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Personal Injury (Vehicular)
Automobile Accident
Negligence

Jeannine Snider v. Janis Mariner

Published: Dec. 23, 2000 | Result Date: Dec. 1, 2000 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |

Case number: 97C03721 Verdict –  $0

Judge

Michael L. Schuur

Court

L.A. Superior Van Nuys


Attorneys

Plaintiff

Chris Colburn


Defendant

Donald V. Smiley


Experts

Plaintiff

Edward A. Abraham M.D.
(medical)

Defendant

Mark Legome
(medical)

Facts

On Feb. 14, 1996, defendant Janis Mariner was driving her 1995 Montero north on the 605 freeway, intending to
take the 105 freeway westbound into LAX. As she attempted to move from the number two lane into the
number three lane in order to merge onto the 105, a small red car began to merge from the number four lane
into the number three into the same area. The defendant swerved back into the number two lane to avoid the
collision and the Montero first pivoted and then flipped over onto the drivers side and skidded to a stop on the
freeway.
The plaintiff, the defendantÆs mother and 68 years of age at the time, was seatbelted in the front passenger seat.
The plaintiff suffered a torn meniscus to the right knee which led to surgery on Dec. 31, 1999.

Settlement Discussions

The plaintiff demanded the arbitration award of $35,000 and the defendant offered $1,200.

Specials in Evidence

$6,777

Other Information

<E>PlaintiffÆs expert, Edward Abraham testified that he could not place the meniscus tear date, but because it was not symptomatic prior to the incident it was related to the action. DefendantÆs expert, Milton Legome testified that the tear was not related to the accident and the plaintiff had only suffered a bruised knee.</E> The arbitration award was issued in the amount of $35,000. The defendant requested a trial de novo.

Deliberation

15 minutes

Length

three days


#94756

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