Confidential
Settlement – $175,000Judge
Court
L.A. Superior Pomona
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Defendant
Experts
Plaintiff
Walter Bramson
(medical)
Jeffrey Kantor
(medical)
Edwin Ashley
(medical)
Defendant
Jon J. Hanlon
(medical)
Facts
Amber Beatty, the plaintiff, 27, was driving west on Arrow Highway in Los Angeles when her vehicle collided with a vehicle driven by Carl Elzy. Elzy, who was traveling east on Arrow Highway, made a left turn off the highway right in front of Beatty. The front of his vehicle struck the front of Beatty's vehicle, causing her vehicle to spin and hit another vehicle. Beatty, who is an emergency room nurse, sued Elzy and his employer, Bechtel Corp. Beatty claimed that Elzy made an unsafe left turn. The defense did not dispute liability. The defense contended that after her surgery and subsequent therapy, the plaintiff was not impaired from working. The defense's expert witness, John Hanlon, a hand surgeon, testified that the plaintiff needed no further treatment for her wrist and was capable of returning to work. The defense further contended that the plaintiff's lost future income claim was unreasonable because the plaintiff was in the process of receiving an advanced nursing degree that would enable her to receive a greater salary.
Settlement Discussions
The plaintiff demanded $300,000 and the defendants offered $96,000.
Specials in Evidence
$20,000 $40,000 The plaintiff claimed an unspecified amount of damages for loss of future income.
Damages
The plaintiff claimed an unspecified amount in damages for past and future pain and suffering.
Injuries
The plaintiff claimed injuries to her neck and back, as well as a fracture to her wrist. The plaintiff's wrist injury was so severe, she claimed she could no longer work. The plaintiff underwent surgery and physical therapy before she was able to return to work. The plaintiff claimed she continued to suffer residual pain and loss of strength in her hand.
Result
The parties settled for $175,000.
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