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Personal Injury
Auto v. Auto
Rear-End Collision

Pannella v. Water Heaters & More

Published: Dec. 24, 2002 | Result Date: Nov. 18, 2002 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |

Case number: C0101639 Verdict –  $284

Judge

James R. Trembath

Court

Contra Costa Superior


Attorneys

Plaintiff

Blake Bolton

Stuart A. Safine


Defendant

Christopher L. Patton
(Patton Trial Group)


Facts

The defendant admitted liability in a rear-end accident. The plaintiff had a prior fracture at C5-6 with subsequent fusion. The plaintiff had also been treated for a brachial plexus injury (thoracic outlet syndrome). The plaintiff claimed an aggravation of thoracic outlet syndrome with permanent disability. The defendant claimed that all the injuries pre-dated the accident.

Settlement Discussions

The plaintiff submitted a demand of $750,000; the defendant offered a waiver of costs.

Specials in Evidence

$20,000 $112,000 $500,000 $50,000

Other Information

The plaintiff was awarded $7,500 at non-binding arbitration; the plaintiff then requested trial de novo. The defendant filed a post-trial motion for costs.

Deliberation

two hours

Poll

11-1

Length

five days


#80976

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