Facts

On April 28, 2015, plaintiffs Brett and Constance Roberts were traveling northbound on Chapala Street in Santa Barbara when their vehicle was struck from the side by a vehicle driven by defendant Pamela Leonard. Leonard was driving a vehicle owned by her son-in-law, defendant Benjamin Curtis.

Plaintiffs brought this action against defendants based on motor vehicle liability and general negligence.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS: Plaintiffs alleged that defendant Leonard failed to stop for the stop sign.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS: Defendant admitted liability and but disputed the extent of plaintiff's injuries.

Insurer

Auto Club.

Settlement Discussions

Plaintiff made a CCP 998 demand of $200,000 (policy limit), which was rejected by defendant.

Damages

Plaintiff alleged need for future medical expense for lifetime monthly injections of human growth hormone at $30,000/year. Plaintiff also alleged past and future non-economic losses of $6 million to $10 million.

Injuries

Plaintiff alleged traumatic brain injury with damage to pituitary gland and deficient human growth hormone and testosterone. Plaintiff alleged inability to work at full capacity.

Result

The jury returned a verdict for plaintiff in the amount of $5,600, which consisted of past non-economic damages only. Plaintiff's wife previously settled for $20,000.

Deliberation

two hours