Facts

Ansar Muhammad sued Genevieve Schwarzkopf, in connection with an automobile accident.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
Plaintiff alleged that defendant reversed into her vehicle while she was at a complete stop in a parking lot. Plaintiff was injured as a result, and sued defendant for negligence. Plaintiff accused defendant of unsafely reversing into her sports utility vehicle.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
Defendant asserted that plaintiff was partly to blame for the collision, claiming that plaintiff had seen her backing up, but refused to move to accommodate her vehicle. Defendant also disputed the extent of her claimed injuries. Moreover, defendant claimed that the impact was not so severe so as to cause her claimed injuries. Rather, defendant claimed that plaintiff's back issues were a result of her occupation as a truck driver.

Settlement Discussions

Plaintiff made a CCP 998 demand of $20,000. Defendant offered $10,000.

Damages

Plaintiff requested $21,556 for past medical expenses, $35,000 for past pain and suffering, and $15,000 for future pain and suffering.

Injuries

Plaintiff sustained injuries to her back. She continued to experience pain on her back, limiting her activities.

Result

The jury found defendant 100 percent at fault for the accident, and awarded plaintiff $39,556 in total damages, which included $21,556 in past medical expenses and $18,000 in past pain and suffering.

Other Information

INSURER: State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co.

Deliberation

three hours

Poll

12-0

Length

six days