Jesse Granado Vega, State Compensation Insurance Fund v. Luis Magana Hernandez, Honeycutt Tear Off
Published: Dec. 28, 2004 | Result Date: Aug. 13, 2004 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: 03CC09323 Verdict – $55,704
Judge
Court
Orange Superior
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Scott E. Schutzman
(Law Office of Scott E. Schutzman)
Defendant
Experts
Plaintiff
Hamid Raven
(medical)
Steven Sadler
(medical)
Defendant
Irwin L. Bliss M.D.
(medical)
Neil I. Chafetz
(medical)
Facts
Jesse Vega, a 32-year-old truck driver, was driving a Peterbilt truck on northbound SR-57 Freeway in Anaheim on July 24, 2002. While stopped at a stop sign at the Lincoln Avenue off-ramp, his truck was rear-ended by a Chevrolet pickup driven by Luis Hernandez while Hernandez was in the course and scope of his employment with Honeycutt Tear Off. Vega sued Hernandez and Honeycutt Tear Off of Orange alleging vehicular negligence. The defendants admitted liability, but disputed that the accident caused the claimed injuries.
Settlement Discussions
The plaintiff demand $100,000 new money. The defendant offered $10,000 new money, raised to $20,104.
Specials in Evidence
$46,592
Damages
$275,000
Injuries
Vega claimed that he suffered injuries to his left wrist, knee, neck and lower back. MRIs indicated 2 mm disc bulges at C3-4, C4-5 and C5-6, with a 4 mm bulge at L4-5 and L5-S1. Vega claimed to be permanently partially disabled. State Compensation Insurance Fund filed a claim for its workers' compensation payments made to Vega. Its $92,000 lien was purchased by the defendants for $40,000 before the mandatory settlement conference.
Other Information
Vega's post-trial motion for Labor Code section 3856 attorney fee recovery was denied. Both parties' motions for recovery of costs are pending.
Deliberation
four hours
Poll
10-2
Length
four days
For reprint rights or to order a copy of your photo:
Email
jeremy@reprintpros.com
for prices.
Direct dial: 949-702-5390