Facts

Todd Matlock sued Heather Bradley, in connection with a motor vehicle accident.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
Plaintiff alleged that, on April 8, 2012, he was rear-ended by defendant as he was stopped on Appian Bridge in Long Beach. The force of the impact pushed his vehicle into the car ahead of him. He sustained injuries as a result and sued defendant for negligence.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
Defendant disputed the extent of plaintiff's claimed injuries. Defendant contended that plaintiff only suffered a soft-tissue injury and that the treatment and bone scans he received were excessive and unnecessary.

Settlement Discussions

Matlock made a CCP 998 demand of $30,000, which Bradley countered with a $20,000 offer of settlement.

Damages

Matlock claimed $16,102 in past medical expenses and $15,000 in future medical expenses, plus $48,000 in damages for past pain and suffering and $45,000 in future pain and suffering. Plaintiff asked the jury for approximately $125,000.

Injuries

Matlock sustained injuries to his neck, which he treated with physical therapy.

Result

The jury found Bradley negligent, and her negligence was a substantial factor in causing Matlock's harm. It then awarded Matlock $41,102 in total damages, which included $16,102 in past medical expenses, $5,000 in future medical expenses, $12,000 in past general damages, and $12,000 in future general damages.