Facts

Plaintiff Mark Andrew Johnson, 40 years old at the time of the accident, was rear-ended by a truck driven by defendant Howell for defendant Yellow Freight, near the 10 and 605 freeway interchange. Johnson underwent three surgeries, two cervical and one lumbar.

Johnson sued defendants for motor vehicle negligence. Liability was admitted.

Plaintiff claimed he could never work again in any capacity. He previously worked as a service technician for Mercedes Benz, earning $95,000/year.

Defendants argued the surgeries were not the result of injuries sustained in the accident and that if plaintiff had undergone physical therapy as recommended by his pain specialist doctor, he would have recovered from his injuries and been able to return to work.

Specials in Evidence

$60,000 $3 million.

Damages

Plaintiff sought $800,000 in past earnings and asked the jury for more than $7.5 million.

Injuries

Plaintiff claimed permanent debilitating neck and back injuries following three surgical procedures. Plaintiff also claimed emotional and psychological injuries.

Result

The jury returned a $1 million verdict for plaintiff.

Deliberation

1.5 days

Poll

9-3

Length

13 days