Auto vs. Bus - Head on Collision - Settled for $1 million
PERSONAL INJURY
Auto v Bus
Head-On Collision
SETTLEMENT: $1 million.
COURTIDATE: San Bernardino Superior I Feb.11, 2002.
ATTORNEYS: Plaintiff - R. Shawn Nelson (Rizio& Nelson,Santa Ana).
DEFENDANT: Harry Carpelan (Brunick,Battersby, McElhaney & Beckett, San Bernardino).
TECHNICAL EXPERTS:
Plaintiff -
Peter Formuzis, economist, Santa Ana;
Brian Hopkins, CPA,Orange;
MichaelBonneau, Cational rehabilitation, GardenGrove.
Defendant-
JubinMerati, Ph.D.economist, Los Angeles
Edward L. Bennett, vocationational rehabilitation, Santa Barbara.
MEDICAL EXPERTS:
Plaintiff-
Michae Kania, psychology,
Redland; David Doty, M.D., orthopedic surgeon,
Colton; James Rho, M.D., pain management, Colton.
Defendant - Gary Pointer, M.D., orthopedic
surgeon, Loma Linda; Craig C. Rath,
psychologist, San Bernardino.
FACTS & CONTENTIONS:
The plaintiff was driving his work Truck during the afternoon of June 23, 2000 up Old Waterman, Canyon Rd. in San Bernardino. The defendant's school bus was being driven down the mountain and crossed the double yellow divider and hit the plaintiff head-on. The plaintiff suffered back and knee pain resulting in
arthroscopic surgery to each knee. The plaintiff was unable to continue' his occupations as a self-employed refrigeration contractor due to his back pain ' and, within one year of the accident, his business closed. The plaintiff contended that the defendant had driven down the mountain in a negligent manner. The defendant admitted liability.
INJURIES:
The plaintiff's wife included her loss of consortium claim in the settlement.
SPECIALS IN EVIDENCE:
MEDS, $55,000; future MEDS $48,000; LOE,$80.000; Future LOE $370,000.
