Facts

On Sept. 17, 2017, plaintiff Ibrahim Mohammed, 38, a rideshare driver and videographer, was operating his vehicle on Aviation Boulevard in Torrance, when it was rear-ended by a vehicle operated by John Nylund. Mohammed claimed injuries to his neck and back.

Mohammed sued John Nylund, as well as Andrea Nylund. Mohammed alleged that Mr. Nylund was negligent in the operation of his vehicle.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS: Mohammed alleged that Mrs. Nylund was vicariously liable for Mr. Nylund's actions. Mrs. Nylund was dismissed from the case before trial.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS: The Nylunds admitted liability for the accident.

Injuries

Mohammed presented to urgent care that day and was discharged to follow up with his primary care physician. He claimed he sustained an aggravation of pre-existing herniations at C4-5 and C5-6. He ultimately was recommended to undergo but did not actually receive an artificial disc replacement at C4-C5. He had two epidural injections for his C5-6 injury and a recommendation for surgery in 2019. Mohammed did not get surgery. He sought future medical costs for the C5-6 surgery. He sought recovery for his past and future medical costs and for his past and future pain and suffering.

Result

The jury found that Mr. Nylund's negligence was a substantial factor in causing harm to Mohammed. The jury awarded Mohammed $435,000 ($175,000 future medical cost; $60,000 past pain suffering; $200,000 future pain and suffering)

Deliberation

Three hours

Length

Three days