Rear - End Collision Spinal Herniation $362,000
Injuries alleged: Lumbar and cervical spine disc herniations
Court: Withheld
Amount of settlement: $362,000
Case Summary:
The plaintiff was a single 43-year-old plumber's apprentice when he was a passenger in a car that was rear-ended.
The plaintiff underwent several spinal surgeries subsequent to the accident. One month prior to scheduled mediation and two months prior to scheduled trial, the plaintiff unexpectedly died of an unrelated cardiac condition.
At trial, the plaintiff had planned to introduce evidence that he was incapable of returning to work for the rest of his work-life expectancy. However, due to his untimely death, the claim on behalf of the plaintiff's estate was limited to four years of pain and suffering and loss of earning capacity.
The defense contended that the plaintiff had a history of back problems resulting from an automobile accident eight years prior, which necessitated previous spinal surgery and was the cause of his ongoing spinal instabilities.
The case settled for $362,000 shortly before the scheduled trial date.
