Executive Summary – Key Legal and Evidentiary Issues

• Disputed causation between the motor vehicle accident and the plaintiff’s ongoing physical and psychological symptoms.

• Conflicting medical expert opinions on the extent, nature, and permanency of Mr. Chu’s injuries.

• Assessment of credibility concerning Mr. Chu’s self-reported limitations and their consistency with surveillance and medical evidence.

• Evaluation of future earning capacity based on limited work history and projected employability post-injury.

• Quantification of damages for loss of housekeeping ability and care provided by family members (in-trust claims).

• Determination of reasonable future care costs amid competing expert life care plans.

Facts of the Case

In March 2015, John Chu was rear-ended while stopped at a red light in Burnaby, B.C. Although the crash caused only minor damage to his vehicle, Chu said it left him with lasting injuries. He claimed:

• Chronic pain in his neck, back, and shoulders

• Memory and concentration problems (cognitive issues)

• Depression and anxiety

• Trouble working and handling daily tasks

Chu sued the other driver, Jordan Brammer, for damages, arguing that the accident severely impacted his health and ability to earn a living.

Arguments and Court’s Analysis

The case centered on whether Chu’s health issues were truly caused by the crash — and whether they were as serious as he claimed.

Key Issues the Court Considered:

• Medical experts gave conflicting opinions: Some supported Chu’s version of events, others believed his symptoms were exaggerated or unrelated.

• Surveillance videos showed Chu doing tasks (like shopping or traveling) that didn’t match his description of his limitations.

• Chu had a spotty work history even before the crash, making it hard to say the accident alone reduced his earning capacity.

• His wife cared for him after the crash, but the court found the time and intensity of her support was overstated.

The judge believed Chu did suffer real injuries — but not to the extent he claimed.

Final Outcome: What the Court Awarded

After reviewing all the evidence, the court awarded Chu a total of $454,335.56 in damages, broken down as follows: