A driver who claimed neck and back injuries from a significant impact was awarded $24,584. Omar Rios was driving in Dallas when he was rear-ended by Anthony Davis. Rios claimed sprains and strains and a herniation/protrusion at L5-S1. He underwent physical therapy and chiropractic care for four months. He sought nearly $60,000 in damages. The defense argued that the treatment and charges were excessive; that Rios sustained, at most, a mild soft-tissue strain that resolved by the end of his treatment; that up to six visits over three weeks would have been reasonable and necessary; and that the MRIs were not indicated, in part because there were no objective signs of radiculopathy. Rios v. Davis, No. CC-15-03702-E, D Court: Dallas County Court at Law No. 5 Plaintiff Attorney: Damon Mathias, Mathias Raphael PLLC, Dallas Defense Attorney: John M. Fowler, Lauren S. Shaw & Associates, Addison
Jury Awards Man Hit in Parked Car
A man who was eating lunch in a parked car was awarded $1,471 on his claim that he injured his back and neck. Jose Vallejo was in a parked pickup truck that was hit by a camper towed by Amir Semenoff. Vallejo claimed neck and back sprains and strains; a 2- to 3-millimeter lumbar herniation; hypolordosis; cervical trigger points, suboccipital neuritis and facet syndrome; and right knee pain. Defense counsel argued that the impact was minor and the treatment was excessive and unreasonably expensive. Defense counsel asked the jury to do whatever it thought was right. Vallejo v. Newton, No. DC-15-00823 Court: 193rd Dallas County District Court Plaintiff Attorney: Samantha Sabroski, Ben Abbott & Associates, Garland Defense Attorney: John W. Stilwell, Law Office of John Stilwell, Plano
