Attorneys Scott Murray and Keith Hedrick recently settled a seven (7) figure claim, on behalf of their clients for personal injuries and loss of consortium damages. Our client, Mr. D, was involved in a major motor vehicle accident when a sedan violated the right-of-way of the SUV in which Mr. D was traveling as a restrained, front seat passenger.
As a result of the crash, Mr. D sustained substantial injuries to his neck, low back, right shoulder, and left knee. After conservative treatment failed, Mr. D. underwent the following surgical procedures:
1. Neck surgery – three-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (“ACDF”) at C4-5, C5-6, and C6-C7;
2. Right shoulder surgery – arthroscopy with arthroscopic subacromial decompression and debridement of superior labral tear; and
3. Left knee surgery – arthroscopy with arthroscopic partial medial meniscectomy, chondroplasty patella, and medial femoral condyle as well as femoral trochlea.
Below are x-rays showing the three-level ACDF:
Following his treatment, Mr. D’s medical bills were in excess of $350,000. Further, his treating physician’s records reflected that Mr. D sustained a 33% permanent, partial impairment of the whole person according to AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, and he would continue to need additional medical treatment over the rest of his life – including the possibility of additional major surgical procedures.
Despite the heavy impact, clear liability, substantial medical treatment/bills, and Mr. D’s pain and suffering, the insurance company attempted to discount Mr. D’s claim and refused to offer a reasonable settlement. Knowing that our client would make a credible, articulate, and endearing witness and given the seriousness of the injuries caused by this crash, Partner Scott Murray made the strategic decision to allow the insurance company to take a pre-suit statement and schedule pre-suit medical examination with a doctor of its choice. This strategy worked and over the course of a four (4) week negotiation process, Mr. Murray and Mr. Hedrick secured a significant, seven figure settlement to fairly compensate our client for his personal injuries related to this crash without the necessity of filing a time consuming and potentially expensive lawsuit, all to the benefit of our client.
