Frank Fratello · David Thompson
Motor Vehicle Collision (rear-end) $2,118,049.94 Verdict
December 19, 2024 6:30 PM||
On March 3, 2023, Angelique Johnson-Deese, 27 years old was slowing down to make a right-hand turn into a shopping center to pay her utilities bill.Defendant Christian Byrd was making deliveries for Defendant Frito-Lay in one of their box trucks.He hit the driver’s rear of Angelique’s car and the jolt from the impact caused injuries to her spine.After being released from the scene, Angelique went to the emergency room complaining of neck and back pains.She’s been undergoing pain management injections and nerve burns to her neck and back ever since.Angelique’s life was derailed by this collision.In October 2024, the attorneys for Angelique were able to put her life back on track with a Verdict that accounts for her medical needs and loss of enjoyment of life.
The case dealt with the following issues:
- Defendants admitted negligence and were allowed to tell the jury that they were taking responsibility.
- Presenting a young client that looked perfectly healthy and happy.Angelique continued to work throughout her treatment, was able to do most of her activities, and was even able to continue working out after the collision.
- There was a 60-day gap of no treatment from March 13, 2023 (just 10 days after the collision) until May 5, 2023 (when she finally got her MRIs done).
- Angelique had facet joint injuries/pains.These joints are small and whiplash can cause “invisible” tears in the joint itself.In fact, her imaging studies did not show any significant findings in the facet joints.All treating and retained doctors agreed that she was not a surgical candidate.
- This case was a true test of whether a jury would award non-economic damages where an award of future medical care (economic damages) would allow Angelique to maintain her lifestyle.
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