Overview

Oatley Vigmond represented a young husband, father, and senior corporate vice-president who suffered serious injuries in a motorcycle collision when an oncoming vehicle turned left in front of him. The firm pursued claims against the glove manufacturer, the retailer, the other driver, and the client’s accident benefits insurer, resulting in a combined settlement of more than $2,500,000 before trial.

Key Takeaways

  • Settlement amount: More than $2,500,000
  • Accident type: Motorcycle accident
  • Primary injury: Severe hand and wrist injuries
  • Additional injuries: Broken leg and head injury
  • Resolution method: Settlement before trial
  • Notable legal issues: Claims involving alleged negligent glove design, improper left turn by the other driver, and accident benefits
  • Medical treatment: Multiple surgeries
  • Long-term impact: Hand and wrist rendered virtually useless

The Case

Our client, a young husband, father, and senior corporate vice-president, was riding his motorcycle when an oncoming vehicle turned left in front of him, causing a devastating collision.

During the crash, one of his motorcycle protective gloves became caught on the clutch lever due to its alleged poor design and was pulled from his hand on impact. Without the protection of the glove, his hand and wrist were shattered. Despite undergoing several surgeries, his hand and wrist were rendered virtually useless. He also suffered a broken leg and a head injury.

Oatley Vigmond brought claims against the glove manufacturer and retailer for the alleged negligent design of the glove, the other driver for making an improper left turn, and the client’s accident benefits insurer for failing to pay appropriate benefits. The claims were successfully resolved before trial for a combined settlement of more than $2,500,000.

Why It Matters

This case demonstrates how a serious motorcycle collision can involve multiple legal issues beyond the actions of another driver. Product design, product safety, and insurance disputes may all become important factors in a personal injury claim.

The settlement also reflects the significant impact that permanent hand injuries can have on a person’s daily life, employment, and future care needs, particularly when accompanied by additional orthopaedic and head injuries.