$100,000 Settlement for Motor Vehicle Accident

In May 2016, Plaintiff was fully stopped in traffic with two vehicles traveling directly behind Plaintiff in his lane of travel.  The vehicle furthest from Plaintiff was operated by defendant which initiated a chain collision when she negligently failed to maintain proper observations, failed to maintain reasonably safe following distance and/or otherwise failed to take evasive action causing her vehicle to strike the rear of the vehicle behind Plaintiff at an excessive rate of speed without warning.  The force of the impact, in turn, propelled that vehicle into the rear of Plaintiff’s vehicle.

Plaintiff was transported from the scene to the hospital where he was diagnosed with a cervical muscle strain and lumbar strain and was discharged with instructions to follow up with a specialist.  Plaintiff then presented to a chiropractor where he complained of headaches as well as severe pain to his neck and low back. His neck pain radiated to his right shoulder and his low back pain radiated bilaterally.  Given his complaints, he commenced a course of conservative treatment consisting of chiropractic care and physical therapy.  While under chiropractic care, he underwent diagnostic studies which revealed a central disc herniation at L5-S1 with encroachment of the spinal canal and dural sac. As to the cervical spine, his MRI revealed a central disc herniation at C5-6 with encroachment of the anterior aspect of the spinal canal. When chiropractic care and physical therapy resulted in no improvement to Plaintiff’s condition, he was referred to a pain management doctor. He was then indicated for a right L5-S1 epidural steroid injection.

In January 2018, he underwent an MRI to his right shoulder which revealed an articular surface tear to the mid portion of the supraspinatus tendon. In addition, he also suffered a SLAP tear to the superior aspect of the labrum extending from the anterior aspect to the posterior aspect.

In April 2018, Plaintiff ultimately underwent arthroscopy of the right shoulder surgery; debridement of glenoid labrum; subacromial decompression.  After his surgery, physical therapy was ordered.

The case settled for the defendant’s $100,000.00 policy limit, prior to the scheduling of a trial.

No lost wage claim asserted.  No defenses with respect to liability or damages.