This case involves a severe car accident where a man in his mid-50s was struck from behind by a dump truck, leading to devastating injuries. The plaintiff argued that the crash caused a cervical fracture, resulting in permanent paralysis below his chest. This case highlights the significant impact of motor vehicle negligence on an individual’s life.
Incident Overview: Dump Truck Driver Negligence Causes Permanent Paralysis
The accident happened on Rt. 23 when the plaintiff’s car was rear-ended by a dump truck. The force of the collision pushed the plaintiff’s vehicle into oncoming traffic, where it collided with another car. The driver of the other car was not found to be at fault. The plaintiff suffered a serious neck injury, specifically a cervical fracture, which caused permanent paralysis from the chest down.
Medical Consequences
The aftermath of the accident was severe. The plaintiff was placed in a medically induced coma for 42 days during a six-week hospital stay. Following this, he spent about three months in a rehabilitation hospital. His injuries required extensive medical care and drastically changed his life.
Impact on Daily Life
Before the accident, the plaintiff and his wife were very active in their community. They enjoyed hiking, fishing, motorcycle riding, and participating in church activities. After the accident, their lives were profoundly altered. Church members came together to retrofit the plaintiff’s home to accommodate his new needs, enabling him to live at home with the help of a licensed practical nurse (LPN). The plaintiff now requires frequent visits to doctors and extensive day-to-day assistance.
Community Support
The plaintiff planned to have several church members testify about the support they provided and the plaintiff’s and his wife’s strong ties to the community. These testimonies would have illustrated how well-loved and supported they are. Additionally, the plaintiff acquired a handicap-accessible van to help with mobility.
Further Medical Complications
Spending long periods in a wheelchair led to further complications for the plaintiff. He developed a decubitus ulcer, a type of pressure sore, which required surgery. This added to his already extensive medical needs and highlighted the ongoing challenges he faced due to his paralysis.
Evidence Presentation
The plaintiff’s legal team prepared compelling evidence to support his claims. This included enlarged images of medical scans showing the damage to his spinal cord and a day-in-the-life video. The video demonstrated the level of care and assistance he required daily, such as being moved from his bed to his wheelchair.
Legal Resolution
Before the case went to court, it was settled for $2,940,000. This settlement reflects the profound impact of the accident on the plaintiff’s life and the extensive support he needs.
Conclusion
This case underscores the severe consequences of motor vehicle negligence. Securing the life-changing settlement was a also rooted in the attorney’s experience and ability to represent not just the seriousness injuries, but the impact the accident had on their quality of life. of The plaintiff’s life was drastically changed by the accident, leading to permanent paralysis and a need for continuous medical care. The strong community support and the significant settlement amount illustrate the serious nature of his injuries and the lifelong impact on his daily life. This story highlights the importance of road safety and the profound effects that accidents can have on individuals and their families. Equally important, it highlights the critical importance of choosing a personal injury attorney with experience in catastrophic injuries and pursuing litigation against commercial entities.