Passenger seriously injured right arm, shoulder in vehicle rollover – $830,000 Settlement

On Oct. 1, 2013, the plaintiff was the front seat passenger in a 1994 Chevy 2500. They were traveling southbound on Route 301 when the defendant in his 2000 GMC Yukon crossed the center lines and struck the plaintiff’s host vehicle head on. Both vehicles overturned in the roadway and the plaintiff was transported by ambulance to Southside Regional Medical Center, where he was admitted for five days.

Plaintiff required medical treatment from Oct. 1, 2013 to Feb. 3, 2015. On Oct. 2, 2013, he underwent debridement of the open wound of right ring finger, primary repair of the ulnar collateral ligament, open reduction internal fixation of comminuted middle phalanx open fracture, debridement of open wound over the right elbow and primary closure of finger laceration measuring 5 cm in size. He also underwent right shoulder arthroscopy and subacromial decompression for impingement syndrome, distal clavicle open reduction internal fixation with synthes distal clavicle hook plate and AC joint reconstruction with semitendinosus allograft on March 21, 2014. On Nov. 11, 2014 he underwent right shoulder arthroscopy, subacromial decompression, lyses of adhesions, extensive debridement with manipulation under anesthesia and removal of deep implants.

The plaintiff was working at the time of the wreck and received workers’ compensation benefits, which paid all of his medical bills.

Type of action: Personal injury – auto accident
Injuries alleged: Fracture of distal right clavicle, fracture of proximal middle phalanx of right fourth finger, fracture of proximal middle phalanx of right fifth finger, right AC separation
Court: Sussex County Circuit Court
Amount: $830,000
Special damages: Medical bills – $283,428.72; lost wages – $34,228
Attorney for plaintiff: John C. Shea, Richmond