Facts

Maridalia Chepi-Nolasco and Anastasia Arce sued Vinessa Shaw and Kristopher Gifford, in connection with a motor vehicle collision with a pedestrian that allegedly occurred on Nov. 6, 2013 at 7 a.m.

PLAINTIFFS' CONTENTIONS:
Plaintiffs were walking along a crosswalk when they were struck by a sedan being operated by defendant Shaw. Shaw was allegedly making a left turn when the collision occurred. Plaintiffs sustained injuries as a result and sued Shaw and her husband for negligence and vicarious liability. Shaw allegedly failed to yield the right of way, causing the accident.

DEFENDANTS' CONTENTIONS:
Shaw claimed plaintiffs failed to maintain a proper lookout. Shaw also disputed plaintiff's claimed damages.

Settlement Discussions

Arce made a CCP 998 demand of $99,999 while Chepi-Nolasco made a CCP 998 demand of $24,999. Shaw made a CCP 998 offer of $27,501 to Arce and $14,001 to Chepi-Nolasco.

Damages

Arce sought $654,916 in total damages, including $95,000 in past lost earnings; $304,044 in past medical expenses; and more than $250,000 in pain and suffering. Chepi sought $22,438 in total damages, including $6,938 in past medical expenses; $500 in past lost earnings; and $15,000 in past pain and suffering.

Injuries

Arce sustained disc herniations on her spine, a hip contusion, and pain that radiated from her lower back to her legs. She also suffered from diabetic shock. She treated her back condition with chiropractic care and injections. Ultimately, she underwent a discectomy in 2016. Chepi-Nolasco injured her neck and back, which she treated with chiropractic care.

Result

Gifford was ultimately let out of the case and the matter continued against Shaw only. The jury rendered a verdict in favor of the pedestrians and determined their damages totaled $19,876, including $14,548 for Arce and $5,328 for Chepi-Nolasco.

Other Information

FILING DATE: Oct. 3, 2014.