SPECIALISTS IN CATASTROPHIC INJURY AND DEATH CLAIMS
 

Expanded Case Information

Every case is unique. Please use the following as an example of the range of cases we handle, and the results achieved. Any result achieved on behalf of one client in one matter does not necessarily indicate that similar results can be obtained for other clients.

We think the best way to evaluate success at trial is whether the verdict is greater than the settlement offer.



ANDERSON v. STATE OF WASHINGTON
99 Or.Lit.Arb.Rpts. 156, ... ANDERSON v. STATE OF WASHINGTON

*38 Title: ... ANDERSON v. STATE OF WASHINGTON

Docket Number:
98-2-01571-4
Source:
Settlement
State:
Cowlitz County, Washington
Topic:
Lost Control (Single Vehicle)
Injuries:

Fractured pelvis and ribs; abdominal and chest injuries

November 6, 1995 - Plaintiff, female, age 32, book publisher. Plaintiff was southbound from Seattle on I-5 in the right lane. At approximately 9:15 p.m., she approached milepost 43 in Cowlitz County just north of Longview. Her vehicle lost control, left the road, and collided with the guardrail. The end of the guardrail acted as a battering ram, shoving the driver's seat forward, crushing Andrea between the driver's seat and the steering wheel. Plaintiff contended the cause of the incident was negligent repair of the roadway along I-5. Serious rutting had developed which enabled water to channel and accumulate at the low point in the highway. The area just before the incident location is a slight downhill slope. Just past the incident spot was a slight incline. This caused water to accumulate in the "sag verticle curve" in the roadway. The accumulation of water caused Plaintiff's vehicle to hydroplane and spin out of control. Plaintiff had no independent memory of the incident; her last memory was leaving Seattle.

Massive injuries to abdomen/chest; fractured pelvis and multiple rib fractures. Bilateral pneumothorax; bilateral pulmonary contusion. Compartment syndrome, right arm; foot drop. Ischemic bowel; spleen and liver lacerations. In ICU for 37 days; remained in hospital for 50 days. Has undergone 13 surgeries to repair damage caused by collision.

Specials:
Medical $599,319.52; Lost Wages $27,087-$500,000; Days Work Lost - 10 months approx.; Days in Hospital - 50-55 days.
Settlement:
Demand: $3,000,000. Offer: None-$200,000.
Result:
SETTLEMENT for $1,200,000.
Range:
$1,000,000-1,999,999
Plaintiff Attorney:
Stephen Hendricks of Stephen C. Hendricks, P.C. (Portland, OR); Jack Bernstein (Milwaukie,OR); John L. Messina of Messina Law Firm (Tacoma, WA)
Plaintiff Experts:
Medical: Oregon Health Science University; Providence Portland Medical Center, both Portland, Oregon
Other: Edward Stevens (Traffic Engineer) Seattle WA; Richard Cook (Accident Reconstruction) Seattle WA; Tom Fries (Accident Reconstruction) Portland OR; David Weaver (Traffic Engineer)
Defendant Attorney:
Elizabeth Erwin, John Justice & D. Thomas Wendel, Assistant Attorney Generals
Trial Judge:
--
Mediator:
Charles Burdell
Text:
--
End:
Oregon Litigation and Arbitration Reports, July, 1999
Update:
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Securing fair
compensation for
catastrophic injuries
or death is what we
do for you, using 35
years of experience
fighting insurance
companies.

-Stephen C. Hendricks
Attorney At Law