Facts

On May 18, 2016, plaintiff Walter Solorzano was rear-ended by defendant Elizabeth Dana on Interstate-405 south in West Los Angeles. Defendant contested the extent and nature of plaintiff's injuries.

PLAINTIF'S CONTENTIONS: Plaintiff contended that he had no pre-existing conditions nor had he ever been injured. Plaintiff contended that the accident was the sole cause of the injuries.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS: Defendant contended that plaintiff's injuries were not caused by the accident, and were more degenerative in nature.

Insurer

Mercury

Settlement Discussions

Plaintiff served a CCP 998 for policy limits of $100,000 in 2019. Defendant served one in 2019 for $30,000. Defendant later served another one in 2021 for $100,000.

Injuries

Five days later plaintiff went to a chiropractor and two months later got MRIs. Six months later, plaintiff was referred for pain management. Plaintiff received two epidurals 1 1/2 years later after a recommendation. Another 1 1/2 years later plaintiff was seen by a neuroradiologist who performed two rhizotomies and two discectomies.

Result

Plaintiff's verdict for $374,500.

Deliberation

six hours

Poll

10-2 (damages) 12-0 (substantial factor)

Length

nine days