Overview
An entrepreneur in his 40s suffered a herniated disc and significant daily neck and back pain after another vehicle struck his vehicle while exiting a gas station. Expert accounting evidence was obtained to establish his economic losses, and the case settled at mediation for $900,000.
Key Takeaways
- Settlement: $900,000
- Accident type: Motor vehicle collision
- Primary injury: Herniated disc in the neck
- Additional injuries: Significant daily neck and back pain
- Resolution method: Mediation
- Notable legal issues: Expert accounting evidence was obtained to establish the client’s economic losses
- Medical treatment: Not specified
- Long-term impact: Loss of important customers and sale of his business for less than it would have been worth if he were healthy
The Case
Our client was an entrepreneur in his 40s when his vehicle was struck by another vehicle attempting to exit a gas station. He suffered injuries to his neck, including a herniated disc, and developed significant daily pain in his neck and back.
The client attempted to continue working but began losing important customers. The effects of his injuries ultimately forced him to sell his successful business for less than it would have been worth if he were healthy.
The client initially had a lawyer who recommended settling the case for less than it was worth. He sought a second opinion from Oatley Vigmond, and after retaining the firm, significant expert accounting evidence was obtained to establish the extent of his economic losses. The case ultimately settled at mediation for $900,000.
Why It Matters
This case demonstrates how injuries from a motor vehicle collision can have significant financial consequences for a business owner. In this case, the client’s injuries affected his ability to work, contributed to the loss of important customers, and ultimately led to the sale of his business.
Expert accounting evidence played an important role in establishing the extent of the economic losses before the case was resolved at mediation.