Man suffered back injury in rear-ender – $329,000 Settlement

Plaintiff was injured in a two vehicle rear-end collision on June 2, 2014. He was stopped in a line of traffic for a red light when the defendant crested a hill, not expecting traffic to be backed up, and ran into the back of plaintiff’s car. Defendant admitted fault at the scene and was charged with “following too closely.” There was virtually no property damage to either vehicle.

While plaintiff had a complicated prior medical history, his neck and back symptoms were asymptomatic before the wreck. Steroid injections did not alleviate plaintiff’s pain, and he later underwent cervical fusion surgery. The defense argued the surgery was not related to plaintiff’s injuries.

The case was settled approximately six weeks before trial after mediation.

The mediator was James C. Shannon of Midkiff, Muncie & Ross.

[18-T-063]

Type of action: Rear-end Collision, Personal Injury

Injuries alleged: Exacerbation of cervical and lumbar stenoses and chronic pain syndrome

Name of case: Confidential

Court: Chesterfield Circuit Court

Name of mediator: James C. Shannon

Verdict or settlement: Settlement

Amount: $329,000.00

Attorneys for plaintiff: John C. Shea and Charles W. Davis – Richmond

Plaintiff’s experts: Eric Haacke-Golden, M.D. – Family Practice; Joseph S. Kim, M.D. – orthopedic/spine surgery; Peyman Nazmi, M.D. – pain management

Defendant’s experts: Terry S. Whipple, M.D. – orthopedic surgery

Insurance carrier: United Services Automobile Association