Facts

Armando Rodriguez was involved in vehicular accident with George Koken. He sued Koken. An arbitration of the matter took place.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
Plaintiff alleged that after he drove off of the 170 freeway in Los Angeles, he stopped, at which point Koken's vehicle rear-ended plaintiff's vehicle. Plaintiff claimed that defendant drove his vehicle in a negligent manner.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
Koken argued that when plaintiff stopped, following his exit off the freeway, he halted abruptly. In addition, defendant claimed that plaintiff's injuries were not severe and challenged the extent of the alleged injuries.

Settlement Discussions

Plaintiff demanded $200,000 under CCP Section 998 and the defense offered $15,000 under CCP Section 998.

Specials in Evidence

$118,522 $50,000 $90,000

Injuries

Rodriguez suffered back and neck injuries, including herniated discs at L5-S1 and L4-5, nerve impingement, radiculitis, radiculopathy and rhizotomy. He received chiropractic treatment, epidural injections and physical therapy.

Result

The arbitrator's award granted $75,000 to Rodriguez.