Karla Davis v. William J. Herbert
Court: Prince George's County Circuit Court
Case Number: CAL 99-14824
Proceedings: Jury Trial
Judge: The Honorable Judge Lombardi
Outcome: Jury returned plaintiff verdict
Incident Date: October 16, 1997
Filing Date: February 19, 1999
Disposition Date: February 7, 2001
Plaintiff: Karla Davis
Plaintiff Attorney: Richard L. Jaklitsch (Law Office of Richard L. Jaklitsch)
Defendant: William J. Herbert
Defense Attorney: J. Charles Szczesny (Budow and Noble)
Injury Claimed: Neck and back
Description of Injury: Headaches, jaw, neck, shoulder, back, both arms and abdomen
Amount Sought: Last Demand - $20,000
Settlement Offered: Pre-Trial - $5,000; Trial - $12,000
Award: $38,593.61
Location of incident: Deale, Maryland
Case Information: Defendant made a left turn across the path of Plaintiff causing the accident. Defendant admitted liability and tried the case on damages. Defense took issue with the approximately $6,000 in bills, mostly chiropractic care which occurred months after Plaintiff had discontinued treatment with an orthopedic doctor. The jury awarded $3,203.61 in medical expenses, $4,550 in lost wages and $30,840 in pain and suffering, for a total damage award of $38,593.61. Defendant had offered $5,000 before trial, and $12,000 once the trial had begun. Plaintiff wanted $20,000 to settle.