$500,000.00 Settlement for One Level Cervical Fusion
In Robert Chaisson v. Johnny C. Levine and Ambar Drilling Fluids, LP, Docket Number: 86471-G, 15th Judicial District Court, Vermilion Parish, Louisiana, Lafayette personal injury attorney Joseph F. Gaar, Jr. obtained a $500,000.00 settlement, plus payment of all property damages for injuries the plaintiff received from an intersectional automobile accident that resulted in a one level cervical fusion surgery.
In this case, Mr. Chaisson was driving his vehicle in Abbeville, Louisiana when he was struck by Johnny C. Levine, who was driving an Ambar company truck and who had made a sudden unanticipated left hand turn directly in front of Mr. Chaisson's vehicle. As a result of the accident, Mr. Chaisson engaged in conservative medical treatment which consisted of physical therapy, medication and epidural injections.
After a year, these treatments did not relieve Mr. Chaisson's neck complaints and his treating physician, Dr. Patrick Juneau performed a one level cervical fusion which allowed Mr. Chaisson to return to work three months following the surgery. Mr. Chaisson's employer made work accommodations that allowed him to return to "sheltered" employment at the same wage rate.
The defendants argued that Mr. Chaisson did not sustain a loss of future earning capacity due to his quick return to work as a respiratory therapist, in the same exact job, making the same exact wages as he was making before the accident. Mr. Gaar convincingly argued to the defendant's claims adjuster that even though Mr. Chaisson returned to work, he had a diminished earning capacity that could result in future economic losses if Mr. Chaisson were to lose his sheltered employment.
Gaar Law Firm - Lafayette Personal Injury Lawyers
617 S. Buchanan Street, PO Box 2053
Lafayette, Louisiana 70501
Phone: 800-553-2352
Fax: 337-233-0690
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