VERDICT IN YOLO COUNTY FOR SINGLE PERSON INJURY, $1.5 million — JACOBS v. PACIFIC TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, et al.
A Yolo County jury has awarded plaintiff Michial Jacobs the sum of 1.5 million dollars on May 29, 2010. The trial which lasted 11 days is believed to be the largest verdict for personal injury in Yolo County.
On October 2, 2004, plaintiff Jacobs was pulling his brand new trailer on I 505 in Woodland, California. The driver of a big rig loaded with 40,000 pounds of sugar fell asleep and the big rig rear ended Mr. Jacobs’ trailer and pickup truck. The driver of the big rig was in the course and scope of his employment with both Pacific Transportation Services and Ernie Newland, both of Washington.
The defendants admitted liability for the accident but contested the extent of plaintiff’s injuries. Plaintiff Jacobs suffered an injury to his mid back which resulted in chronic back pain. He also sustained a concussion and a fractured rib. The 63 year old plaintiff has not been able to return to work as a carpenter.
In addition, plaintiff had made a CCP 998 offer to settle on June 20, 2007 for the policy limits. As a result of the defendants’ refusal to accept that offer, the plaintiff is entitled to an additional $442,000 in interest plus all costs.
The plaintiff was represented by Steven R. Cavalli.