Facts

On Dec. 15, 2016, plaintiff Jennefer Jones, a 57-year-old golf instructor, was bitten and pulled to the ground by defendant Mathew Epstein's dog in Laguna Niguel.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS: Plaintiff claimed that as a result of the bite, plaintiff suffered radial tunnel syndrome and as a result of being pulled to the ground plaintiff suffered lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow).

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS: Defense, State Farm, disputed there was a bite, disputed there was a fall, and claimed that plaintiff's injuries were related to age, deconditioning and the fact that she continued to both play and teach golf after the incident. Defendant claimed that plaintiff's past and suffering is related to her history of depression and alcoholism.

Insurer

State Farm

Settlement Discussions

Plaintiff demanded $119,000 on the eve of trial. Defense's best and final was $75,000.

Specials in Evidence

Meds: $46,000 Future Meds: $37,250

Result

The jury returned a verdict in favor of plaintiff for $309,250.

Deliberation

one day

Poll

12-0 (liability), 12-0 (causation), 12-0 (past medical expenses), 12-0 (future medical expenses), 10-2 (past pain and suffering), 9-3 (future pain and suffering)

Length

six days