Edward Hartunian, Karina Garcia v. Arielle Steinberg, Barry Steinberg
Published: Sep. 3, 2003 | Result Date: Apr. 9, 2003 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: SC070962 Arbitration – $185,000
Judge
Court
L.A. Superior Santa Monica
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Defendant
Paul F. Sullivan
(Paul F. Sullivan & Associates APC)
Experts
Plaintiff
Maurice Hale
(medical)
Jon B. Greenfield M.D.
(medical)
Defendant
P. Douglas Kiester M.D.
(medical)
Steven G. Rothman
(medical)
Facts
Plaintiffs Edward Hartunian, age 30, and his wife Karina Garcia, age 22, were driving in the fourth lane on the Santa Monica Freeway. Defendant Arielle Steinberg, age 16, had recently received her driver's license. She was driving in the second lane with her father, defendant Barry Steinberg, as passenger. While looking right to change lanes, defendant's car veered to the left. She made a sharp turn back and crossed all other lanes, hitting Hartunian's vehicle. Hartunian's vehicle was pushed off the freeway over an embankment and rolled two times. The plaintiffs sued the defendants for injuries sustained in the accident. The defendants admitted liability.
Specials in Evidence
The plaintiffs received chiropractic treatment and therapy at an estimated cost of $25,000 each
Damages
Property damage was $10,500.
Injuries
Plaintiff Hartunian claimed he suffered a 6 mm disc protrusion at L4-5. Hartunian also claimed general damages for loss of fetus. Plaintiff Garcia claimed she suffered soft tissue injuries.
Result
Plaintiff Hartunian was awarded $85,000 in binding arbitration, including $27,000 past medical cost and $58,000 past pain and suffering. Plaintiff Garcia settled for policy limits of $100,000.
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