Beth Cottrell v. Tejinderpal, Guljit Rai
Published: Mar. 15, 2008 | Result Date: Feb. 7, 2008 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: YC054915 Settlement – $150,000
Court
L.A. Superior Redondo Beach
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Fred D. Crawford IV
(Law Offices of Fred D. Crawford IV ALC)
Defendant
Experts
Plaintiff
Lloyd M. Krieger M.D.
(medical)
Facts
On March 31, 2005, plaintiff Beth Cottrell, 31, was a passenger in an auto v. auto accident. The defendants' vehicle, a 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse, turned left in front of the plaintiff's vehicle, a 1998 Volvo S70, which was traveling 30 mph resulting in a total loss to the plaintiff's vehicle. Both vehicles sustained major damage according to the police report. The police report cited the defendants as the cause of this collision for failing to yield the right of way when making a left turn at an intersection (Vehicle Code section 21801(a)). The defendants previously settled with the driver, Eric Cottrell, for his soft tissue injuries in the sum of $10,000.
Injuries
Due to the severity of the impact, Cottrell suffered pain to her face and right hand and a deep hematoma and irregular shaping to her left breast requiring reconstructive surgery on April 12, 2007. Dr. Lloyd Krieger reconstructed Cottrell's left breast and then reduced the size of her right breast to achieve symmetry once the left breast was reconstructed. Cottrell underwent a series of ultrasounds and various doctor examinations in an effort to allow the swelling and discoloration to decrease. She was told that there was a "large mass of dead tissue" contained in her left breast. Finally, after consulting with the Vasek Polak Breast Diagnostic Center, she was given approval to consult with a plastic surgeon in an effort to schedule her reconstructive surgery. Presently, she has to apply a daily regiment lotion and gel in an attempt to try and remove the obvious discoloration and scarring from her breasts. She testified at her deposition that she has lost all feeling in her left breast and is concerned about her ability to breastfeed. Cottrell also testified that she is sensitive to issues involving intimacy, she had decreased her outside exercise and activities and has been unable to lift objects that require the use of her chest muscles.
Result
The case settled at mediation for $150,000 before Janet R. Fields, Esq., of Judicate West.
Other Information
FILING DATE: March 27, 2007.
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