$14,000 Cook County Jury Verdict for Rear-End Crash

On Oct. 30, 2009, Filberto Meza, 37, was traveling eastbound on 25^th Street at Central in Cicero, Ill., when his car crashed into the rear end of a stopped motor vehicle. Juan Magana and Raquel Magana were driver and passenger in that car. Juan Magana, 27, a custodian, suffered aggravation of a pre-existing herniated disc at L5-S1, his low back and sacrum. He had been receiving treatment for that herniation during the previous year. He had undergone physical therapy and was scheduled to be discharged from care after his next scheduled appointment three days later.

Because of this crash, Juan returned to “square one,” which required additional medical treatments including injections. Juan’s wife, Raquel, suffered soft tissue injuries in the crash.

The defendant, Meza, admitted that he was negligent, but maintained that both Juan and Raquel were not injured to the extent that they claimed. At the close of evidence, the jury deliberated for two hours before reaching a verdict of $14,809. $10,947 was the verdict for Juan made up of the following damages:

$10,947 for medical expenses;
$0 for pain and suffering and disability.

The jury returned a verdict for only medical expenses for Raquel Magana as well, which totaled $3,862.

The attorney representing the Magana family was Lynne Plum Buffey.

Before trial, the demand to settle the case was $15,000. The only offer made before trial was $1,500.

Juan Magana and Raquel Magana v. Filberto Meza, No. 11 L 11285 (Cook County, Ill.).

Kreisman Law Offices has been successfully handling automobile accident cases, bicycle accident cases and motorcycle crashes for individuals and families who have been harmed, injured or died as a result of the carelessness or negligence of another for more than 38 years in and around Chicago, Cook County and its surrounding areas, including Alsip, Arlington Heights, Barrington Hills, Brookfield, Broadview, Blue Island, Burr Ridge, Calumet City, Dolton, Elmwood Park, Melrose Park, Flossmoor and Willow Springs, Ill.