Facts

Julia Ortiz sued Emmy Tjoeng, based on a traffic accident.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
Ortiz claimed that on Aug. 8, 2010, she was riding in a vehicle owned by the City of Montebello, and driven by Esperanza Garcia. The vehicle was hit by another vehicle, driven by Tjoeng, as it entered an intersection. Ortiz argued that defendant had been driving recklessly by making an unsafe turn and causing the accident.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
Tjoeng argued that Ortiz's injuries from the accident were not serious, and that she only sustained contusions to her elbow and knee. She claimed that most of Ortiz's problems were due to another accident she suffered at a later time.

Settlement Discussions

Ortiz offered to settle for $85,000. Tjoeng offered $30,000.

Damages

Ortiz sought $30,000 for her medical costs and $164,750 for her pain and suffering.

Injuries

Ortiz injured her knees and elbow. A doctor later diagnosed her with bursitis on her left hip, and treated it with physical therapy and cortisone injections. Ortiz was later diagnosed with chondromalacia in her left knee, and piriformis syndrome in her left hip.

Result

The jury ruled in favor of the defense, finding that Tjoeng did not cause Ortiz's injuries.