Peter Higgins Law’ team of personal injury lawyers work with Illinois clients who have suffered injuries caused by an auto accident. Our knowledge of the legal system has allowed us to successfully represent and stand up for the rights of our clients, as we did in the case explained here.
Situation:
Did the auto accident aggravate a preexisting brain injury?
We represented a 36 year old man involved in a rear end auto accident in downtown Chicago. There was little damage to our client’s car, and none to the striking car. Our client did not complain of any personal injury at the auto accident site, and police were not called to make a report. A few hours later, he began experiencing head and neck pain, and vague complaints of dizziness and postural imbalance. He went to the ER, which conducted an MRI of his brain. There was evidence of possible cerebral hemorrhage (bleeding on the brain).
Referral was made to an Illinois neurosurgeon that performed a battery of tests, which proved negative for new brain injury potentially caused by the car accident. There was a finding of an old brain injury, which had caused our client no problems for years before the auto accident. Physical therapy was recommended for a 3 month period. Our client received approximately $12,000 in medical bills, most of it for diagnostic work up. There was no claim for lost wages.
Suit was filed when the defendant’s insurance company offered settlement of only $2500. Our auto accident claim was that the client’s underlying brain injury had become aggravated, and symptomatic in the auto accident, resulting in his need for treatment. Our position was supported by the neurosurgeon.
Successful Resolution: $60,000
Following the doctor’s deposition, the insurance company agreed to pay the defendant’s policy limits of $50,000. In addition, we sought an underinsured motorist’s claim under our client’s own car insurance policy. We were able to convince this insurance company to pay our client an additional $10,000 in compensation. The total settlement amounted to $60,000.
The personal injury lawyers at Peter Higgins Law can help if you have been involved in an accident that may not have resulted in new injuries, but heightened a preexisting injury. Contact us today to schedule a free in-office or telephone consultation.