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Personal Injury
Multiple Automobile Accident
Rear-End Collision

Pauline Maxwell v. City of Bakersfield

Published: Mar. 21, 2004 | Result Date: Nov. 23, 2003 |

Case number: 248864RJA Verdict –  $334,619

Judge

Robert J. Anspach

Court

Kern Superior


Attorneys

Plaintiff

Gregory A. Muir

Scott D. Howry


Defendant

Arnold J. Anchordoquy
(Clifford & Brown)


Facts

In March 2001, the plaintiff Pauline Maxwell, a nurse, was driving her GMC Suburban on California Ave. in Bakersfield, when she came to a stop for traffic. She was then rear-ended by a Bakersfield city police vehicle, driven by a Bakersfield police officer during the scope and course of his employment. After being struck by the police vehicle, the GMC struck a third vehicle, which was stopped in front of it. The plaintiff sued the city of Bakersfield, alleging vehicular negligence.

Settlement Discussions

The plaintiff made a demand of $399,000. The defendant made an offer of $100,000.

Specials in Evidence

$32,688 $201,968 $98,020

Damages

$400,000 in general damages.

Injuries

The plaintiff claimed to have suffered injuries that resulted in cervical fusion at C5-6 and C6-7 to stabilize a cervical cord compression caused by a herniated disc. She claimed that she suffered numbness to her upper extremities and lower back pain which was caused by bulging discs in her lower back.

Deliberation

five hours

Poll

12-0 (causation), 12-0 (past medical specials and past wage loss), 11-1 (future medical specials and future wage loss), 9-3 (general damages)

Length

six days


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