Maricela Sotelo was driving in Santa Barbara on February 12, 2013 when she was rear ended by Brooke Holland. Sotelo alleged that Holland was negligent in the operation of her vehicle and Holland admitted negligence. Holland’s Insurance Company was Farmers and they refused to offer anything so our Senior Partner took the case to trial in Santa Barbara.

On February 13, 2013 Maricela, a Certified Nursing Assistant presented to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital Emergency Room with complaint of neck and back pain. She was diagnosed with a neck strain and was given Ibuprofen and instructed to return if her symptoms did not subside. On March 24, 2013 she was referred to an Orthopedic Surgeon who referred her to Physical Therapy. After 4 months of Therapy she was referred for a lumbar MRI which revealed spinal stenosis. This resulted in a microdiscectomy surgical procedure and 10 months off work.

Farmers insurance contended that since the accident caused less than $1,000 in property damage the minor rear end accident was not a substantial factor in causing her low back injury. Instead, defense counsel argued her injuries were caused by congenital issues which caused degenerative disc disease. The jury listened to both sides and with the guidance of Glenn Guenard saw past the insurance company’s smokescreen and found Brooke Holland’s negligence was a substantial factor in causing harm to our client Maricela.

These results show the value in retaining an attorney who will investigate your case, understands your injuries, has extensive experience and is unafraid of going to trial even when the other side offers nothing for your injuries.