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Personal Injury (Vehicular)
Auto v. Auto
Lane Change Collision

Todd Pflug v. Judith Levine, et al.

Published: Mar. 1, 2001 | Result Date: Oct. 4, 2000 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |

Case number: SC052467 Arbitration –  $227,028

Judge

Russell A. Bostrom

Court

L.A. Superior Santa Monica


Attorneys

Claimant

David R. Olan
(Olan Law Corp.)

Daniel J. King


Respondent

Jay T. Rubin
(Mark R. Weiner & Associates)


Experts

Claimant

John T. Chiu
(medical)

Respondent

Lawrence J. Richman J.D.
(medical)

Michael Price
(technical)

Facts

On Nov. 10, 1997, at approximately 4 p.m., plaintiff was westbound on Santa Monica Boulevard, in the number
one of three westbound lanes, traveling about 25-30 mph, intending to continue straight, and in this same lane,
when suddenly and without warning, the defendant exited an alleyway on the north side of the street, and
struck the passenger side of the plaintiffÆs vehicle with the front of her vehicle. The plaintiff was a limousine
driver in the course and scope of his employment.
The plaintiff contended he suffered injury to his cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine and after unsuccessful
attempts at resolving these complaints with conservative care, he required surgical intervention on two
occasions at multiple levels of his spine, including C5-6, T8, L4- 5 and L5-S1.
The plaintiff claimed a substantial loss of earnings as a result of this accident as well. The defendants
contended that they were not liable for this accident and that the plaintiff made an unsafe lane change traveling
from the number one lane in her path in the number two lane, causing the accident.
The defendants disputed the plaintiffÆs medical treatment.

Settlement Discussions

The plaintiff made a C.C.P. Section 998 demand of $125,000.00. The defendants offered $15,000.00 with the possibility of $20,000.

Other Information

<A>The case was arbitrated before Judge Russell Bostrom of Judicate West.</A>


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