Pennsylvania: Plaintiff rear-ended while stopped at red light; claims injury will cause a lifetime of health problems

Plaintiff, a 47-year-old real estate agent, was stopped at a red light when her vehicle was rear-ended by defendant, who was driving in the course and scope of his employment. Plaintiff sued the striking driver and the driver's employer for negligence. Plaintiff suffered disc herniations, and was later diagnosed with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD). Plaintiff's medical neurologist expert opined that her condition was a result of the accident, and that treatment for the rest of her life would be required. Additionally, plaintiff's expert concluded that she was totally and permanently disabled, and that her RSD was incurable. The defense expert claimed that it was inconclusive if plaintiff had RSD. Sidebar: The defendants stipulated liability and a trial on damages was held.

VERDICT: $4,464,566. ($188,103 past medical; $1,898,778 future medical; $142,010 past lost earning capability; $714,251 future lost earning capability; $142,010 past non-economic loss, and; $1,329,414 future non-economic loss).

Cristina Tarca and Dumitru Tarca v. Norristown Ford and Irvin Johnson (Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, Case no. 07-25935).