Woman underwent spinal fusion after auto accident –$500,000 settlement

Type of action: Automobile collision/personal injury

Injuries alleged: Neck and back

Court: Lancaster County Circuit Court

Date resolved: 2/5/2021

Verdict or settlement: Settlement

Amount: $500,000

Attorney for plaintiff (and city): Charles W. Davis Jr.,
Tappahannock

Plaintiff’s experts: Joseph Kim MD

Insurance carrier: Northern Neck Insurance
Company and USAA

Description of case: On Oct. 20, 2017, the plaintiff was operating a 1997 Jeep Cherokee in Lancaster County, making a left turn. The defendant was operating a 2000 Chevrolet Silverado and was traveling south when he crossed a double yellow line and tried to pass the plaintiff’s vehicle on the left, colliding with the plaintiff’s front driver’s quarter panel. There was minimal property damage.

After conservative treatment failed to mitigate her pain, the plaintiff underwent both a cervical spinal fusion and lumbar laminectomy and fusion with bone graft.

After initial discovery was exchanged, prior to depositions, the liability insurance limits of $250,000 were offered. The underinsured insurance carrier then offered its limits which resulted in a total settlement of $500,000.

[021-T-033]