When Laura*, a 51-year-old grandmother and caregiver, stopped at a red light on a summer morning in San Antonio, she had no idea that a split second of inattention by another driver would change her life forever.
Behind her, a Ford F-450 company truck driven by a construction employee failed to slow down and slammed into the back of Laura’s vehicle. The violent impact threw her service dog into the dashboard and pushed her car into the intersection, even though her foot was still pressed firmly on the brake.
Her service dog was OK, but Laura was not. The crash was only the beginning of her story.
*Client name changed to protect privacy
A lifetime of pain from a “momentary mistake”
After the collision, Laura felt pain radiating through her neck, back, and shoulder. Emergency room doctors documented her injuries and ordered imaging that revealed herniated discs in both her cervical and lumbar spine. Both injuries can permanently affect nerves that control movement and sensation.
Despite months of physical therapy, chiropractic care, and injections, Laura’s pain never fully subsided. She suffered daily discomfort, numbness in her arms and legs, and constant headaches. Eventually, specialists determined that she would likely need future neck surgery to regain function and manage her chronic pain.
Proving the true extent of Laura’s injuries
Crosley Law worked to document the full extent of Laura’s injuries. Our firm retained an accident reconstructionist and biomechanical expert to analyze how the 20 mph rear-end impact could generate enough force to cause her spinal trauma.
The experts confirmed that the collision caused Laura’s car to surge forward by 14 mph within a fraction of a second. This is exactly the type of force known to cause the kind of multi-level spine damage she sustained.
Medical imaging supported these conclusions, showing abnormalities at C5-6, C6-7. It also showed nerve compression consistent with her ongoing pain and weakness.
But proving the past injuries was only half the battle.
The importance of understanding future medical needs
When Crosley Law first met Laura, she was focused on getting through the pain she felt that day—not the pain she might feel years later. Unfortunately, in personal injury law, once a case is settled or a verdict is entered, you cannot reopen it if you discover new medical needs later.
That’s why Crosley Law went beyond the immediate treatment records. Our firm retained a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist to create a Life Care Plan, a detailed projection of Laura’s future care needs, costs, and likely medical procedures. The life care planner showed that Laura would require:
- Continued pain management and spinal injections
- Ongoing therapy and mobility support
- A likely three-level artificial disc replacement surgery (C5–C7) to relieve her symptoms and prevent further deterioration
Laura’s projected future care needs confirmed that her injuries were not temporary, and that an early, uninformed settlement could have left her without the resources to pay for the care she would need for decades.
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The settlement that secured Laura’s future
With the evidence from her treating doctors, life care planner, and biomechanical experts, Crosley Law built a compelling case showing the long-term impact of Laura’s injuries.
Before trial, the defense agreed to a $1.9 million settlement, 22 times more than their initial offer.
This resolution gave Laura the means to pursue future medical care and regain stability in her life. While no amount of money can undo the pain she endures each day, the settlement ensures that she will not face her medical future alone or unsupported.
A message for injury victims: Don’t settle too soon
Laura’s story is a powerful reminder of why it’s critical to work with an experienced law firm that understands how to evaluate the full scope of an injury and not just the short-term medical bills.
Serious injuries often evolve over time, and their consequences may not be fully understood in the weeks or months after a crash. But once a settlement is accepted or a verdict is entered, the case is closed forever—even if the victim needs surgery, long-term therapy, or assistive care in the future.
Car Crash? Call Crosley
At Crosley Law, we take the time to consult with medical experts, gather advanced imaging, and project future costs to ensure our clients’ settlements reflect the true lifetime impact of their injuries.
If you or a loved one has suffered serious spinal injuries after a crash, don’t assume the worst is behind you. Before accepting any settlement, speak with a firm that knows how to look beyond the surface and plan for your future.
Contact Crosley Law for a free consultation.
