Driver struck plaintiff’s vehicle while leaving shopping center — $600,000 settlement

Type of action: Personal injury

Injuries alleged: Open distal and radial fracture to the left wrist, requiring multiple surgeries; complex regional pain syndrome

Court: Norfolk Circuit Court

Date resolved: 2/11/2022

Special damages: $338,196.96 in medical expenses

Demand: $600,000

Offer: $225,000

Verdict or settlement: Settlement

Amount: $600,000

Attorneys for plaintiff (and city): Jan F. Hoen, Hampton; Irving B. Goldstein, Newport News

Description of case: Plaintiff’s vehicle was traveling straight in her lane of travel. Defendant’s vehicle exited from an adjacent shopping center and collided with plaintiff’s vehicle on the front end driver’s side. Plaintiff’s airbags deployed. Treatment was provided under workers’ compensation by plaintiff’s employer. Comp lien fully paid from liability policy with full medical and wage benefits continuing.

After settlement with liability carrier for limits of its policy coverage, UM carrier failed to make adequate offer and suit was filed against released defendant. After completion of discovery, the case settled prior to trial for remaining policy limits of UM coverage under plaintiff’s two available policies.

Jan F. Hoen, counsel for the plaintiff, provided case information.