In this case, our client was stopped on the I-985 Exit 17 off-ramp at its intersection with Atlanta Highway in Hall County, Georgia. As she waited in traffic, the driver behind her failed to stop and crashed into the rear of her vehicle. The impact was strong enough to push her vehicle into the vehicle in front of her. The responding officer cited the other driver for following too closely.
Following the collision, our client experienced significant neck and back pain and was transported to Northeast Georgia Medical Center for evaluation. She was diagnosed with cervical strain and cervicalgia and began treatment for ongoing neck pain and headaches.
Over the following months, our client continued to experience persistent symptoms despite physical therapy, medication, and pain management treatment. She also underwent an epidural steroid injection in an effort to manage her ongoing pain. Imaging revealed cervical spine injuries, including multilevel disc disease and spinal stenosis.
One of the most significant consequences of the crash was our client’s development of tinnitus. Prior to the collision, our client had no history of hearing problems. After the wreck, she began experiencing persistent ringing in both ears that interfered with her concentration, sleep, and daily activities. She ultimately underwent an audiological evaluation and was diagnosed with tinnitus and bilateral sensorineural hearing loss.
As her symptoms continued, hearing specialists recommended hearing aids to help manage the constant ringing. Although the devices provided some relief, there is no cure for tinnitus, and our client continues to live with the condition.
Despite having approximately $24,000 in medical expenses at the time of the initial demand, attorney Jackson Latty valued this case well above the medical bills and the available $100,000 policy limit. The long-term impact of our client’s tinnitus, ongoing neck pain, headaches, and resulting limitations significantly affected the value of her claim.
State Farm's highest pre-suit offer to that demand was $28,000. Jackson rejected that valuation and filed suit on behalf of our client.
Following written discovery, State Farm paid $250,000, two and a half times the at-fault driver’s policy limit.
This result reflects an important principle in personal injury cases: Medical bills alone do not define the value of a personal injury claim. That is how insurers approach cases. It is not where we stop, particularly when our client has a compelling, lasting injury that goes well beyond what shows up in a stack of medical bills. When State Farm's offer did not reflect the real value of this case, Jackson did not negotiate against the client's best interests nor anchor to their number. He filed suit and pushed the case.
About The Champion Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.C.
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