Overview

A 40-year-old millwright suffered catastrophic injuries in a head-on collision with a transport truck, leaving him with significant ongoing care and rehabilitation needs. After his auto insurer reduced his attendant care benefits and denied other benefits, a lawsuit was brought against the insurer and more than $1 million was recovered.

Key Takeaways

  • Settlement: More than $1 million
  • Accident type: Head-on collision with a transport truck
  • Primary injury: Closed head injury
  • Additional injuries: Fractured ribs, punctured lung, fractured pelvis and ankle, and an open wound over the hip
  • Resolution method: Recovery following a lawsuit against the client’s auto insurer
  • Notable legal issues: Reduction of attendant care benefits and denial of other required benefits
  • Medical treatment: Hip replacement surgery, three debridement surgeries, and significant therapy
  • Long-term impact: Daily personal assistance and ongoing rehabilitation, housing modification, income replacement, attendant care, and future care needs

The Case

Our client was a 40-year-old millwright whose vehicle collided head-on with an oncoming transport truck. He suffered multiple serious injuries, including fractured ribs, a punctured lung, fractures to his pelvis and ankle, and a closed head injury.

His injuries required a hip replacement and three debridement surgeries. He was left with an open wound over his hip that would not close and underwent significant therapy. He also relied heavily on hours of personal assistance each day to perform daily activities and had ongoing future care needs.

When his auto insurance company reduced his attendant care benefits and denied other benefits he needed, a lawsuit was brought against the insurer. More than $1 million was recovered to address his ongoing rehabilitation, housing modifications, income replacement, and attendant care needs.

Why It Matters

This case demonstrates the extensive support that can be required following catastrophic injuries. The client’s needs extended beyond surgeries and therapy to daily personal assistance, ongoing rehabilitation, housing modifications, and future care.

The case also involved a dispute with the client’s auto insurer after attendant care benefits were reduced and other needed benefits were denied.