Plaintiff sustained jagged leg wound in car crash — $390,000 settlement

Type of action: Auto accident, personal injury

Injuries alleged: Lower left leg injury, whiplash and a chest wall contusion

Special damages: Medical bills totaling $61,077.41

Verdict or settlement: Settlement

Amount: $390,000

Attorney for plaintiff (and city): James S. Abrenio, Fairfax

Description of case: Plaintiff, a 78-year-old mother of two, was driving in Northern Virginia when the defendant, an 18-year-old, was leaving a local shopping center. Unfortunately, the defendant misjudged the distance of the plaintiff’s vehicle when she exited the center, entered the plaintiff’s lane of travel, and caused their cars to crash at a high rate of speed.  While the defendant was not charged, she admitted to law enforcement that she caused the crash.

As a result of the impact, the plaintiff suffered multiple injuries to include whiplash and a chest wall contusion.  However, her most significant injury was a large, jagged wound to her lower left leg.  To treat the wound, the plaintiff went through approximately four months of wound care to include multiple, painful debridement procedures. She also endured approximately six months of physical therapy.     

While the plaintiff’s wound did not require a skin graft, it did leave a large permanent scar.  She also finds the area of the wound numb and uncomfortable.  She will also be required to wear compression stockings and elevate her leg to prevent swelling for the foreseeable future.

James S. Abrenio, counsel for the plaintiff, provided case information. [022-T-082]