Gonzalez v. Chang
Published: Feb. 11, 2006 | Result Date: Jan. 12, 2006 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: VC043671 Verdict – $8,200
Judge
Court
L.A. Superior Norwalk
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Defendant
Robert S. Shepard
(Mark R. Weiner & Associates)
Experts
Plaintiff
Roger Giani
(medical)
Defendant
Jeffrey I. Korchek
(medical)
Facts
On Jan. 14, 2003, defendant David Chang rear-ended plaintiff Gonzalez's stopped car at the intersection of Garfield Avenue and Century Boulevard in South Gate. Plaintiffs' 1994 Ford Tempo was a total loss, but photos of both vehicles revealed moderate damage.
Settlement Discussions
Each plaintiff demanded $8,000. The defendant offered $3,000 to plaintiff Gonzalez and $5,000 to plaintiff Dutchman.
Damages
$4,300 for each plaintiff.
Injuries
Plaintiff passenger Dutchman, age 82, was transported to Suburban Hospital where she was treated for a cervical strain. Plaintiff driver Gonzalez, age 27, was also treated for a cervical strain at Suburban. Three days later, the plaintiffs were seen at attorney-referred Paramount Clinic where they were diagnosed, among other things, with cervical, thoracic, lumbar sprain/strain. Both received 40 treatments over three months. Both were recovered when discharged, but both claimed a complete return of all complaints two to three months later. The defendant contended that the plaintiff's claimed injuries grew extensively bewteen their visit to the ER and their first visit to the medical clinic where they were treated on a lien. The defendant further claimed that the plaintiffs' treatment at the clinic was excessive and over-priced.
Result
Plaintiff Gonzalez: $8,200 (Economic: $1,700, Non-economic: $6,500). Plaintiff Dutchman: $11,300 (Economic: $1,700, Non-economic: $9,600).
Deliberation
four hours
Poll
12-0
Length
two days
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