Severe Accident with Continuing Psychological Trauma
February 2018, Plaintiff sought over $3,000,000 after our client, an employee of an entertainment company, rear-ended his motorcycle on the freeway. Plaintiff required a knee surgery which we conceded was caused by the accident. Plaintiff also claimed that he had serious psychological problems including the need to use the restroom every time that he got into an automobile.
Plaintiff refused to reasonably negotiate prior to trial. The matter was tried to verdict in San Bernardino by Scott Macdonald and Nadin Said, with trial support from Laura Reichenbach. The jury returned a verdict of $280,000. The parties entered into a high/low agreement at trial which was a significant relief to our client who was concerned about exposure over their commercial policy CGL limits.
Following trial, plaintiff continued to be disappointed with the result and sought significant costs. Of the costs sought, the Judge awarded roughly $16,500. The matter was resolved by way of request for dismissal and settlement agreement, and no judgment was entered against our clients.