February 2010
On February 3, 2010, Partner Jeffrey A. Rizika settled a claim on behalf of a woman who was a passenger in a vehicle that was struck by a car that ran through a flashing red traffic light at an intersection in Paterson, New Jersey, causing substantial damage to both vehicles and resulting in the air bags in her vehicle to deploy. The client sustained injuries to her neck, back and left breast. After substantial conservative treatment, the client was scheduled for spinal surgery for 2 extruded herniated discs in her neck. However, prior to the surgery, she was involved in another motor vehicle accident which created a question as to whether that accident aggravated her condition. She ultimately underwent two level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion surgery with allograft plate and screw fixation. The case was settled with the driver of the vehicle she was in for the driver’s policy limit of $15,000 prior to litigation, and with the driver of the other vehicle for $165,000 one week prior to trial, for a total settlement of $180,000.
**Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances**