$825,000

 Our client was injured in a motor vehicle crash that occurred in early 2021 in Lancaster, NY. He injured his neck and back in the crash. Conservative therapy proved beneficial as his neck condition returned to baseline in about three months. However, his low back pain and radiculopathy were resistant to conservative care (chiro, pt, and injections). A prominent local orthopedic spine surgeon performed a laminectomy at L 3-5 in December 2021, which eliminated the pain radiating down his leg, but not the lumbar pain. The case was complicated by our client’s involvement in a prior motor vehicle crash and a subsequent motor vehicle crash. Fortunately, attorneys Keith Vona and Peter Brady were able to preclude this anticipated defense evidence prior to trial.

In December 2022, the insurance company made an initial, low ball offer of $70,000, which we quickly rejected. In August of 2023, negotiations resumed, but due to our refusal to lower our demand, the insurance company did not increase its offer. Attorney Peter Brady subsequently obtained summary judgment on liability and serious injury, in preparation for a trial where the jury would only decide on the amount to be awarded to our client. At this stage, the insurance company increased its offer to $200,000, which we once again quickly rejected. The trial team of Keith Vona and Peter Brady delivered opening arguments to the jury in late October 2023, and closing arguments took place in early November. During jury deliberations, the case settled when the defense increased its offer from $200,000 to $825,000. While our medical experts provided compelling testimony, family members painted a picture of our client for the jurors by sharing their observations of him pre- and post- accident.