Arizona Jury Reaches Verdict in Motor Vehicle Collision

In January 1997, a plaintiff was involved in a motor vehicle collision in Arizona. Following the incident, the plaintiff was diagnosed with bursitis that necessitated rotator cuff surgery. Two years later, the plaintiff developed radiculopathy, which required an initial cervical fusion and a second fusion by April 2000. The plaintiff alleged these subsequent cervical fusions were directly related to the 1997 collision and sought $500,000 in compensatory damages.

The defendant admitted liability for the collision and accepted causation for the rotator cuff treatment. However, the defendant contended that the later cervical surgeries were not causally linked to the incident. Orthopedic and neurological experts from Tucson testified for both sides during the proceedings.

The case proceeded to a three-day jury trial. Jurors deliberated for two hours. The record did not detail the final verdict or any awarded damages.