted the trailer at the tongue and substantially damaged the rear end of the 2005 Ford F150 pickup truck.

Plaintiff Christman admitted liability ($30,000 UIM).

Specials in Evidence

$44,565 (Frenzel); $47,775 (Christman)

Injuries

The plaintiffs were examined at Centinela Freeman Regional Medical Center and released. Frenzel complained of pain in his neck, back, shoulder, arms, head and knee. He was experiencing nausea. The diagnostic impression was acute cervical strain. Frenzel underwent knee surgery, along with chiropractic and orthopedic treatment. Christman complained of total body pain secondary to the collision. Christman had cervical and thoracic epidural injections with chiropractic and orthopedic treatment.

Result

The case settled for $209,600 as to Frenzel and $188,327 as to Christman.