Defendant driver, while driving his vehicle owned by "X" Inc., rear-ended Jessica’s car in Riverside County in 2021. Neither vehicle was towed. Nor did the police come. No ambulance or ER's.

Jessica, sadly, after the accident had a series of surgeries to her back and neck. Her care included fusion, plus implantation of a spinal cord stimulator. Her medical expenses were over $1,500,000. Jessica continues to suffer. "X" argued that the surgeries were unnecessary and unreasonable. Defendant offered experts who testified under oath that the impact was a minor soft tissue injury, and no reasonable person would have suffered such injuries. Defendant told the jury to award only $33,334.05, covering reasonable medical expenses and lost wages for three months.

Initially, Jessica asked for $4,199,999 in April 2024. Two months later, she asked for $1,500,000. Just before the April 2026 trial, Jessica’s attorneys asked defendant to pay $8,000,000. During the final arguments before the jury, Jessica asked for $13,000,000.

The jury did award $33,335, April 2, 2026, Riverside Superior Court, Hon. Daniel Ottolia presiding.

Pro Tips

• Overreaching by demanding too much can alienate the Jury
• Who will pay the medical expenses?
• Some providers may choose to pursue Jessica for payment.
• And, the defendant insurance has every right to demand court costs, which could be tens of thousands against Jessica personally, and not to her attorney.

Juries Punish “Overreach” So Don’t Give the Defense the Theme

Jessica’s case is the nightmare scenario: massive treatment and real suffering, but the jury buys the defense story that the care was unreasonable and the ask was greedy. Once that “overreach” narrative sticks, nothing else matters. Chiropractors can help prevent this by making the record read like common sense: tight early documentation (first 2 weeks matter), clear objective findings, consistent treatment frequency that matches presentation, home care compliance, and explanations for any gaps. If your notes justify the arc of care, the defense can’t easily paint the case as a money grab and your patient doesn’t end up with a $33,335 verdict after a $13M ask.

What Do Ethical Defense Reviewers Look for When Reviewing Your PI Cases? Lewkovich

PI Guru Lewkovich says he found an honorable defense reviewer. So, let’s see what we can learn when he dissects your PI case records.

Normally, the defense reviewer does it for money. They can be hacks for the dark side. They will do anything for an insurance buck. However, let’s look at an honest reviewer. What does that person do when ethically reviewing your records?

Lewkovich offers 40 points that an honest reviewer will consider. Some include:

• Where are the symptoms in the first 2 weeks?
• No care for the first 30 days?
• Daily visits for over 2 weeks?
• Gaps in care remain a mystery
• Any home care?

And 35 more gems. This is the GOLD standard. Post this “Substantiation of Medical Necessity” on your desk. Ask yourself if you can provide the evidence for continued quality care. And Lewkovich’s form is free for the taking.



Get yours from johntawlian@steeleisner.com for free and for fun.