Facts

Justina Thai, Phat Thai and Tu Thai sued Belinda Chow based on an automobile accident.

PLAINTIFFS' CONTENTIONS:
On July 21, 2012, Phat Thai was in San Francisco driving a van. His wife Tu Thai and daughter Justina Thai were passengers. As the van entered an intersection, it was struck on its side by a vehicle driven by Belinda Chow. The Thai's were taken to the hospital by ambulance. They sued Chow, alleging she negligently operated her vehicle.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
Chow admitted liability but contested the claimed injuries.

Settlement Discussions

Justina Thai made a CCP Section 998 demand for $85,000, Tu Thai for $110,000, and Phat Thai for $25,000. Defense made a CCP Section 998 offer of $9,640 to Justina Thai, $33,364 to Tu Thai and $8,120 to Phat Thai.

Injuries

Phat Thai claimed injuries to his neck, back and chest and underwent chiropractic care. Tu Thai claimed injuries to her neck, back, and chest, with pain and numbness in her hands and traumatic carpal tunnel syndrome. She underwent several months of chiropractic care. Justina Thai suffered a tear in her right knee's meniscus, possibly requiring surgery.

Result

The jury awarded Phat Thai $7,028, Tu Thai $32,973.75 and Justina Thai $3,889.63, for a total award of $43,891.38.