VERDICTS & SETTLEMENTS

The Montee Law Firm obtained a settlement of $2,750,000 for a client injured in a single-vehicle accident, which resulted in the complex regional pain syndrome. The Firm also represented her husband.

As a result of the accident, Plaintiff suffered a severe left ankle fracture. She underwent multiple surgeries on her ankle including open reduction external fixation, irrigation and debridement with the placement of a wound vac, and removal of the implanted hardware. Eight months after the accident, Plaintiff complained of hypersensitive pain in her left foot and underwent a neurectomy of her personal nerve in the left calf. In November 2011, Plaintiff underwent left ankle fusion.

In December 2010 Plaintiff began pain management treatment and underwent multiple invasive procedures for her left ankle pain, sciatic nerve injury, and back pain. Plaintiff’s treatment included lumbar facet injections, left ankle sensory nerve blocks, lumbar medial nerve branch blocks, and SI joint injections. As a result of chronic neuropathic pain, Plaintiff underwent surgery in October 2012 for permanent placement of a spinal cord stimulator.

Plaintiff also claimed that as a result of the accident she developed depression and cognitive impairments. Discovery in the lawsuit examined whether these issues were a result of post-concussion syndrome, chronic pain, or entirely inorganic in nature.

An IME by Defendant’s neurologist in December 2012 diagnosed the plaintiff with complex regional pain syndrome type II. The plaintiffs’ case then focused on this diagnosis as an explanation for Plaintiff’s severe complaints of chronic pain, emotional disturbance, and cognitive problems.

Subsequent to the accident, Plaintiff continued her employment as a teacher’s aide. However, Plaintiff claimed that as a result of complex regional pain syndrome she would not be able to continue employment in the future and would be totally disabled as a result of the progressive nature of complex regional pain syndrome.

Plaintiffs’ past paid medical bills nearly totaled $300,000. In addition, experts on both sides agreed that the future cost to maintain the spinal cord stimulator, pain management and prescriptions over the plaintiff’s lifetime would exceed $100,000. The plaintiffs’ economist claimed a loss of household services of $300,000. After mediation, the Plaintiffs agreed to a confidential settlement of $2,750,000 and confidentiality as to all parties and defense representation.