Highlights of our verdicts, settlement and awards for 2010.
JD vs. Allstate - $115,759.03 jury verdict; Underinsured motorist claim
A woman was injured in a motor vehicle accident and sustained neck and back injuries. After recovering the policy limit of $20,000.00 from the negligent party, she brought an underinsured motorist claim against her automobile insurance carrier, Allstate. The women suffered numbness in her hands which her treating physician attributed to her neck injury however, since all of her scans were negative concerning objective evidence of disc injury, Allstate offered $7,000.00. A jury trial was held and a verdict was returned for the woman in the total amount of $115,759.03.
RD vs. JA - $485,000.00 settlement; Auto collision
A young woman sustained a displaced tibia fracture as a result of a motor vehicle accident. A rod was placed in her leg and ankle surgery was also required. Complex medical exhibits were prepared by Attorney Romania with the help of an expert from Louisiana which clearly demonstrated the injury helping the matter to resolve.
KE vs. ALLSTATE - $80,000.00 arbitration award; Uninsured motorist claim
An uninsured motor vehicle collided with the rear of a woman's motor vehicle. Because of back pain, the woman underwent two epidural injections and several months of physical therapy. After the start of a jury trial, the parties agreed to arbitrate the matter. Allstate's offer was $25,000.00 and the arbitrator found for the woman in the amount of $80,000.00.
DR. C. vs. PROGRESSIVE - $315,000.00 settlement; Underinsured motorist claim.
A woman sustained a neck injury requiring surgery as a result of a motor vehicle accident. She first settled for the policy limits against the negligent party in the amount of $100,000.00. An underinsured motorist action was brought against her insurance carrier, Progressive. Progressive defended the claim on the basis that the woman's neck symptoms did not start to arise until well after the motor vehicle accident took place. Attorney Romania prepared complex medical/legal material to support the neck claim and along with important testimony from an expert orthopedic surgeon, the matter subsequently settled for an additional $215,000.00.
AV vs. RS - 430,000.00 settlement; Underinsured motorist claim.
A man sustained neck and back injuries as a result of a motor vehicle collision. He eventually went on to have neck and low back surgery. The man had a history of two back surgeries taking place prior to the accident. Multiple parties were involved in the litigation along with the plaintiff's own insurance company concerning an underinsured motorist claim. At the start of the litigation, the man's own orthopaedic surgeon was reluctant to connect the low back surgery to the recent motor vehicle accident. But after medical and legal literature was provided to the surgeon by Attorney Romania, a connection was made. The case, where the defendants' original offer was $65,000.00, subsequently settled for $430,000.00.
JD vs. METROPOLITAN - $220,000.00 arbitration award
An older woman sustained leg injuries as a result of a motor vehicle accident. After settling for the policy limits with the negligent party for $20,000.00, an underinsured motorist action was brought against her own insurance company, Metropolitan. The matter was arbitrated and Metropolitan argued that the woman's claim was only worth $60,000.00. A total award of $220,000.00 was entered.
TR vs. HOME DEPOT - $150,000.00 worker's compensation settlement.
After recovering all benefits that he was entitled to by law under the Worker's Compensation Act, the claimant settled his low back claim with the Home Depot for an additional $150,000.00.
AG vs. HH - $195,000.00 workers' compensation settlement.
After years of litigation, a woman was successful in recovering all benefits that she was entitled to by law for a back and neck injury. After working out an agreement with Social Security, the woman was able to settle her workers' compensation claim for $195,000.00 and have her monthly Social Security benefit check increase.
MR vs. ST. RAPHAELS - $484,000.00 workers' compensation settlement.
After receiving benefits for over 15 years, the woman settled her claim with the hospital for $484,000.00. A complex agreement was worked out by Attorney Romania with Medicare which allowed the woman to continue to receive Medicare Benefits and actually have her monthly Social Security Disability check increase.
TH vs. SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT - workers' compensation decision; gun belt injury.
A State Police Office sought benefits from the State of Connecticut for a low back injury which he claimed resulted from the repetitive use of his heavy leather gun belt and holster. The case, perhaps the first of its kind in Connecticut was fiercely contested by the State's Attorney General's Office. After a formal trial before a Workers' Compensation Commissioner, all issues were found in favor of the police officer. The benefits he received included weekly wage benefits, payment of medical bills and specific awards concerning his injury.
