Case: Josefina Villegas and Victoria Sandoval v. Agustin M. Viera
Court: Superior Court of San Bernardino County
Verdict: $1,300,000.00
On October 12, 2013, plaintiff Victoria Sandoval, 54, a former field worker, was a passenger seated in a vehicle operated by plaintiff Josefina Villegas. Sandoval and Villegas were lost and trying to find a relative’s birthday party. As a result, Villegas pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road, in San Bernardino County, so that Villegas could make a phone call. However, while they were stopped, their vehicle was rear-ended by a vehicle operated by Agustin Viera, who was intoxicated. Sandoval claimed injuries to her neck and Villegas claimed minor injuries that had ultimately resolved.
Sandoval and Villegas sued Viera, alleging that Viera was negligent in the operation of his vehicle. Villegas settled out of the case. Defense counsel conceded liability on behalf of Viera, who did not appear at trial.
Injuries/Damages: bulging disc, cervical; chiropractic; decreased range of motion; fusion, cervical; neck
Result: The jury found that Viera’s negligence was a substantial factor in causing Sandovals harm. It also found that Sandoval’s damages totaled $1.3 million.
$200,000 past medical cost
$200,000 future medical cost
$750,000 future non-economic loss
$50,000 future lost earnings
$100,000 past non-economic loss
$1,300,000.00 total