Facts

Plaintiff Ramona Lopez Cabrera, 52, was driving when defendant driver, Lizandro Salas, while in the course and scope of his employment for County of Los Angeles, ran a red light and caused a multi-vehicle collision.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
Plaintiff claimed that his medical treatment, $57,000 of it on a lien, was all reasonable and necessary.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
Defendant accepted liability but argued that the Plaintiff's treatment was unrelated to the accident and that her bills were excessive.

Settlement Discussions

Defendant County of Los Angeles made an offer of $12,500 at a settlement conference a few weeks before trial.

Specials in Evidence

$60,000

Injuries

Plaintiff suffered a torn lateral menicus and neck pain. Plaintiff claimed that knee surgery was required due to having meniscus torn as a result of the collision. Defendant claimed that knee injury was entirely degenerative and unrelated to the automobile accident.

Result

A verdict in favor of the plaintiff, awarding her $115,000.

Other Information

EXPERT TESTIMONY: Radiologist, and expert for the plaintiff, Dr. Douglas Brown testified that the MRI images of plaintiff's knee could not be definitively interpreted to rule out acute injury. Radiologist, and expert for the defense, Dr. Stephen Rothman testified that MRI images of plaintiff's knee showed long-standing degenerative changes and no possible acute injury. He also testified that it was virtually impossible to injure a meniscus while operating a motor vehicle. Plaintiff's treating physicians testified concerning injuries and need for surgery, as well as the reasonableness and necessity of her bills.

Deliberation

hour hours

Poll

12-0 (liability and damages)

Length

five days