Facts

Mary Kate Lancaster sued William Glenn Paro, and Cerium Networks Inc., relating to an automobile accident.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
OOn May 17, 2013, Mary Kate Lancaster was driving her vehicle eastbound and turned left onto another street when a vehicle operated by William Paro hit her. She was taken to the hospital by ambulance and suffered injuries to her right shoulder. She sued Paro and his employer Cerium Networks Inc., alleging that Paro negligently operated his vehicle and that Cerium was liable because the accident occurred during the course and scope of Paro's employment.

DEFENDANTS' CONTENTIONS:
Paro admitted fault. Cerium denied liability, arguing Paro was engaged in a personal errand at the time of the accident and not acting in the course and scope of his employment.

Settlement Discussions

Lancaster made a demand for $750,000. Paro offered his policy limit of $100,000 and Cerium offered $200,000.

Injuries

Lancaster claimed a tear of her dominant shoulder's rotator cuff, requiring surgery. A second surgery was required after she developed a frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, after the first surgery. She claimed lingering restriction in her shoulder, which affected her range of motion and daily activities. She claimed she could no longer work as a flight attendant due to her injuries.

Result

The jury found both Paro and Cerium liable and awarded Lancaster $48,176 for past medical costs, $2,400 for future medical costs, $75,571 for past lost earnings, $178,797 for future economic loss and $175,000 in general damages, for a total award of $479,944.