Facts

On May 15, 2003, at approximately 4:30 p.m., plaintiff Christina Parola, 23, a student and waitress, was stopped in her car in the AM/PM parking lot. Defendant, Robert Mathison, struck the side of Parola's vehicle as he was backing out of a parking space. Mathison subsequently died but the cause of death was unrelated to the accident.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
Parola sued Mathison's estate, alleging vehicular negligence. She also sued Eiko Mathison, Robert Mathison's wife and co-owner of the vehicle, alleging vicarious liability.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
The defense conceded negligence.

Settlement Discussions

According to plaintiff's counsel, plaintiff demanded $85,000. According to defense counsel, plaintiff demanded $100,000. Defendant offered $20,001.

Damages

Parola sought $15,500 for her past medical expenses, between $5,000 and $10,000 for future medical expenses, $4,025 for her past lost earnings, between $5,000 and $10,000 for her future lost earnings, $25,000 for her past pain and suffering and $100,000 for her future pain and suffering.

Injuries

Parola suffered from neck and back sprain, post-traumatic headaches, and straightened cervical lordotic curve.

Result

Before trial, Parola and Eiko Mathison settled for $14,999.99. The jury returned a verdict for Parola against Robert Mathison's estate and awarded her $15,987.

Other Information

The defendant filed a post-verdict offset for the settlement amount and a post-verdict reduction to reduce the jury award of medical expenses. Insurer: CSAA for Mathison.

Deliberation

one day

Poll

12-0

Length

five days