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Personal Injury
Auto v. Auto
Rear-End Collision

Stephen A. Pejlovas v. Katherine Jean Doran, Gerber Ambulance Co. Inc.

Published: Dec. 16, 2003 | Result Date: Jun. 4, 2003 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |

Case number: SC071872 Verdict –  $125,000

Judge

Paul G. Flynn

Court

L.A. Superior Santa Monica


Attorneys

Plaintiff

Philip M. Daigneault

Taylor J. Daigneault


Defendant

Kevin P. McNamara
(Traub, Lieberman, Straus & Shrewsberry LLP)


Experts

Plaintiff

William H. Dillin M.D.
(medical)

Steven Villareal
(medical)

Robert B. Fenton
(medical)

Defendant

Jacob E. Tauber M.D.
(medical)

Facts

On Oct. 18, 2001, plaintiff Stephen Pejlovas, 42, was driving northbound on the 405 freeway in Culver City. Defendant Katherine Doran was also driving northbound. Traffic was stopped. The defendant rear-ended a vehicle that in turn rear-ended the plaintiff's vehicle. There was no damage to the plaintiff's vehicle. The plaintiff sued the defendant for vehicular negligence. The plaintiff also sued defendant's employer, Gerber Ambulance Co., because the plaintiff was acting within the course and scope of her employment at the time of the accident. The defendants admitted liability.

Injuries

The plaintiff contended that he suffered a herniated disc and soft tissue damage to his neck and back. The defendants contended that the accident had a minor impact and could not have caused the plaintiff's injuries. The defendants noted that the plaintiff did not see an orthopedist until one year following the accident.

Deliberation

two days

Poll

12-0 (liability), 9-3 (damages)

Length

four days


#123010

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