Facts

Claimant Ali Eftekhari, a 65-year-old laboratory technician, proceeded eastbound on Ortega Highway in San Juan Capistrano when he was struck head-on by the motorcyclist who crossed over into claimant's lane of travel.

CLAIMANT'S CONTENTIONS:
Claimant contended that he suffered non-surgical herniated discs in the cervical and lumbar spine as well as a compression fracture at T-12.

RESPONDENT'S CONTENTIONS:
Allstate disputed the nature and extent of claimant's damages. Allstate claimed that claimant suffered soft tissue injuries; that claimant's chiropractic treatment was excessive; that claimant was exaggerating his injuries; and that claimant should have returned to work four months after the accident.

Settlement Discussions

Claimant demanded $699,000. Allstate made a CCP 998 offer of $70,149 10 days before the arbitration.

Specials in Evidence

$34,657 $100,000 $150,000

Result

Binding arbitration award of $289,657 before Mark Ashworth, Esq.