Facts

Plaintiff Joy Beeler sued defendant Jason Hartje relating to injuries suffered after a motorcycle collision.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
: On April 28, 2011 Joy Beeler, 57, and her husband Robert Beeler were traveling in a group of three motorcycles with two other couples. Each motorcycle was operated by the husband with their respective wives as passengers. The motorcycles were traveling in staggered formation. The Beeler's were in front, followed by Jason Hartje and his wife, and the third couple brought up the rear. Plaintiff contended that her husband turned on his right signal for approximately 20 feet before he began turning into a parking lot but was struck from behind by the motorcycle operated by Hartje. The collision ejected all four riders from the first two motorcycles. Plaintiff suffered injuries to her back, ribs, arm, and shoulder and was taken to the hospital by ambulance. She sued Hartje, alleging that he was following too closely and negligently operated his motorcycle.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
Hartje denied liability and contended that plaintiff's husband caused the accident.

Settlement Discussions

Plaintiff demanded $2,250,000 and the defense offered $100,000.

Damages

Plaintiff sought $404,620 for past medical costs, $630,000 for future medical costs, and $30,000 for past lost earnings. She also sought $2,435,480 for past and future pain and suffering.

Injuries

Plaintiff claimed injuries included herniated lumbar discs, rib fractures, and loss of feeling and use of her right arm. She underwent a spinal fusion after physical therapy was unsuccessful. Although surgery helped, she claimed she still had residual pain and discomfort and a decrease in range of motion in her lower back.

Result

The jury returned a defense verdict.

Other Information

The case is on appeal.