Jones, Skelton & Hochuli, PLC is pleased to announce that partner Erica Spurlock and associate Michael Combrink obtained a defense verdict in Chihuahua, et al. v. Goodman – a personal injury suit stemming from a two-vehicle auto accident.
On October 14, 2022, Amanda Chihuahua was driving her husband Arturo to lunch in Tempe Arizona, traveling northbound on Priest Drive. While she was driving, Chihuahua collided with Michael Goodman, who was also traveling northbound on Priest Drive. This resulted in a side-swipe collision. Subsequently, Amanda and Arturo Chihuahua brought suit against Defendant Goodman for personal injury, property damage, past and future medical care, and loss of consortium.
Plaintiffs Amanda and Arturo Chihuahua argued that Goodman had entered their lane, collided into their truck, and caused lasting and permanent injuries, especially to Plaintiff Amanda Chihuahua, in the form of lumbar herniations and necessitating a hip replacement. The Plaintiffs then sought a combined award of $2,000,000 at trial for pain and suffering.
Spurlock and Combrink represented Goodman in the litigation. The parties called eight witnesses over a four-day trial, including experts in orthopedic surgery and biomechanical analysis. The Defense argued that there was no objective evidence where on the roadway this occurred or which vehicle left its lane. Goodman testified that although he didn’t believe he did anything wrong, he thought both he and Plaintiff Chihuahua were both 50% at fault. The Defense presented expert testimony that the forces in the accident were not consistent with any injury, and that Plaintiff Amanda Chihuahua’s hip replacement was due exclusively to pre-existing congenital defect and arthritis.
The Court granted Defendant’s Motion for Judgment as a Matter of Law that the hip replacement was not related and issued special instructions to the jury not to consider any pain and suffering associated with her hip replacement. After less than an hour deliberating, the jury returned a complete defense verdict.
Spurlock has mediated, arbitrated, and tried a wide variety of cases largely focused on trucking and transportation, automobile, and other personal injury, wrongful death, and general liability defense. In addition, as a partner in the firm’s Auto Trial Group, Spurlock is also a frequent presenter at industry seminars and conferences.
Combrink focuses his litigation practice in the areas of automobile, commercial trucking, and other personal injury, wrongful death, and general liability defense. He also represents numerous federally recognized Indian Tribes across the state of Arizona and takes cases defending County property tax valuation cases in Arizona Tax Court.
Erica Spurlock focuses her practice in the areas of automobile and commercial trucking defense, and other personal injury, wrongful death and general liability defense.
Michael Combrink is an associate attorney in our automotive trial group, defending our auto and transportation insurer, motor carrier, product manufacturer, and retail clients. Prior to attending law school, Michael served as the Government Relations Director for the Maricopa County Assessor’s Office and as the Chief Deputy Assessor for Coconino County.