Yao v. Thrasher; CA (Superior Court, San Mateo County; # 4766227)

• $5,500,000 verdict in pedestrian knockdown motor vehicle accident case for 70 year old thrown 47 feet after impact
• verdict included $1,5000,000 for past and future pain and suffering, $3,500,000 for past and future medical costs and $500,000 for wife’s loss of consortium claim
• severe brain damage and tetraplegia, five level cervical vertebrae fusion
• plaintiff is confined to bed for most of each day with limited mobility via wheelchair and requires round-the- clock care
• jury apportioned liability 49% to defendant and 51% to plaintiff, with resulting reduction in above-noted verdict amounts