Trial Magazine

While Doe was stopped in traffic, Roe rear-ended his vehicle, which caused Doe to hit the vehicle directly in front of him. Doe exacerbated his preexisting spinal condition and now has increased back pain. He anticipates requiring additional surgery to decompress his spine at L4-S1. He was unable to keep his job as a pool cleaner earning about $1,200 monthly.

Doe sued Roe, alleging liability for the rear-end collision. The defense argued that Doe’s symptoms resulted from his preexisting condition and that he does not require additional surgery.

The parties settled for $101,000.

Citation: Doe v. Roe, Undisclosed Dkt. No. (Cal. Super. Ct. Orange Cnty. Jan. 30, 2017).

Plaintiff counsel: AAJ member Jeffrey A. Milman, Irvine, Calif.

Plaintiff experts: Devin K. Binder, neurosurgery, Fountain Valley, Calif.; and Matthew Harris, pain management, Laguna Hills, Calif.

Defense expert: Michael P. Weinstein, orthopedic surgery, Newport Beach, Calif.