Rear-End Collision Case Settles for $1.15 Million in Federal Court
Successfully Litigated by William A. Bock, Esq.
William A. Bock, Esq., of Gill & Chamas, LLC, recently secured a $1,150,000.00 settlement in a federal motor vehicle accident case involving a married couple who sustained serious spinal injuries following a rear-end collision. The case was litigated in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey and resolved following private mediation.
The couple was stopped at a red light in New Brunswick, NJ, when they were struck from behind by another vehicle. A police officer on scene witnessed the crash. Both vehicles were significantly damaged and towed from the scene. At the time of the collision, both individuals had documented spinal conditions, which became central issues in the litigation.
The plaintiff wife had previously undergone a lumbar fusion and had resumed active treatment for recurring neck and back complaints in the months leading up to the crash. Although she had reached a relatively stable baseline before the collision, her condition worsened significantly after the impact. As a result of the accident, she ultimately required cervical disc replacement surgery and continues to suffer from ongoing symptoms.
The plaintiff husband had a history of lower back issues and underwent lumbar imaging approximately a year before the accident. He had been receiving intermittent pain management treatment but was otherwise leading an active lifestyle. Following the crash, his symptoms became progressively worse and led to a lumbar fusion. He continues to experience pain and functional limitations.
The defense challenged both plaintiffs’ claims by arguing that the injuries were unrelated to the accident and instead argued that their symptoms were a progression of their preexisting injuries. Experts were retained to dispute causation and the need for surgical intervention. Mr. Bock successfully countered those arguments by presenting comparative imaging, surgical records, and treating physician testimony showing that the crash caused a clear and measurable aggravation of pre-existing conditions and necessitated invasive treatment.
The case resolved for $1,150,000.00, with separate recoveries for each plaintiff.
If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident, contact William A. Bock, Esq. at Gill & Chamas, LLC, to discuss how he can help you pursue full and fair compensation.
