Driver's left-turn collision results in serious injuries to passenger. $2M. Orange County.

Summary

Liability conceded but extent of injuries disputed.

The Case

Case Name: Tammy Bliss v. Mazda Motor of America, Inc.
Court and Case Number: Orange County Superior Court / 30-2016-00861733-CU-PA-CJC
Date of Verdict or Judgment: Friday, September 06, 2019
Date Action was Filed: Tuesday, July 05, 2016
Type of Action: Vehicles - Auto vs. Auto, Vehicles - Left Turn
Judge or Arbitrator(s): Hon. Sheila Fell
Plaintiffs:
Tammy Bliss, 55.
Defendants:
Mazda Motor of America, Inc.
Type of Result: Jury Verdict

The Result

Gross Verdict or Award: $2,082,500
Award as to each Defendant:
The defendant driver, a senior director for Mazda, was dismissed prior to trial.
Economic Damages:
Future medical expenses: $182,500
Non-Economic Damages:
Past pain and suffering: $400,000
Future pain and suffering: $1,500,000
Trial or Arbitration Time: 8 days.
Jury Deliberation Time: 4 hours.

The Attorneys

Attorney for the Plaintiff:
Law Offices of Brian J. Breiter, LLP by Brian Breiter and Chance Pardon, Los Angeles.
Attorney for the Defendant:
Small, Henstridge, Cabodi & Pyles, LLP by Robert Henstridge and Ladan Shelechi, Laguna Hills.

The Experts

Plaintiff’s Medical Expert(s):
Hyman Gross, M.D., neurology; Santa Monica.
Charles Rosen, M.D., orthopedic surgery (general/spine), Long Beach.
Khyber Zaffarkhan, D.O., physical medicine & rehabilitation/life care planning, Newport Beach.
Deborah Cresswell, Ph.D., psychology; Encino.
Defendant's Medical Expert(s):
Gregory Whitman, M.D., neurology; Irvine.
Kent Adamson, M.D., orthopedic surgery, Mission Viejo.
Frederic Edelman, M.D., neurosurgery, Los Angeles.
Manuel Saint Martin, M.D., J.D., psychiatry, Los Angeles.

Facts and Background

Facts and Background:
On September 15, 2015, plaintiff was a passenger in a vehicle driven by John Abel, an employee of defendant Mazda Motor of America, Inc., in the course and scope of his employment. They were involved in a vehicle collision at the intersection of MacArthur Boulevard and Redhill Avenue in the City of Irvine.
Mr. Abel made a left turn against a red arrow, causing the collision. Both vehicles were totaled and plaintiffs was transported to the hospital via ambulance. Plaintiff received consistent treatment from healthcare providers through the time of trial.
Plaintiff's Contentions:
That defendant's negligent driving caused all of plaintiff's injuries.
Defendant's Contentions:
Defendant conceded the disc surgery and damages related to same. Plaintiff also claimed a mild TBI (Dr. Gross plaintiff neurologist), spinal cord compression – permanent ataxia (gait instability permanent), adjacent disc level replacement within several years, total shoulder replacement – within 10 years (left arm) and AC joint surgery present (left arm ) by Dr. Rosen – orthopedic spine surgeon. Live-in home nursing care within the next year for the rest of plaintiff’s life (Dr. Rosen and Dr. Zaffarkhan – life care planner and pain medicine specialist. PTSD and chronic depression (Dr. Gross and Dr. Cresswell PHD. psychologist.)
Defense experts disagreed with claims of TBI, PTSD, total shoulder replacement, gait instability, life-time in-home care and adjacent level surgery.

Injuries and Other Damages

Physical Injuries claimed by Plaintiff:
Disc herniation and extrusion at C5-C6-C7 that resulted in an artificial disc replacement at those two levels. Concussion and post-concussion syndrome resulting in balance issues. Traumatic arthritis to left shoulder.

Demands and Offers

Plaintiff §998 Demand: $1,497,746
Defendant §998 Offer: $503,000
Defendant Final Offer before Trial: $603,000

Additional Notes

Plaintiff's initial pre-trial demand was $2,500,000. Plaintiff then served a 998 for $1,497,746. Defendant initially offered $275,000 pre-trial and then served a 998 for $503,000. Defendant's final pre-trial offer was for $603,000.

Per defense counsel:

Plaintiff asked jury to award $11+ million in damages in closing argument.

Plaintiff demanded $6 million to settle while the jury was deliberating.

Defense offer was $650,000 prior to the start of plaintiff’s case in chief.

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Disclaimer

This is not an official court document. While the publisher believes the information to be accurate, the publisher does not guarantee it and the reader is advised not to rely upon it without consulting the official court documents or the attorneys of record in this matter who are listed above.