Man suffered spinal injury as result of rearend auto collision — $645,000 settlement

Type of action: Personal injury

Injuries alleged: Cervical spine injury

Name of judge or mediator: Hon. B. Waugh Crigler (ret.)

Date resolved: 11/11/2020

Verdict or settlement: Settlement

Amount: $645,000

Attorney(s) for plaintiff (and city): Matthew W. Broughton, Andrew D. Finnicum and Evans G. Edwards, Roanoke

Description of Case: The plaintiff was driving on Route 419 near Tanglewood Mall when he was hit from behind by a tractor-trailer. The plaintiff suffered a cervical injury, for which he initially treated conservatively. Prior to the crash, the plaintiff was self-employed with scant recordkeeping. After the crash, he was initially able to find light duty work in his chosen field with minimal wage loss. Following a 15-month gap in treatment, the plaintiff finally underwent cervical spine surgery, after which he was placed on tighter light duty restrictions. Defendants contested the causal relationship of the surgery and the amount of any wage loss.

[021-T-01]