Johnnie Williams Jr., Jocelyn Williams v. Robert Samaro, Anheuser Busch Inc., Diane Park
Published: Oct. 14, 2003 | Result Date: Apr. 17, 2003 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: SCVSS79877 Verdict – $30,000
Judge
Court
San Bernardino Superior
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Yoshiaki C. Kubota
(Kubota & Craig PC)
Defendant
Experts
Plaintiff
Louis Escandon
(medical)
Facts
On Aug. 31, 2000, plaintiff Johnnie Williams, a 54-year-old truck driver, was driving his 1985 Chevy Caprice southbound in the No. 3 lane on Interstate 215, north of Barton Road, stopped for heavy traffic. Defendant Robert Samaro, who was driving a large tractor-trailer while in the course and scope of his employment with Anheuser Busch Inc., was two cars behind Williams. At this point, a Jeep Laredo drive by Diane Park, who was immediately in front of Samaro, stopped for traffic. Samaro stated that he stepped on his brakes, his truck skidded and then crashed into the rear-end of Park's stopped vehicle, propelling her Jeep into the plaintiff's vehicle. The plaintiff and his wife sued Samaro, Anheuser Busch and Park, alleging vehicular negligence. Samaro and Anheuser Busch Inc. disputed the nature and extent of the plaintiff's injuries and damages.
Specials in Evidence
$7, 693 $53,180
Damages
The plaintiff's vehicle was a total loss.
Injuries
The plaintiff claimed that he suffered numerous injuries to his head, neck and back. Following the accident, the plaintiff went home and self-treated his injuries. However, as his back and neck pains continued to become worse, he obtained medical treatment. Medical diagnostic procedures revealed a narrowing of disc spaces between C4-5 and at C5-6, as well as some spurring to the lumbar vertebrae. After returning to work, the plaintiff continued to have residual problems such as occasional back and neck pains which caused severe headaches.
Other Information
The jury awarded plaintiff $10,000 in economic damages and $20,000 in non-economic damages. Prior to trial, the plaintiff dismissed his claim against Park and plaintiff's wife settled her loss of consortium claim with Samaro and Anheuser Busch for $500.
Deliberation
45 minutes
Length
five days
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