Facts

On July 15, 2012, plaintiff Teri Pearlman was driving on Pacific Coast Highway in the city of Laguna Beach, when she was rear-ended by defendant Brennan Atherton. Plaintiff sued defendant driver and her mother Kimberly Atherton, who owned the vehicle.

PLAINTIFFS' CONTENTIONS:
Plaintiff claimed defendant driver struck her and caused her injury.

DEFENDANTS' CONTENTIONS:
Defendants claimed that the impact was minor, and the chiropractic and physical therapy treatment was excessive.

Settlement Discussions

Plaintiff made a pre-trial demand of $25,000. Defendant carrier, Allstate, offered $5,700.

Specials in Evidence

Plaintiff incurred $15,000 in chiropractic and physical therapy bills over 3 1/2 years. none none none

Injuries

Plaintiff contended she sustained soft tissue injuries to her neck and back. Defense orthopedic surgeon said all treatment should have ceased by October 2012.

Result

The jury found in favor of plaintiff and awarded her $12,000 in medical specials and $50,000 in general damages.

Other Information

FILING DATE: July 3, 2014.

Deliberation

three hours

Poll

9-3

Length

three days