Kristina Anne Ruys v. Jennifer Francis Carmen Gotfrid
Published: Apr. 18, 2009 | Result Date: Nov. 25, 2008 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: SCV236703 Verdict – $10,874
Court
Sonoma Superior
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Rachael R.J. Erickson
(Cochran Erickson PC)
Defendant
Steven C. Mitchell
(Geary, Shea, O'Donnell, Grattan & Mitchell PC)
Experts
Plaintiff
Jack E. Miller
(medical)
Edgar O. Angelone Ph.D.
(medical)
Defendant
John W. Podboy
(medical)
Joel Reiter
(medical)
Facts
On June 3, 2003, plaintiff Kristina Anne Ruys, a 24-year-old mortgage broker, was rear-ended by defendant Jennifer Francis Carmon Gotfrid while stopped at a red light. Gotfrid had a blood alcohol level of .22. Ruys filed suit and Gotfrid did not deny liability.
Settlement Discussions
Plaintiff made a C.C.P. section 998 demand of $89,000 and defendant offered $40,000.
Damages
The plaintiff asked for an award of $382,000. The defendant proposed an award between $5,000 and $15,000.
Injuries
The plaintiff claimed cognitive impairment, difficulty concentrating, memory loss, depressions, sprains, vertigo, and depression among other injuries.
Result
The jury awarded plaintiff $10,874; specifically $5,970 for past medicals, $504 for past lost earnings, plus $5,000 for pain and suffering.
Other Information
INSURER: Mercury Insurance Group. According to plaintiff's counsel, defense attorneys did an excellent job of discrediting the plaintiff for her past marijuana use, poor selections of boyfriends and failure to seek medical care on a consistent basis. The plaintiff is very attractive, has done prior modeling, and has a job as an escrow officer. Proving cognitive impairment was difficult.
Deliberation
half day
Length
six days
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