Driver fell asleep, causing significant auto accident — $1M settlement

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Type of action: Personal injury

Injuries alleged: Lumbar and cervical injuries

Name of case: Feathers v. Heddings

Court: Fauquier County Circuit Court

Case no.: CL22-251

Date resolved: 4/28/2023

Special damages: $685,000

Verdict or settlement: Settlement

Amount: $1,000,000

Attorneys for plaintiff: Kevin L. Locklin and Brian P. Coleman, Manassas

Description of case: The defendant fell asleep and drifted into the plaintiff’s lane of travel, causing a significant motor vehicle accident. The plaintiff suffered injuries to the cervical and lumbar spine. The plaintiff underwent an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion at C4-5 along with a lumbar fusion from L3-5. Due to continuing symptoms, the plaintiff’s treating neurosurgeon opted for a spinal cord stimulator and implantable pulse generator almost two and a half years after the accident. The defendant only had $25,000 in liability coverage, but the plaintiff had a significant applicable underinsured motorist policy. The underinsured motorist carrier offered the full $975,000 in coverage available immediately after service was requested.

Plaintiff’s counsel Brian P. Coleman provided case information.

[023-T-096]