Vehicle collides with motorcycle, torn ACL. $350K. San Bernardino County.

Summary

Torn ACL results from motorcyle and auto collision.

The Case

Case Name: Chase Henrich v. Veronica Hackbarth
Court and Case Number: San Bernardino Superior Court / CIVDS1416506
Date of Verdict or Judgment: Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Type of Action: Vehicles - Motorcycle
Judge or Arbitrator(s): Hon. Donna Gunnell Garza
Plaintiffs:
Chase Henrich, 24
Defendants:
Veronica Hackbarth
Type of Result: Jury Verdict

The Result

Gross Verdict or Award: $349,934.81
Net Verdict or Award: $349,934.81, plus costs.
Trial or Arbitration Time: 4 days.

The Attorneys

Attorney for the Plaintiff:
Traut Firm by James R. Traut and Taylor Traut, Santa Ana.
Attorney for the Defendant:
Law Offices of Vivian Schwartz by Valerie D. Morris, San Bernardino.

The Experts

Plaintiff’s Medical Expert(s):
Steven Bast, M.D., orthopedic surgery, Covina.
Ben Duncan, P.T., physical therapy, Rancho Cucamonga.
Defendant's Medical Expert(s):
Ralph Venuto, M.D., orthopedic surgery, Newport Beach.
Plaintiff's Technical Expert(s):
Catherine Graves, MBA, CPA, lost earnings, Fullerton.
Agnes Grogan, R.N., medical expenses, Huntington Beach.

Facts and Background

Facts and Background:
On September 25, 2014 defendant collided with the 24-year-old plaintiff, who was seated on his motorcycle.
Defendant's Contentions:
Defendant admitted liability, but disputed the cause, nature, and extent of plaintiff's injuries and economic damages.

Injuries and Other Damages

Physical Injuries claimed by Plaintiff:
Plaintiff claimed a tom ACL in one knee.

Special Damages

Special Damages Claimed - Past Medical: $30,364.50
Special Damages Claimed - Past Lost Earnings: $19,570.31

Demands and Offers

Plaintiff §998 Demand: $475,000
Plaintiff Final Demand before Trial: $300,000
Defendant Final Offer before Trial: $185,000

Additional Notes

Carrier: Farmers Insurance.

The settlement offers were made on the morning of the start of trial.

Per defense counsel: Plaintiff did not recover expert witness fees because the jury verdict was less than plaintiff's CCP 998 offer of $475,000.

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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.