Our client built his career operating heavy machinery. He had a physically demanding job that required strength, mobility, and long hours on his feet. It was hard, but he knew putting in the work would mean a better future. Tragically, everything our client spent his life building was changed in an instant when another driver made a dangerous left turn directly into his path.
While traveling in the far-right lane on Rivers Avenue in North Charleston, our client was struck when an employee of a local dealership attempted to turn left across four lanes of traffic. The force of the crash sent our client’s vehicle into a violent spin. After the initial impact, his car struck the side of a van before spinning again and colliding with it a second time. The investigating officer determined the other driver was solely at fault for causing the collision.
What began as a routine drive quickly became the start of a long and painful recovery that would ultimately upend his livelihood.
Serious Back Injury Leads to Lumbar Fusion Surgery
Our client was rushed to the hospital by EMS. There, he was treated for neck pain, left shoulder pain, and an airbag burn to his forearm. They also took CT scans of his head and cervical spine before he was discharged with instructions to seek follow-up care.
Despite undergoing months of conservative treatment, including chiropractic care, physical therapy, injections, and diagnostic imaging, his symptoms continued to worsen. He experienced constant neck and low back pain that radiated into his leg, along with debilitating headaches. These limitations made everyday activities increasingly difficult.
An MRI revealed a significant disc extrusion at the L5-S1 level contacting the S1 nerve root. When non-surgical treatment failed to provide lasting relief, he underwent an anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) at L5-S1. Following surgery, he completed home-health physical therapy before eventually reaching maximum medical improvement with a 23% permanent impairment rating.
The Collision Took Away His Ability to Work
Before the crash, our client worked as a production assistant operating heavy machinery.
After surgery, he attempted to return to work, but the physical demands only aggravated his symptoms. His treating physicians imposed permanent restrictions. He could no longer lift more than 10 pounds and must avoid repetitive bending and twisting.
A vocational evaluation concluded that he was completely and permanently disabled from returning to his previous job.
In addition to the devastating loss of his professional career, our client’s injuries also affected nearly every waking moment of his personal life. Standing, bending, walking, household chores, and even maintaining his vehicle became painful. He could no longer enjoy his favorite hobbies, like riding motorcycles or playing paintball. He developed sleep disturbances and anxiety while driving.
Attorney Jeff Gerardi Pursues Every Available Source of Compensation
Attorney Jeff Gerardi understood that the true impact of our client’s injuries extended far beyond his medical bills. His inability to return to the activities he loved and the demanding career he had built were equally devastating.
Gerardi carefully documented the extensive medical treatment, permanent impairment, future medical needs, and the devastating impact the injuries had on his client’s ability to earn a living.
In serious injury cases, proving the full value of a person’s losses is only part of the challenge. The actual monetary amount an injured person recovers often depends heavily on the insurance coverage and other sources of compensation available. Yet, identifying those sources is not always straightforward. Since additional policies may exist beyond the coverage initially disclosed, performing a thorough investigation is especially important.
Vowing to leave no stone unturned, Attorney Gerardi launched a full investigation and uncovered substantial insurance coverage, including a $500,000 liability policy and a multi-million-dollar umbrella policy. Knowing what his client was up against, he aggressively pursued compensation that reflected not only our client’s current medical expenses but also his future care, lost earning capacity, and permanent loss of quality of life.
A $1,002,000 Settlement After a Life-Changing Collision
Attorney Jeff Gerardi ultimately secured a $1,002,000 settlement on behalf of our client.
While no settlement could restore his health or allow him to return to the career he once enjoyed, the substantial financial recovery provided our client with security as he adjusted to life with permanent limitations.
At Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers, we understand that serious injury cases are about more than medical treatment. They are about protecting a person’s future after someone else’s negligence changes the course of their life. Our attorneys fight to recover the compensation our clients need to rebuild after catastrophic injuries.
Disclaimer: Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
