Facts

On Dec. 1, 2017, plaintiff Selim Helvacioglu, 30s, a product designer, was operating his vehicle northbound on North Martel Avenue in Santa Monica. Subsequently, his vehicle was broadsided by a vehicle operated by Lawrence Madaras, who was traveling westbound on 3rd Street.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS: Helvacioglu alleged that Madaras was negligent in the operation of his vehicle.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS: Madaras admitted liability for the incident.

Injuries

Helvacioglu was not taken to the hospital after but did present for medical treatment shortly after the incident. He claimed he sustained a herniation at C5-6. For treatment, he had epidural injections, a few months after the accident. He then did not have any treatment for approximately years. He can still work, but was recommended an artificial disc replacement surgery a month before trial at the subject level by Dr. Stepan Kasimian. Helvacioglu sought recovery for his future medical costs for the surgery and his past and future pain and suffering. Defense disputed that Helvacioglu sustained injury from the subject accident and contended that his injury was pre-existing. Specifically, defense's expert in spinal surgery opined that the subject disc was desiccated and that Helvacioglu did not need the future surgery.

Result

The jury found that Madaras' negligence was a substantial factor in causing Helvacioglu harm. The jury awarded Helvacioglu $750,000 (Future Economics: $250,000; Past Non Economics: $200,000; Future Non Economics: $300,000)

Deliberation

Three hours

Length

Four days