A 37-year-old mother and her two children, ages 16 and 14, were broadsided by another vehicle while traveling together. The mother suffered a concussion from the accident as well as cervical and lumbar sprains and strains with cervical radicular symptoms. She was also diagnosed with a left acromioclavicular joint tear, a left shoulder internal derangement with positive impingement sign, a rib contusion and costochondritis. She underwent six surgeries within the span of 18 months. The children in the accident suffered soft tissue injuries, abrasions and contusions to their faces and bodies. The driver of the other vehicle was an employee of the State, driving a state-owned vehicle during the course and scope of his employment. The Plaintiffs brought a claim against the State, and the State admitted liability. The matter proceeded on to address damages only, with the parties negotiating a $2.5 million pretrial settlement established via mediation.
Settlement: $2,500,000
Case name: April Macias, Korin Macias and Michael Macias v. State of California
Court: Kings County Superior Court, Corcoran