Car crash – $1,200,000

Location: Rockingham County
Injuries: Catastrophic Injuries
Verdict: $1,200,000

The plaintiff, a 70-year-old retired police captain, was injured on July 13, 2018, in a motor vehicle collision. The accident took place in Rockingham County. The defendant failed to keep a reasonable lookout and yield the right of way when she pulled out in front of the plaintiff’s vehicle, causing the crash. The property damage was extensive.

As a result of the crash, the plaintiff sustained multiple traumatic injuries and diagnoses, including a concussion, a scalp hematoma, cervical facet fracture, thoracic spine fracture, stern fracture, a collapsed lung, oropharyngeal dysphagia, hypoxic respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation/intubation, a wrist contusion, rib fracture, cervical strain, and myofascial pain syndrome.

The vast majority of the plaintiff’s medical expenses were incurred during the first six weeks following the crash, from the med-flight, hospital admission, and in-patient rehabilitation. Treatment thereafter was limited to a few follow-up visits with his physicians, physical therapy, and pain management. The plaintiff made a great recovery.
The case was settled several weeks after an initial mediation with the assistance of Judge Michael Allen (retired) for $1,200,000.

Court: Rockingham County Circuit Court

Tried before: Mediation

Name of judge or mediator: Judge Michael Allen (retired)

Date resolved: 01/28/2020

Verdict or settlement: Settlement

Amount: $1,200,000

Attorney(s) for plaintiff: David M. Williams, Jr. Stafford