Overview

Oatley Vigmond represented a young senior programmer who sustained a severe traumatic brain injury after the vehicle in which he was a passenger was struck by a driver who failed to stop at a stop sign. The claims against the involved drivers and the client’s accident benefits insurer were successfully resolved at a pre-trial mediation for more than $2,400,000.

Key Takeaways

  • Settlement amount: More than $2,400,000
  • Accident type: Motor vehicle collision
  • Primary injury: Severe traumatic brain injury
  • Additional injuries: Depression and anxiety
  • Resolution method: Settlement at pre-trial mediation
  • Notable legal issues: Driver failed to stop at a stop sign; claims against the involved drivers and the client’s accident benefits insurer
  • Medical treatment: Not specified
  • Long-term impact: Unable to return to work due to cognitive impairments

The Case

Our client was a young senior programmer employed by a municipal government. He had an excellent employment record, consistently received outstanding performance reviews, and was well regarded by his employer before the collision.

While travelling as a passenger in a vehicle, he was involved in a serious crash after another driver failed to stop at a stop sign. The impact destroyed both vehicles and left our client with a severe traumatic brain injury.

Following the collision, he experienced significant memory, attention, and concentration difficulties. He was unable to return to his career in information technology and also developed depression and anxiety.

Oatley Vigmond pursued claims against the drivers involved in the collision as well as the client’s accident benefits insurer. The matter was successfully resolved at a pre-trial mediation for more than $2,400,000.

Why It Matters

Traumatic brain injuries can have a profound effect on a person’s ability to continue working, particularly in occupations that rely on memory, concentration, and complex cognitive skills. This case demonstrates how cognitive impairments can permanently alter a promising career.

The settlement recognizes both the financial and personal impact of a severe brain injury, including the client’s inability to return to work and the long-term effects the collision had on his life.