On the afternoon of April 16, 2012, plaintiff Amir Afghahi, a financial consultant in his 40s, was driving on Yorba Linda Boulevard in Yorba Linda. While stopped for a red light at the intersection with Casa Loma Avenue, he was rear-ended by a vehicle operated by Robert Young, causing Afghahi to rear-end a third vehicle. Afghahi claimed to his neck and left shoulder. Afghahi sued Young, alleging the defendant was negligent in the operation of his vehicle. Young admitted liability for the accident shortly before trial, and the matter proceeded to a trial on causation and damages., Afghahi was taken from the scene of the accident by ambulance and brought to an emergency room with complaints of mild neck and left shoulder pain. He was treated, underwent X-rays and released. Afghahi then followed up with a chiropractor and underwent additional X-rays. He also followed up with an orthopedist and underwent MRIs. Afghahi was ultimately diagnosed with sciatica and treated with six months of chiropractic care, as well as with an epidural injection in September 2013. Afghahi claimed he is still dealing with sciatica, and experiences constant, continuous pain, affecting his ability to sleep and exercise. He also claimed his condition caused him to miss two big commissions at work, resulting in $8,000 in damages. Afghahi further sought recovery of $30,402.81 in past medical costs, $35,000 in future medical costs, $60,805.62 in damages for past pain and suffering, and $202,027.50 in damages for future pain and suffering. Defense counsel disputed Afghahi’s alleged and damages. Counsel argued that Afghahi had an attorney-manufactured case and that his treatment was excessive. Thus, defense counsel contended that $24,354.01 was reasonable for Afghahi’s past medical costs and that $5,000 was reasonable for his future medical costs. Counsel further contended that $5,000 in damages was reasonable for Afghahi’s pain and suffering. In addition, defense counsel argued that Afghahi should be awarded nothing for his alleged lost earnings since Afghahi provided no proof of any alleged loss.
