In the case of George Wilkie versus Michel Jean Philippe, filed in the Second Appellate District Division Five of the Court of Appeal of the State of California (Case ID: B321340), a judgment was made on April 18, 2024. The lawsuit revolves around a negligence action where plaintiff George Wilkie claimed general damages for injuries sustained in a rear-end collision in 2015.
Represented by Steven B. Stevens and Martin Stanley from the Law Offices of Martin Stanley, Wilkie argued that his life was significantly altered following the accident. Before the incident, he led an active lifestyle, working long hours restoring cars and engaging in physical activities such as surfing and biking. However, after being hit by Philippe's SUV while waiting at a traffic light, Wilkie experienced prolonged pain and discomfort.
Defendant Michel Jean Philippe, represented by Edye A. Hill, Neil S. Tardiff and Robert Reisinger from Ford, Walker, Haggerty & Behar law firm, appealed against the jury's verdict which awarded Wilkie $1,780,250 in general damages. Philippe contested that the trial court erred by allowing Wilkie to reference a specific amount during voir dire and claimed that the damages awarded were excessive.
The plaintiff sought judgment for his physical suffering including neck and shoulder pain which had not been present prior to 2015. He also sought compensation for his inability to continue his car restoration business due to his injuries. The court affirmed the jury's decision awarding Wilkie $1,780,250 in general damages.