Rende v. Matt Bowers Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

Case Background

Jada Rende filed a car accident lawsuit after she was rear-ended, seeking damages for the injuries and losses she sustained. The lawsuit was filed in the Nineteenth Judicial District Court of Louisiana. Judge Wilson E. Fields presided over this auto negligence lawsuit. [Case number: 712258]

Cause

On October 28, 2020, Jada Rende was driving a 2014 Audi SUV on U.S. 61, preparing to turn left onto Thad Cain Lane. Suddenly, Aref El-Timani, driving a Jeep Wrangler for his employer, Matt Bowers Chrysler Dodge Ram, rear-ended her. El-Timani later explained that he had no time to avoid Rende after another vehicle swerved out of the way in the rain.

The impact was severe, causing Rende’s vehicle to lurch forward and collide with another car.

Injury

Rende received treatment for chronic back pain and underwent the installation of a spinal cord stimulator. She was also diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). Her treatment was extensive and ongoing.

Damages

In this lawsuit, Rende sought damages from El-Timani, his employer, and their insurer, New York Marine Insurance. She requested compensation for her medical expenses and future care. In addition to special damages, Rende also sought non-economic damages in six different categories.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal Representation

  • Plaintiff(s): Jada Rende
    • Counsel for Plaintiff(s): A.M. “Tony” Clayton | Michael C. Hendry | Michael P. Fruge
    • Experts for Plaintiff(s): Elizabeth Martina | Randolph Rice
  • Defendant(s): Aref El-Timani | Matt Bowers Chrysler Dodge Ram | New York Marine Insurance
    • Counsel for Defendant(s): Sidney J. Angelle
    • Experts for Defendant(s): Dr. David Ferachi

Claims

Rende claimed that the accident took place because of El-Timani’s negligence and sought damages for the loss caused by the accident. She also sought to hold El-Timani’s employer, Matt Bowers Chrysler Dodge Ram vicariously liable.

Defense

The defense began by addressing the accident. El-Timani denied violating the standard of care, pointing to the other driver who swerved. He also claimed that Rende failed to signal her left turn. Rende denied this accusation.

Expert Testimony

Rende’s damages were assessed by two experts: Elizabeth Martina, a Life Care Planner, and Randolph Rice, an economist. The defense challenged these damages through an independent medical examination (IME) conducted by Dr. David Ferachi, an orthopedic specialist from Baton Rouge. The defense also presented evidence that Rende had been treating chronic pain with opioids since 2011.

Jury Verdict

The car accident lawsuit was tried in Baton Rouge over five days and concluded on a Friday afternoon after 2.5 hours of deliberations. On October 4, 2024, the jury determined that El-Timani was entirely at fault and did not assign any blame to Rende. It also found that Rende had been injured.

The jury then moved on to damages. Rende claimed $162,000 in medical expenses and an additional $500,000 for future care. The jury awarded $400,000 for past suffering, while future suffering was valued at $150,000. Rende received $50,000 for both past and future loss of enjoyment of life. Similarly, the jury granted $100,000 each for past and future mental anguish.

The verdict amounted to $1,512,000, including $950,000 in non-economic damages. A consistent judgment was entered in favor of the plaintiff.

Court Documents:

Documents are available for purchase upon request at jurimatic@exlitem.com