Confidential
Settlement – $250,000Judge
Court
Orange Superior
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Defendant
John A. Furutani
(Law Offices of John A. Furutani)
Experts
Plaintiff
Edmund B. Weis Jr.
(medical)
Arden F. Reynolds
(medical)
Defendant
Michael H. Sukoff
(medical)
James P. Moore
(medical)
Facts
On May 6, 1996, the plaintiff, a 32-year-old clerical specialist, was driving her Chevy Camaro northbound on Kraemer at its intersection with Birch in Brea. She was traveling at approximately 40 mph, going straight through the intersection on a green light, when the defendant made a left-hand turn and caused her vehicle to impact the plaintiff's vehicle coming from the opposite direction. The plaintiff brought this action against the defendant based on a negligence theory of recovery.
Settlement Discussions
On Nov. 21, 1996, defendant offered $100,000 to settle the case. At a mandatory settlement conference held on Dec. 3, 1997, the plaintiff made a counter-demand of $425,000.
Specials in Evidence
$37,625.21 $25,429.28 $43,600
Damages
The plaintiff claimed medical expenses of $37,625.21, future medical expenses of $43,600, and lost earnings and future loss of earnings in the amount of $25,429.28.
Injuries
The plaintiff claimed she suffered disc injuries at C4-5 and C5-6 as a result of the accident. The plaintiff underwent anterior cervical discectomny and fusion with iliac bone grafts, including the placement of a plate and several screws. Plaintiff's expert opined it was more likely than not that the plaintiff will need an additional discectomy and fusion at C3-4 within the next 2-20 years.
Other Information
The settlement was reached approximately 10 months after the case was filed. SETTLEMENT CONFERENCE: A voluntary settlement conference was held on Jan. 30, 1998, before the Hon. Robert H. London, retired, of JAMS resulting in the reported settlement.
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