Confidential

Facts

Plaintiff Joseph Jones was a passenger in an automobile driven by defendant Anthony Philip Gates. The plaintiff contended that the defendant negligently drove his vehicle by making an illegal left turn, which caused the accident and led to his injuries.

PLAINTIFF CONTENTIONS:
The plaintiff contended that the defendant negligently drove his vehicle and caused the accident, which led to his injuries. As a result of the accident, the plaintiff claimed he fractured his collar bone, broke his dental bridge, and lost four teeth. DEFENDANT

The plaintiff contended that the defendant negligently drove his vehicle and caused the accident, which led to his injuries. As a result of the accident, the plaintiff claimed he fractured his collar bone, broke his dental bridge, and lost four teeth. DEFENDANT CONTENTIONS:
The defendant contended that the plaintiff had pre-existing dental problems resulting in the loss of half of his teeth before the accident. The defendant also contended that the plaintiff suffered a simple fracture, which healed completely.

Settlement Discussions

The defendant made a C.C.P. Section 998 offer of $22,750. The plaintiff made a C.C.P. Section 998 demand of $50,000 (policy limits).

Specials in Evidence

$10,000 unspecified

Injuries

As a result of the accident, the plaintiff claimed he fractured his collarbone, broke his dental bridge, and lost four teeth. He also suffered soft tissue injuries to his neck, back, right arm, hand, shoulder, and rib cage. The defendant contended that the plaintiff had pre-existing dental problems resulting in the loss of half of his teeth before the accident. The defendant also contended that the plaintiff suffered a simple fracture, which healed completely.

Result

The case settled for $50,000 (policy limits).

Other Information

During the course of the case, the plaintiff made five discovery motions, which were all granted, including sanctions totaling $4,220.