Plaintiff in 2023 motor vehicle accident finally reaches settlement

A million-dollar settlement has resolved a case involving a motorist whose vehicle was struck by an unknown driver resulting in both neurological and cardiac issues.

“The force of the impact was so severe that it propelled Plaintiff’s vehicle into the vehicle in front of him,” said a summary of the matter from attorney Laurie Del Percio of the Horn Law Firm.

Del Percio said that her client Justin Meier went on to suffer a wide array of problems beginning with headaches and pain in the neck, upper back and chest as well as scapular discomfort. He later lost consciousness during treatment in the emergency room, and an EKG showed evidence of atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response.

“Importantly, Plaintiff did not have any history of afib in the past,” noted the summary.

Less than a month after the December 2023 crash, Meier’s condition worsened, and he returned to the ER with symptoms that now included tingling in the fingers and left arm.

According to the summary, the plaintiff saw a brain injury specialist and was referred to vestibular therapy. In addition to pain and headaches, he reported memory and concentration issues and an assessment found mild cognitive linguistic impairment. The following summer, he suffered a syncopal episode and an unusually slow heartbeat which resulted in an ER trip by ambulance. Additional episodes ultimately required installation of a pacemaker.

Meier was covered by his employer’s uninsured motorist policy since he was driving a company vehicle at the time of the collision.

In an interview, Del Percio said that the defendant insurer made arguments regarding the nature of the policy limits since it was issued in Wisconsin. She said the process of settling the case was a difficult one.

“It took years and required an economic report to be able to document his ongoing problems,” she noted.

She said he still has difficulties.

“He’s had to modify his activities and learn to live with the pain,” Del Percio noted.

Clay Crawford of Baker Sterchi was listed as representing the defense. He declined comment on the matter.

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$1 million settlement

Motor vehicle collision

Venue: Missouri

Case Number/Date: Not filed/ July 23, 2025

Injuries: Head, brain, neck, back, spine

Special Damages: $575,583.51 past medical (billed); $380,017.85 past medical (written-off)

Insurer: Travelers Casualty Insurance Company of America

Caption: Justin Meier v. Travelers Casualty Insurance Company of America (unfiled)

Plaintiffs’ Attorneys: Laurie Del Percio, The Horn Law Firm, (Independence)

Defendants’ Attorneys: Clay Crawford, Baker Sterchi (Kansas City)