Facts

On Aug. 5, 2008, plaintiff was involved in a rear-end automobile crash when he was stopped at a red light. The vehicle sustained approximately $4,000 in property damage, and the police report was favorable to plaintiff. As a result, the parties stipulated to liability.

At the time of the incident, plaintiff was already on total disability from a prior failed back surgery.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
Plaintiff claimed that this incident was a substantial factor in causing additional disability.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
Defendants contended that plaintiff was already on total disability; that nowhere in the Cedars-Sinai records was the car crash a substantial factor and, in fact, the true cause of his need for surgery was a failed prior back syndrome.

Settlement Discussions

Plaintiff demanded $1 million policy limits. Defendants offered $100,000.

Damages

Plaintiff claimed that his future medical expenses include approximately $200,000. A Medicare lien for approximately $30,000 was present for the Cedars-Sinai surgeries.

Injuries

Plaintiff claimed the need for a C6-7 foraminotomy at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Subsequently, on Jan. 5, 2011, plaintiff also underwent a C3-6 posterior spinal fusion with instrumentation. Plaintiff claimed that there was the possibility he would need an additional surgery on his knee and possibly his lumbar back.

Result

The case settled confidentially for $500,000.