Case Results

Carlson & Dumeer recently negotiated an award of $1,200,000.00 for their client. Initially, our client was offered $28,000 and after moving the case to suit, a prejudgment was obtained. Thereafter the defendant approached the team about mediation. Through the course of mediation, the presiding judge awarded our client approximately 1.2 million in compensation.

Client was stopped at a red light operating a work vehicle when he was struck from behind by a vehicle that failed to stop. The at fault driver admitted to the police he had looked down to adjust the temperature in his vehicle and did not see our Client’s vehicle until he struck it. Our Client’s vehicle was totaled and the impact from the collision pushed our Client’s vehicle over 100 feet and spun the vehicle around. The Client was immediately transported to the hospital and diagnosed with multiple burst and compression fractures to his cervical and thoracic spine. His injuries required that he undergo spinal fusion and stabilization that required both inpatient stays with the hospital and rehab facilities. His injuries were severe and life altering. His health insurance company asserted repayment rights for the money spent for his treatment. The at fault driver tendered their insurance limits. Prior to suit being filed we were able to resolve the Client’s case with his insurance company for an additional $800,000.

Our Client was struck when the at fault driver swerved into his lane of travel and collided with him head on. Subsequent investigation revealed the at fault driver admitted to drinking before the accident and was clearly intoxicated. A lawsuit was filed immediately due to the allegations surrounding the at fault driver’s drinking. Our Client was transported from the scene by ambulance and transported to the hospital for injuries to his neck, where he was diagnosed with disc bulges at multiple levels of his cervical spine. Ultimately, he required a cervical fusion surgery on his neck, which unfortunately did not heal correctly or produce a good outcome requiring extensive physical therapy. His health insurance company sought payback for the amounts they paid for his medical treatment. Case resolved at mediation after the case was filed for $625,000.

Client was a passenger in her own vehicle that was being driven by her friend on the way back from the airport after an international trip. The driver of the vehicle fell asleep and the vehicle proceeded to cross all highway travel lanes, leave the roadway, and come to rest approximately 1,000 feet down an embankment. Our Client suffered severe injuries to her back including acute burst compression fractures and nondisplaced fractures to her lumbar spine, along with left shoulder injuries. Her back injuries required immediate surgery with an inpatient stay along with physical therapy. For her left shoulder injuries our Client had to get steroid injections and physical therapy. Our Client also lost a considerable amount of time work due to her injuries and treatment. After being sent copies of the lawsuit that were going to be filed, the insurance company settled the case for $425,000.

Client was struck head on while stopped at a stop sign and waiting to take a right turn. The at fault driver reported to the police the sun was in his eyes and that was why he had difficulty making the turn that resulted in the collision. Thereafter, the at fault driver changed his story and attempted to blame our client for the accident and his injuries. The client suffered from injuries to his neck and his back that required extensive treatment with a chiropractor, physical therapy, and an orthopedic surgeon, and two surgical procedures. However, the need and reason for the second surgery was highly disputed. After filing suit, the matter was ultimately resolved at mediation with the at fault’s driver’s insurance company accepting full responsibility for the accident and our client’s injuries and a settlement of $400,000.

Client was a passenger in a vehicle that was struck head on at full speed when the at fault driver crossed the lane divider and hit them. The vehicle the client was traveling went off the road and rolled over. The client had to be removed from the vehicle with the assistance of the jaws of life. The client sustained severe and disabling injuries to both of her legs and ankle including multiple fractures and breaks as a result of the accident. The client required surgical intervention for her injuries and had to be completely non weight for a period of time while she was recovering. After recovering from surgery, the client required extensive skilled rehabilitation to assist in her learning how to walk again. The Client, unfortunately, did suffer permanent damage to her legs that sill affects how she walks. The firm was able to get the at fault driver to tender their policy limits before a lawsuit was filed and then reach a negotiated resolution to split the proceeds with the driver of our Client’s vehicle. Client received $390,000 of the available $500,000 in coverage.

Client was struck from behind while stopped at a red light, by an at fault driver who failed to brake prior to the collision. The at fault driver indicated to the police he failed to stop because he was distracted and looking at his cell phone at the time of the accident. The Client sustained injuries to her low back that ultimately required surgery and extensive physical therapy. Client had a history of low back pain for year, and had obtained lots of treatment for low back injuries previously. The Client was also involved in a second accident less than a week after her first accident that complicated the case. Suit was filed and the at fault party’s insurance company requested mediation after claims for reckless were made based on the cell phone use while driving. Ultimately, the case resolved at the mediation for $250,000.

Our client slipped on ice outside of a drycleaner and suffered a concussion, resulting in a traumatic brain injury resulting in confusion, vertigo, and other cognitive impairments. Our client was a banker, who received a large chunk of her compensation in the form of bonuses. We were able to creatively argue that even though she didn't lose any income, she needed to be compensated for her lost bonus revenue due to the brain injury.

The insurance company disputed both liability and benefits, but ultimately the case settled for $195,000 on the eve of trial.