Facts

Jose A. Lopez-Rivera and Juan Lopez filed suit against Consuelo Morales in relation to a motor vehicle collision, which occurred on Dec. 11, 2014 in North Hills.

PLAINTIFFS' CONTENTIONS: Plaintiffs contended that Lopez-Rivera was driving and Lopez was seated in the passenger's seat when their vehicle was rear-ended by a vehicle driven by Morales. Plaintiffs contended Morales negligently operated her vehicle and was liable for their injuries.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS: Morales admitted liability for the collision but contended that plaintiffs' injuries were pre-existing. Morales argued that Lopez-Rivera had a workers' compensation claim for a back injury six months before the subject incident, evidencing that the injury was pre-existing and Lopez-Rivera's surgery was not related to the subject incident.

Settlement Discussions

Plaintiffs made a demand for $25,000. Defendant made no offer.

Damages

Lopez-Rivera sought past and future medical costs and damages for past and future pain and suffering.

Injuries

Lopez-Rivera alleged he suffered a herniated disc, received two injections to his lumbar spine, and underwent a lumbar discectomy.

Result

Lopez settled the matter prior to trial. The jury found Morales' negligence was a substantial factor in causing Lopez-Rivera's injuries, and awarded him damages of $165,702.25 in past medical costs.