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Personal Injury (Vehicular)
Auto v. Auto
Rear-End Collision

Brianne Chierighino and Deven Chierighino v. David De Lorenzo

Published: Jan. 8, 2000 | Result Date: Aug. 6, 1999 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |

Case number: LC041422 Verdict –  $1,040,000

Judge

Stephen D. Petersen

Court

L.A. Superior San Fernando


Attorneys

Plaintiff

David W. Berglund


Defendant

Timothy D. Hirschberg


Experts

Plaintiff

Earl Freymiller
(medical)

Laura Audell
(medical)

Robert S. Bray Jr.
(medical)

Allyson Cabot
(medical)

Jeffrey Sherman
(medical)

Kenneth M. Clark
(medical)

Robert W. Johnson CPA
(technical)

Bonnie Cardenas
(medical)

Defendant

Richard C. Rosenberg M.D.
(medical)

Robert Carl Adler
(medical)

Martin D. Levine
(medical)

Andrew L. Hunt
(technical)

Facts

The plaintiff, a 32-year-old graduate student was driving a 1995 Jeep Cherokee on Ventura freeway near the 405, when the defendant who was driving a 1994 Lexus, rear-ended plaintiff in slow-and-go traffic. The defendant admitted liability, but disputed the nature and extent of plaintiff's injuries.

Settlement Discussions

The plaintiffs made a C.C.P. Section 998 demand for $799,999. The defendants made a C.C.P. Section 998 offer for $350,000.

Specials in Evidence

$142,000 $2.1 million $250,000

Injuries

The plaintiff suffered disc herniation at C5-6, aggravation of pre-existing TMJ problems on right side, piriformis syndrome with trigger points in the back and muscles in the floor of the pelvis on the right, diskectomy and fusion at C5-6, arthroscopic removal of scar tissue.

Other Information

The defense doctors testified that plaintiff had an extensive pre-existing history of migraine headaches, TMJ problems, and neck and back problems. The plaintiff was in her last year of a Master's Program for Art Therapist. The plaintiff worked part time as a voice over artist, specializing in animal and children's voices for advertising, television and films. As a result of her injuries, she could not finish her last year at Loyola Marymount University and had to give up the hope of being an art therapist because of difficulty sitting in one place.

Deliberation

three days

Length

10 days


#88477

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