Clark Hill Obtains Win in Los Angeles Transportation Case

Noelle Natoli, a Member in Clark Hill's Los Angeles office, recently obtained a significant win for the defense after a three-week jury trial. The case involved a low-impact rear-end collision involving two passenger vehicles. The plaintiff claimed $1,100,000 in past medical expenses. Natoli, with the assistance of Senior Attorney, Maryam Danishwar, successfully argued the medical liens represented over-inflated medical expenses and were not reasonable and necessary.

Plaintiff’s counsel asked the jury for an award of $7,100,000. The jury returned a verdict of $10,000 for past medical expenses and $15,000 for past pain and suffering, with no award for future special or general damages. Since there were CCP Section 998 offers made by both sides, defendant may recover his costs and expert witness fees.

The case is Maria Salazar v. Andrew Galker, LASC Case No. BC 561566