September 2006

Caption: Joanna Harris v. Tammy Nichelson & Marvin Nichelson

Court: Circuit Court of Jackson County, Missouri

Special Damages: $60,000.00 past medical expenses

Injuries: comminuted intra-articular displaced fracture of the right distal humerus, fracture of the distal radius, and right elbow wound infection.

Plaintiff’s Attorneys: Russell C. Purvis, The Montee Law Firm, P.C.,

A $137,500.00 settlement has been reached by Joanna Harris with Defendants Tammy and Marvin Nichelson for injuries suffered by Mr. Harris due to a fall from exterior stairs attached to the Nichelson’s home. The stairs did not have a handrail and Ms. Harris fell approximately fifteen feet to the ground.

As a result of the accident, Ms. Harris suffered a comminuted intraarticular, displaced fracture of the right distal humerus, fracture of the distal radius and right elbow wound infection. Ms. Harris was forced to undergo an open reduction, and internal fixation surgery to repair the right distal humerus fracture. She was also forced to undergo to separate procedures to irrigate and debride the infected open fracture at the right elbow. Following the surgical procedures, she was forced to undergo an extensive course of physical therapy.

A settlement was reached under which Nichelson’s homeowner’s insurance carrier agreed to pay its $137,500.00 to settle the claim.