$2,500,000 Settlement for Client in Chain Rear-End Collision

In a Brooklyn case, our client, a 35-year-old wife and mother of two, was stopped at a red light. Another car was stopped behind her, when suddenly, a municipal vehicle struck the back of that car, causing it to strike her car. As a result of the chain rear-end collision, she sustained spinal and shoulder injuries, which required surgery. Represented by Partners Fred Aranki and Daniel O’Toole, she received a $2.5 million settlement.

Court and County
Supreme, Kings

Age and Occupation of Plaintiff
At the time of the accident, Plaintiff was a 35-year-old married mother of two children who worked as a home health aide.

Accident Description
The case arises out of a motor vehicle accident that occurred on Bay Ridge Parkway, Brooklyn, New York.  At the time of the accident, the Plaintiff was stopped at a red traffic light and a vehicle was also stopped behind her.  While they were both stopped at the traffic light, the vehicle behind Plaintiff’s was struck in the rear by the vehicle being operated by the Defendant, who was operating his vehicle while in the course of his employment with the City of New York. The vehicle struck by the Defendant was caused to strike the Plaintiff’s vehicle in the rear.  At the close of discovery, the Plaintiff moved for summary judgment on the issue of liability.  This motion was granted by the Court and the trial of this matter would have been damages-only.

To speak with an attorney after a multi-car crash, please call 212-736-5300 or fill out our Contact Form. The personal injury lawyers at Block O’Toole & Murphy are well-versed in litigating auto accident cases in New York and New Jersey. Results in multiple vehicle collisions include a $9,263,326 verdict and a $5,000,000 settlement.

Injuries/Damages
As a result of the accident, the Plaintiff suffered injuries to her cervical spine, lumbar spine and left shoulder.  She underwent diagnostic testing of her cervical spine which revealed a disc herniation to one level of her spine and bulging discs to two levels of her cervical spine.  She underwent conservative treatment to her cervical spine which ultimately failed, and she required a one-level cervical spine fusion surgery which included implantation of permanent hardware in her spine.  Since the cervical spine surgery, the Plaintiff continues to use a non-invasive spine fusion stimulator regularly to assist with bone growth in her cervical spine.

Plaintiff also underwent diagnostic testing of her left shoulder which revealed tearing in the shoulder.  Again, conservative treatment was unsuccessful in alleviating her pain and restrictions and she required arthroscopic surgery to repair the tear in her left shoulder.

Two MRIs to the Plaintiff’s lumbar spine revealed two lumbar disc herniations.  She also suffers from lumbar radiculopathy. Plaintiff’s treating spine surgeon has opined that she may need lumbar spine surgery in the future.

Prior to the accident, Plaintiff worked as a home health aide and was not able to return to work in this capacity as a result of her injuries.  Plaintiff’s expert Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation specialist opined that she would need lifelong treatment to her cervical spine, lumbar spine and left shoulder due to the injuries she suffered in the accident and that this treatment would be associated with costs.  This specialist and Plaintiff’s treating surgeon also opined that Plaintiff was totally and permanently disabled from employment as a home health aide.

Plaintiff made claims for past medical expenses, future cost of healthcare and lost wages due to being disabled from employment.  Plaintiff also made claims for past and future pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life.  At the time of the accident the Plaintiff, a married mother of two children, ages 12 and 9 at the time of the accident, was an avid runner who enjoyed spending time with her family.

Settlement Amount
This matter settled prior to trial for $2,500,000.

Handling Attorneys
This case was handled by firm Partners Fred Aranki and Daniel O’Toole.