California State Jury Awards 10-Year-Old $10.8 Million After Suffering Traumatic Brain Injury As Seat-Belted Passenger In Vehicle That Was Rear-Ended
On March 30, 2012, plaintiff M.C., a 10-year-old female, sustained catastrophic injuries when defendant Victor Mathews rear-ended the motor vehicle in which plaintiff was riding as a seat-belted passenger. Plaintiff's injuries included fractures and a traumatic brain injury. Plaintiff left the hospital with a spine and neck brace and with her jaw wired shut for six weeks. She missed the rest of the school year, and underwent brain surgery six months after the collision. Plaintiff alleged that after the brain surgery, she continued to suffer blurred vision, headaches, and difficulty with school.
Plaintiff filed a complaint against defendant on Sept. 16, 2014, in the Superior Court of Los Angeles County. Defendant admitted liability, but disputed the extent of damages claimed by plaintiff. At trial, the defense asked the jury to award $0 for future medical expenses, a range of $350,000-$700,000 for past pain and suffering, and $0 for future pain and suffering. The defense also asked the jury to award $0 for future lost wages. Following a trial before Judge Michele Flurer, on April 25, 2017, the jury returned a verdict awarding plaintiff $10,778,626.
Plaintiff was represented by Christopher Montes de Oca of Law Offices of Christopher Montes de Oca, Artin Yadegarian of Law Offices of Artin Yadegarian, and Stewart H. Lim of Stewart H. Lim & Associates.
View the complete summary on Lexis Advance here: M.C. v. Victor Mathews; 2017 Jury Verdicts LEXIS 1162
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