35 year old plaintiff was driving his truck as a garbage collector. While driving his truck in a San Francisco neighborhood, a dead tree branch broke from a tree above and fell into and shattered the driver’s side window. 

The accident caused a concussion and a torn rotator cuff, leading to clinical depression and anxiety. The diagnosis was a moderate TBI.

The Defendant offered $301,000.

The Plaintiff demanded $1,500,000 before trial.

Plaintiff offered highly regarded chiropractor and CalChiro member Ali Bagherian DC for functional capacity, a neurologist, an orthopedist, and a neuropsychologist, vocational rehabilitation specialist, forensic economist and an accident reconstructionist.

The trial lasted 13 days, with the Jury deliberating for 5 hours, and ending with a vote of 9-3.

Smith vs. St Francis HA

Hon. Vedica Puri preceding 

San Francisco Superior Court CGC-19-574365 

Missing in most major accident cases is an examination of potential Traumatic Brain Injuries. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control, TBI is a major cause of death and disability. TBI can affect the lives of people of all ages. The three leading causes are falls, firearms, and motor vehicle crashes. 

In 2020, there were approximately 214,110 TBI hospitalizations. However, many more TBI victims were not treated. About 190 Americans died from

TBI-related injury each day in 2021.

What are the differences between mild TBI and severe TBI?

Mild TBI can exhibit: 

• Learning
• Memory
• Concentration
• Problem Solving 

Moderate to Severe TBI issues: 

• Difficulty thinking
• Physical symptoms: Weakness in arms and legs 
• Motor Skills
• Controlling behavior 
• Depression 

Long Term Negative Effects of TBI are significant. 

People with moderate to severe TBI typically face a variety of chronic health problems. These issues add costs and burdens to people with TBI, their families, and society. Among those still alive 5 years after injury:

• 57% are moderately or severely disabled.
• 55% do not have a job (but were employed at the same time of their injury)
• 50% return to a hospital at least once
• 33% rely on others for help with everyday activities
• 29% are not satisfied with life
• 29% use illicit drugs or misuse alcohol
• 12% reside in nursing homes or other institutions

Care to learn more? Join our Advanced PI Seminar to hear about the latest data regarding the diagnosis and care for TBI MVA patients.

Contact John Tawlian for more information.

Join us for our Advanced PI Summit at the Anaheim Hotel!

Early bird pricing through October 22nd

DC + CE Hours -- $174

DC + No CE Hours -- $149

Staff -- $75

Students -- $50

Jacqueline Nolan, PsyD, is a clinical psychologist in and is recognized as a designated expert by both defense and plaintiff counsels, having contributed her expertise to cases in both state and federal courts.

Dr. Nolan provides invaluable case consultations, aiding attorneys in gaining profound insights into their client's psychological well-being to facilitate informed legal decisions.

Her expansive expertise encompasses independent psychological evaluations and testing for individuals across the age spectrum, from children and adolescents to adults. Dr. Nolan's specialization extends to psychological assessments and testing, particularly for individuals grappling with substance use, mood, and trauma-based disorders.

In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Nolan has generously shared her knowledge as an adjunct professor at several APA-Accredited clinical psychology doctoral programs, teaching courses on critical subjects including Law and Ethics, Fundamentals of Psychological Assessment, Advanced Assessment, and Family Systems.

Her educational background includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling (BS) from Boston University, a Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology-Chicago Campus (an APA-Accredited Program), and a Postdoctoral Fellowship at Tarzana Treatment Centers in California.

Dr. Nolan's dedication to the field of psychology and her commitment to imparting her knowledge make her a trusted and highly qualified professional in the legal and clinical realms.