Over $800k Settlement for Elderly Plaintiff with Spinal Degeneration
Case Overview
A 69-year-old female with underlying osteoporosis and pre-existing spinal degeneration suffered an acute T12 spinal fracture in a motor vehicle collision. Despite the complexity of her pre-existing conditions, we successfully negotiated an $899,940 settlement.
Case Facts
- 69-year-old female plaintiff involved in motor vehicle collision
- Client had pre-existing osteoporosis
- Client had pre-existing spinal degeneration
- Accident caused acute T12 vertebral fracture
Injuries Sustained
- •Acute T12 compression fracture of the spine
- •Severe back pain from fracture
- •Compounded by underlying osteoporosis
- •Exacerbation of pre-existing spinal degeneration
- •Significant impact on mobility and independence for elderly client
Medical Treatment
- •Emergency medical treatment for spinal fracture
- •Conservative treatment including bracing
- •Pain management therapy
- •Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- •Ongoing monitoring of osteoporosis and spinal health
- •Potential vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty procedures
Legal Strategy
- Addressed complex medical history head-on
- Distinguished between pre-existing conditions and accident-caused injuries
- Retained medical experts to explain acute fracture causation
- Demonstrated how accident significantly worsened client's condition
- Negotiated with insurance company accounting for pre-existing conditions
- Secured substantial compensation despite medical complexity
Outcome
We obtained an $899,940.10 settlement for our elderly client, securing the appropriate compensation despite her complex medical history. This substantial settlement recognized that even clients with pre-existing conditions deserve full compensation for new injuries caused by someone else's negligence.
Key Insight
Pre-existing medical conditions don't eliminate the right to compensation. The 'eggshell plaintiff' doctrine protects vulnerable individuals—defendants must take victims as they find them. Skilled attorneys can overcome insurance company attempts to deny or reduce compensation based on pre-existing conditions.
Have You Been Injured?
Contact Licatesi Law Group today for a free consultation. We fight aggressively for maximum compensation.
Important Notice: Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is unique and results depend on the specific facts and circumstances of each individual case. The verdicts and settlements listed above are representative of our experience but should not be considered as predictive of results in other cases.
