Million-Dollar Verdict: Auto Accident in Long Island
Case Overview
After a motor vehicle accident on Long Island, the collision was so severe that it caused a pre-existing neck and back injury to get worse. This eventually led to the need for spinal surgery and extensive physical therapy. After the insurance company made a minimal pre-trial offer of only $50,000, we took the case to trial in Suffolk County, where following careful deliberation, the jury awarded our client $1,021,235 for pain and suffering.
Case Facts
- Motor vehicle accident occurred on Long Island
- Collision aggravated plaintiff's pre-existing neck and back injuries
- Insurance company made a minimal pre-trial offer of only $50,000
- Case proceeded to trial in Suffolk County
Injuries Sustained
- •Exacerbation of pre-existing spinal injuries
- •Severe neck pain requiring surgical intervention
- •Back injuries necessitating spinal surgery
- •Chronic pain requiring ongoing pain management
- •Limited mobility affecting daily activities
Medical Treatment
- •Spinal surgery (spinal fusion, disc replacement, or laminectomy to relieve nerve pressure)
- •Extensive physical therapy and rehabilitation
- •Pain management treatment
- •Life modifications due to long-term recovery process
- •Ongoing medical care and monitoring
Legal Strategy
- Comprehensive documentation of pain and suffering and long-term impact
- Demonstrated exacerbation of pre-existing injuries through expert medical testimony
- Refused to accept inadequate $50,000 settlement offer
- Prepared compelling case and strategic litigation strategy for trial
- Presented full extent of injuries and suffering to Suffolk County jury
- Demonstrated need for spinal surgery, rehabilitation, and life modifications
Outcome
After careful deliberation, the jury awarded our client $1,021,235 for pain and suffering—over 20 times the defendant's $50,000 pre-trial offer. This substantial verdict recognized the true extent of our client's injuries and their impact on his life.
Key Insight
Motor vehicle accidents frequently result in spinal injuries due to the force, sudden impact, and the body being moved in unnatural ways during the accident. This may result in whiplash, herniated discs, fractures, and spinal cord damage, especially in high-speed crashes or rear-end accidents.
The injuries may not always be apparent immediately, which is why seeking medical attention is critical. When insurance companies make inadequate settlement offers, it's essential to have skilled personal injury attorneys who are willing to take your case to trial to fight for the compensation you deserve. This verdict demonstrates the importance of having a dedicated legal team by your side after a motor vehicle accident.
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.
