This is the property of the Daily Journal Corporation and fully protected by copyright. It is made available only to Daily Journal subscribers for personal or collaborative purposes and may not be distributed, reproduced, modified, stored or transferred without written permission. Please click "Reprint" to order presentation-ready copies to distribute to clients or use in commercial marketing materials or for permission to post on a website. and copyright (showing year of publication) at the bottom.

Personal Injury
Auto v. Auto
Rear-End Collision

Tina Mendez, Guillermo Mendez v. Carol Lynn Hall

Published: Jul. 16, 2005 | Result Date: Apr. 29, 2005 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |

Case number: TC017753 Verdict –  $0

Judge

William P. Barry

Court

L.A. Superior Compton


Attorneys

Plaintiff

Bernard M. Laufer

Bradley J. Husen


Defendant

Michael G. Hogan
(Raffalow Rhoads & Bretoi)


Experts

Plaintiff

Mark Lauffer
(medical)

Sean Kono
(medical)

Defendant

Milton E. Legome M.D.
(medical)

Facts

Guillermo Mendez, a 33-year-old construction worker, was driving his Nissan Maxima on the northbound I-605 freeway in Cerritos. His passengers included his 32-year-old wife, Tina Mendez and Carlos Velasquez, a 35-year-old warehouse clerk. A Ford Ranger driven by Carol Hall rear-ended Mendez's vehicle. The Mendezes sued Hall, alleging vehicular negligence. Velasquez brought a separate lawsuit against Hall, but the two cases were consolidated.

Settlement Discussions

Guillermo Mendez demanded $4,000 (C.C.P. 998); Tina Mendez demanded $6,000 (C.C.P. 998); Carlos Velasquez demanded $8,600. The defendant made a C.C.P. Section 998 offer of $500 to each plaintiff.

Specials in Evidence

$3,890 (Guillermo Mendez); $7,840 (Tina Mendez); $2,645 (Carlos Velasquez) $2,000 (Guillermo Mendez)

Damages

$6,000 in damages to the plaintiffs' car.

Injuries

The plaintiffs claimed they suffered from soft-tissue injuries to their necks and backs. Tina Mendez claimed she suffered from severe headaches.

Result

Defense

Deliberation

1.25 hours

Poll

12-0 (negligence), 9-3 (causation)

Length

four days


#93603

For reprint rights or to order a copy of your photo:

Email jeremy@reprintpros.com for prices.
Direct dial: 949-702-5390