In March of 2017, the plaintiff suffered from a work-related motor vehicle accident when working for a subcontractor for Amazon. The employee was parked at a loading dock, reaching into the back of the van when he was struck by another vehicle.
The plaintiff went to the doctor when the pain didn’t subside. He explained to the doctor that the pain was on the left side of his back and that he was experiencing moderate pain. Soon after, the pain started to travel down his leg, which the doctor labeled as “thoracolumbar tenderness.” The doctor told the plaintiff to remain out of work for a week, gave him pain medication, and put him into physical therapy. After a month of still experiencing pain, the doctor told him to stay out of work for an additional month.
The plaintiff’s pain worsened with driving, or with lower back movement, repetitive lifting, and when standing up from a lying position or walking. The doctor diagnosed him with lumbago with sciatica, sprain of ligaments of the sacroiliac joint. The doctor then recommended an MRI of the lumbar spine to figure out the extent of the injury. The plaintiff experienced increased symptoms after physical therapy visits as well.
After meeting with the workers’ compensation insurers’ doctor, the doctor noted that the plaintiff needed further medical treatment, including a possible lumbar spine surgery at the L4-5 level. The doctor also concluded that the work-related motor vehicle accident had aggravated the plaintiff’s pre-existing condition which had led to his inability to work.
In November of 2017, the plaintiff was diagnosed with several complications within the lumbar region. A few months later in February, the plaintiff had a transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion. He felt improvements after surgery but was still experiencing pain. Restrictions made it difficult to find employment. The plaintiff has also encountered numerous lifestyle changes since the injury.
Case Settlement: $952,000
