Joanna Crider v. Laura Berry
Court: Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County
Case Number: C-98-43702MT
Proceedings: Jury Trial
Judge: The Honorable Clayton Greene, Jr.
Outcome: Jury verdict for plaintiff
Incident Date: N/A
Filing Date: N/A
Disposition Date: N/A
Plaintiff: Joanna Crider
Plaintiff Attorney: Richard L. Jaklitsch
Defendant: Laura Berry
Defense Attorney: Anne Marie McGinley
Injury Claimed: Neck and back
Description of Injury: Soft tissue neck and back injuries which did not require surgery
Amount Sought: $6,380 in medical specials
Settlement Offer: $5,500
Award: $15,380
Location of Incident: N/A
Case Information: Defendant rear-ended plaintiff's vehicle at a low rate of speed. Defendant's vehicle sustained no property damage and plaintiff's vehicle sustained $196 in damage. Plaintiff suffered soft tissue injuries and treated with chiropractor for six months at which time she was involved in a second accident.
Plaintiff alleged that defendant was negligent in failing to maintain the speed of his vehicle, in failing to keep a proper lookout and in failing to maintain an assured clear distance ahead. Plaintiff further alleged that she suffered soft tissue neck and back injuries as a direct result of the accident.
Defendant contended that: (1) the impact was minimal; (2) plaintiff's injuries were insignificant; and (3) plaintiff's chiropractic treatment was excessive.