Medical treatment delayed after T-bone accident. Defense offered $4K. $113,000 verdict. Los Angeles County.

Summary

T-bone accident occurs as defendant exits driveway. Causation disputed.

The Case

Case Name: Sebastian Mego v. Anca Stefanescu
Court and Case Number: Los Angeles Superior Court / BC505051
Date of Verdict or Judgment: Friday, October 24, 2014
Date Action was Filed: Friday, April 05, 2013
Type of Action: Vehicles - Auto vs. Auto
Judge or Arbitrator(s): Hon. Anthony J. Mohr
Plaintiffs:
Sebastian Mego, singer/dancer, 24
Defendants:
Anca Stefanescu
Type of Result: Jury Verdict

The Result

Gross Verdict or Award: $113,375
Economic Damages:
$49,295
Non-Economic Damages:
$64,080
Trial or Arbitration Time: 4 days
Jury Deliberation Time: Approximately 2 hours
Jury Polls: 11-1

The Attorneys

Attorney for the Plaintiff:
Webb & Beecher by Brian G. Beecher, Los Angeles.
Attorney for the Defendant:
Early, Maslach & Hartsuyker by Elizabeth M. Chidi, Los Angeles.

The Experts

Plaintiff’s Medical Expert(s):
Roy Simon, M.D., pain management, Torrance.
Defendant's Medical Expert(s):
Steven Nagelberg, M.D. (kept from testifying by motion in limine)

Facts and Background

Facts and Background:
According to plaintiff, plaintiff's passenger and defendant's passenger, defendant pulled out of her private driveway and T-boned the passenger side of plaintiff's motor vehicle on March 16, 2013 in Hollywood. Her driveway was perpendicular to the road. Defendant claimed plaintiff hit her vehicle and that she was at a complete stop. Police were called from the scene, but did not come to the scene as no one was obviously hurt at the time.
Plaintiff first treated for back pain with a medical provider in April 2013, and did not treat with a medical provider again until July 2014. In October 2014, plaintiff underwent epidural and facet injections with little relief.
Plaintiff's Contentions:
That defendant caused him to suffer 2mm disc bulges (herniated disk) at L4-L5 and L5-S1, as a result of the collision.
Defendant's Contentions:
Defendant driver disputed plaintiff's version of how the accident occurred and denied that she caused any injuries to plaintiff as a result of the collision.

Injuries and Other Damages

Physical Injuries claimed by Plaintiff:
Plaintiff suffered permanent back injuries from the crash.
Cost of repair of plaintiff's vehicle - $8,971.61

Special Damages

Special Damages Claimed - Past Medical: Approx. $18,500
Special Damages Claimed - Future Medical: Approx. $30,000. Per defense counsel, plaintiff also asked for $25,000 for stem cell treatment plus $250,000 for future surgery.
Special Damages Claimed - Past Lost Earnings: None
Special Damages Claimed - Future Lost Earnings: None

Demands and Offers

Plaintiff §998 Demand: $15,000 (August, 2013)
Defendant §998 Offer: $4,001 (November, 2013)

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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.