Facts

Allesandria Tarantino sued A. MacDuff Sheehy, in connection with a motor vehicle accident.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
Plaintiff alleged that she was broadsided by defendant, who was attempting to make a left through a gap. Plaintiff sustained injuries as a result and sued defendant, alleging negligent operation of a vehicle.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
Defendant denied being negligent, alleging he was driving safely and carefully. Defendant denied plaintiff's claimed need for future back surgeries.

Settlement Discussions

Tarantino made a CCP 998 demand of $800,000. Sheehy offered to settle for his policy limits of $100,000.

Injuries

Tarantino claimed she sustained a herniated disc and eventually underwent disc replacement two years after the accident. She claimed she would need at least one more disc replacement surgery and various back procedures in the future. She also claimed that her injuries rendered her incapable of dancing, as she used to be a dancer, or working at any capacity. She was also forced to undergo a C-section in her pregnancy due to risks posed by her disc replacement.

Result

Ultimately, the jury found Tarantino 40 percent liable and Sheehy 60 percent at fault for the accident and awarded Tarantino more than $1.6 million, including $201,434 in past medical expenses, $693,841 in future medical expenses, $391,814 in future lost earnings, $100,000 in past pain and suffering, and $300,000 in future pain and suffering. Her award was reduced to $1,012,253.