Overview

A 54-year-old woman suffered severe fractures to her dominant left forearm and elbow after a truck crossed the centre line and struck her vehicle head-on. Multiple surgeries, including a complete elbow replacement, failed to restore function or relieve her pain, leaving her unable to return to work. A lawsuit against the truck driver resulted in a $900,000 settlement.

Key Takeaways

  • Settlement amount: $900,000
  • Accident type: Head-on collision involving a truck
  • Primary injury: Complicated fractures of the dominant left forearm and elbow
  • Additional injuries: Non-functional left arm and chronic pain
  • Medical treatment: Multiple surgeries, including a complete elbow replacement
  • Resolution method: Settlement
  • Notable legal issue: Lawsuit against the truck driver who crossed the centre line
  • Long-term impact: Unable to return to her job and required compensation for future care, lost income, and pain and suffering

The Case

A 54-year-old woman was driving within the speed limit on a two-lane road when a truck travelling in the opposite direction crossed the centre line and collided with her vehicle. At the time of the crash, she worked as a technician in an optic lens manufacturing facility, where her job depended on fine motor skills and full use of both hands and arms.

The collision caused a complicated series of fractures to her dominant left forearm and elbow. Despite undergoing several surgeries, including a complete elbow replacement, her injuries left her with a non-functional limb and ongoing pain.

Because of the lasting impairment to her dominant arm, she was unable to return to her previous employment. Legal action was commenced against the truck driver whose vehicle crossed the centre line and caused the collision.

The claim resolved with a $900,000 settlement. The compensation addressed her pain and suffering, lost income, and the anticipated costs of her future care.

Why It Matters

This case demonstrates how a serious orthopaedic injury can have lasting consequences beyond the initial trauma. Despite extensive surgical treatment, the client’s dominant arm remained non-functional, preventing her from returning to work.

The settlement reflects the significant impact that permanent physical limitations can have on a person’s employment, future care needs, and overall quality of life following a motor vehicle collision.