Facts

Plaintiff Robert Nursall was seated in the passenger seat of a car traveling down highway interstate 10 going westbound. As plaintiff's vehicle exited, a pickup truck operated by defendant Raymond Duncan rear-ended plaintiff. Plaintiff sued defendant Duncan for his negligent operation of a motor vehicle and Duncan's employer C-ME Trim Company, owner of the pickup truck pursuant to a vicarious liability theory.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS: Plaintiff contended that defendant Raymond was negligent in operating the pickup, which rear ended plaintiff. Plaintiff also contended that Raymond's employer, defendant C-ME Trim Company, was vicariously liable for Raymond's negligent actions.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS: Defendant conceded liability but contended that defendant did not cause plaintiff's injuries because the damages to plaintiff's vehicle were minimal.

Damages

Plaintiff sought $36,166.91 in medical costs and $727,000 in future medical costs. Plaintiff also sought damages for past and future loss earnings and damages for pain and suffering.

Injuries

Plaintiff claimed he suffered injuries to his back, specifically protrusions on his L4-5 and L5-SI intervertebral discs. He had a discectomy procedure for his L5-SI intervertebral disc protrusion. Further, plaintiff claimed that he missed a full week of work because of his injuries and surgery.

Result

The parties agreed to settle the case for $1.25 million.