Facts

Theresa Roe, Charles Roe and Jessica Roe filed an action against Adam Shawesh, Khalifa Shawesh and Jean Shawesh due to a motor vehicle accident that occurred on July 22, 2010. Khalifa and Jean were later dropped. Charles Roe and Jessica Roe initially filed claims, which were later dismissed.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
Plaintiff alleged she was a passenger in a sport utility vehicle, when Adam Shawesh crashed into the rear of the vehicle. Plaintiff alleged that Adam drove negligently because he was at a red light when the crash happened and the defendant failed to pay attention to the vehicle stopped at the light.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
Defendant alleged that the vehicle plaintiff was in was stopped, moved forward, and then stopped again when he was looking at his radio for a moment. In addition, defendant admitted neck injury but disputed causation for the disc herniations and the cervical surgery.

Settlement Discussions

Plaintiff demanded $800,000 and defendant offered $50,000 under CCP section 998.

Damages

Theresa Rose sought $206,000 to $240,000 in medical costs, and a total of $1.5 million in damages.

Injuries

Plaintiff claimed to have suffered two herniated cervical discs, neck and upper back injury and numbness. She received chiropractic care, epidural injections, and a two-level cervical fusion.

Result

The jury's verdict granted Theresa Roe $4,150.

Other Information

FILING DATE: July 18, 2012.

Deliberation

two hours

Poll

12-0 (damages)

Length

five days