Driver with lingering pain after crash reaches settlement

A man injured while driving for his employer reached a $2.25 million settlement after his initial treatment failed to resolve his pain, according to his attorney.

Tarun Rana of the Rana Law Group said another driver, who was in the course and scope of employment, missed a turn and attempted to make a U-turn directly into the path of the plaintiff, who suffered damage to several discs in his cervical spine. The defense admitted liability.

Initially, the plaintiff got treatment through the workers’ compensation system, which Rana said was a mistake because he was treated conservatively and released despite pain complaints. After trying to work through the pain, he sought care 15 months later with an orthopedic specialist whom Rana recommended. He underwent four-level disc replacement surgery five years after the crash.

The case settled at mediation a week before a scheduled trial. Rana there were risks for both sides. A doctor for the defense conceded that the crash contributed to the need for surgery but emphasized the age of plaintiff and the type of work he did as a laborer as contributing factors. The parties also disputed whether the plaintiff would need any future medical treatment. The large gap in treatment and that the plaintiff was referred to his surgeon by his lawyer also were concerns, Rana said.

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$2.25 million settlement

Motor Vehicle Collision

Venue: St. Louis County Circuit Court

Case Number/Date: Confidential/Aug. 7, 2023

Special Damages: $300,000 past medical bills

Last Pre-mediation Demand: $4,600,000

Last Pre-mediation Offer: $670,000

Caption: Confidential

Plaintiff’s Attorney: Tarun B. Rana, Rana Law Group, St. Louis,

Defendants’ Attorneys: Confidential