New Jersey Verdicts
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Amount:
$3,335,000
Type:
Verdict-Plaintiff
State:
New Jersey
Venue:
Essex County
Court:
Superior Court of Essex County
Injury Type(s):
back-fusion, lumbar;
back-herniated disc (herniated disc at L5-S1), lumbar (herniated disc at L5-S1);
other-plate; other-pins/rods/screws; other-aggravation of pre-existing condition
Case Type:
Motor Vehicle – Rear-ender, Multiple Vehicle
Case Name:
Hsing Y. Chen v. Isabel C. Rasolio,
No. ESX-L-5834-13
Date:
July 15, 2016
Plaintiff(s):
Hsing Y. Chen (Female, 56 Years)
Plaintiff Attorney(s):
Nicholas J. Leonardis;
Stathis & Leonardis, L.L.C;
Edison,
NJ,
for
Hsing Y. Chen
Defendant(s):
Isabel C. Rasolio
Defense Attorney(s):
David Forrey;
Lewis & Forrey;
Princeton,
NJ,
for
Isabel C. Rasolio
Insurer(s):
MetLife Auto & Home ($250,000 limit) for Isabel C. Rasolio
On Feb. 16, 2012, plaintiff Hsing Y. Chen, 56, was driving on Easton Avenue in Somerset when she was rear-ended. She claimed injuries to her lower back. Chen sued the other driver, Isabel C. Rasolio, alleging she was negligent. Chen stated that Rasolio struck her car while she was stopped for traffic on the entrance ramp to Interstate 287. Rasolio argued Chen was responsible for the collision by stopping short.
Chen was taken by ambulance to a local emergency room with complaints of pain in her lower back. She had X-rays and was discharged with instructions to follow up with an orthopedist. Chen was ultimately diagnosed with a herniated disc at L5-S1 with aggravated pre-existing degeneration. She underwent a lumbar fusion with plate and screws. Chen claims residual pain and permanent limitations performing activities of daily living. She sought damages for past and future medical expenses and past and future pain and suffering. Counsel for Rasolio maintained that Chen’s injuries were not related to the accident, and were pre-existing with no aggravation.
The jury found Rasolio was negligent and awarded damages to Chen of $3.35 million.
Judge:
Garry Furnari
Demand:
$250,000
Offer:
$125,000
Trial Length:
3
days
Trial Deliberations:
2
hours
This report is based on information that was provided by plaintiff’s counsel. Defense counsel did not respond to the reporter’s phone calls.