70-year-old plaintiff traumatically injured in car crash — $1,200,000 settlement

The plaintiff, a 70-year-old retired police officer/captain, was injured on July 13, 2018, in a motor vehicle collision in Rockingham County. The defendant failed to keep a reasonable lookout and yield the right of way when she pulled out in front of the plaintiff’s vehicle, causing the crash. The property damage was extensive.

As a result of the crash, the plaintiff sustained multiple traumatic injuries and diagnoses, including a concussion/scalp hematoma, cervical facet fracture, thoracic spine fracture, sternal fracture, collapsed lung, oropharyngeal dysphagia, hypoxic respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation/intubation, wrist contusion, rib fracture, cervical strain and myofascial pain syndrome.

The vast majority of the plaintiff’s medical expenses were incurred during the first six weeks following the crash from the med-flight, hospital admission and a short course of in-patient rehabilitation. Treatment thereafter was limited to a few follow-up visits with his physicians, physical therapy and pain management. The plaintiff made a great recovery.

The case settled several weeks after an initial mediation with the assistance of Judge Michael Allen (retired) for $1,200,000.

This coverage resulted from a minimum limits liability policy and multiple UIM policies and an umbrella.

[020-T-111]

Type of action: Personal injury

Injuries alleged: Concussion/scalp hematoma, cervical facet fracture, thoracic spine fracture, sternal fracture, collapsed lung, oropharyngeal dysphagia, hypoxic respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation/intubation, wrist contusion, rib fracture, cervical strain and myofascial pain syndrome.

Court: Rockingham County Circuit Court

Tried before: Mediation

Name of judge or mediator: Judge Michael Allen (ret.)

Date resolved: 01/28/2020

Verdict or settlement: Settlement

Amount: $1,200,000

Attorney(s) for plaintiff: David M. Williams, Stafford

Insurance carrier: State Farm, Haggerty, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Nationwide Property and Casualty