Motor Vehicle Accident - Shoulder Injury
Our client, a 46 year old single mother, was driving on the Hutchinson River Parkway in stop and go traffic when her vehicle was rear ended by the defendant's motor vehicle. As a result of the collision, her vehicle required $700 worth of repairs. Neither our client's vehicle nor the defendant's vehicle was towed from the scene. Our client was transported via ambulance to the hospital. She sustained injuries to her neck and left shoulder. The shoulder injury ultimately required surgical repair.
The defendant took a "no-pay" position for the entirety of the litigation. The defendant contended that the plaintiff had pre-existing injuries that were confirmed by her primary care physician's records, and that the impact between the vehicles was so light that it could not have possibly caused the injuries the plaintiff was claiming.
Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP took the case to trial. After jury selection, the case was conferenced before the trial judge. The firm was able to convince the judge that in addition to the plaintiff's severe pain and suffering, the plaintiff had a viable economic loss claim as well. After exhaustive negotiations, the judge recommended a settlement amount of $205,000. The case resolved the following day before opening statements.