Overview

Oatley Vigmond represented a man who developed Conversion Disorder after being rear-ended while exiting an off-ramp on Highway 400. Following a dispute over the nature of his injuries, the firm’s expert evidence established that the collision caused his psychiatric condition, and his tort and accident benefits claims were successfully resolved through mediation for $2,118,000 before trial.

Key Takeaways

  • Settlement amount: $2,118,000
  • Accident type: Rear-end motor vehicle collision
  • Primary injury: Conversion Disorder
  • Additional injuries: Soft tissue injuries and a mild traumatic brain injury (concussion)
  • Resolution method: Settlement at mediation before trial
  • Notable legal issues: Dispute over whether a brain injury had occurred; expert evidence linking the collision to Conversion Disorder; tort and accident benefits claims
  • Medical treatment: Not specified
  • Long-term impact: Severe physical and cognitive impairments that prevented the client from returning to work

The Case

Our client was rear-ended while exiting an off-ramp on Highway 400. The collision initially resulted in soft tissue injuries and a mild traumatic brain injury, commonly referred to as a concussion.

As the case progressed, medical experts disagreed about whether the client had actually sustained a brain injury. Despite those differing opinions, his condition deteriorated, and he developed severe physical and cognitive impairments that prevented him from returning to work.

Oatley Vigmond retained expert evidence that ultimately diagnosed the client with Conversion Disorder, a serious psychiatric condition. The firm’s experts established that the motor vehicle collision caused the disorder, allowing the client’s tort and accident benefits claims to be successfully resolved through mediation before trial for $2,118,000.

Why It Matters

This case demonstrates that serious impairments can develop following a motor vehicle collision even when the nature of the injury is disputed. Expert medical evidence can play a critical role in establishing the cause of complex conditions.

The settlement also highlights the significant impact that Conversion Disorder can have on a person’s ability to work and function in daily life. It recognizes the long-term consequences of injuries that extend beyond what may initially appear following a collision.