Facts

Defendant Mitsubishi Motors North America Inc. employed defendant Koichiro Tsutsumi. On March 18, 2007, Tsutsumi made a right turn in front of a vehicle operated by plaintiff Muslim Ahmadi, resulting in a collision. Ahmadi sued Tsutsumi and Mitsubishi.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
Plaintiff alleged that Tsutsumi had dinner and drinks with other Mitsubishi employees, including Mitsubishi's chairman, and was driving home when the accident occurred.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
The defense claimed that Tsutsumi was lost when the accident happened.

Settlement Discussions

Plaintiff demanded $400,000 and the defendants offered $150,000 in the event that plaintiff underwent surgery and $50,000 at a mandatory settlement conference.

Damages

Plaintiff sought $11,000 in medical costs, $137,000 in future medical costs, $120,000 in past loss of earnings, and $60,000 in future loss of earnings.

Injuries

Plaintiff suffered disc herniations, right arm numbness, and pain in his back, right arm, and shoulder. He also required surgery due to compressions to his cervical spine at C5-6 and C6-7.

Result

The jury found in favor of the defense.

Other Information

FILING DATE: Aug. 15, 2008.