Facts

On Feb. 9, 2003, plaintiff Liberty Lightfoot, a 55-year-old hynotherapist, was a passenger in a 1991 Chevy pickup when the pickup was rear-ended by defendant Michael Plantenga driving a 1999 Ford Expedition. Plaintiff was not injured at the scene, but later developed injuries.

The vehicle Lightfoot was a passenger in was declared a total loss. Defendant's vehicle was repaired for $5,500.

Plaintiff claimed she later developed muscle soreness and stiffness. She began chiropractic treatment and continued it over the next four years. Plaintiff was unable to work as a hynotherapist due to her injuries.

Defendant disputed the extent of plaintiff's claimed injuries.

Settlement Discussions

Plaintiff made a CCP 998 demand for $100,000 on Aug. 6, 2006. Defendant made a CCP 998 offer for $15,001 on May 30, 2007.

Injuries

Plaintiff claimed a shoulder sprain/strain; lumbosacral sprain/strain; thoracic sprain/strain; cervical segmental dysfunction; sciatica; cervicalgia; rib segmental dysfunction.

Result

The jury awarded plaintiff $38,500 ($21,000 past economic; $7,500 future economic; $10,000 past non-economic).

Other Information

Defendant's insurance carrier was The Auto Club.