Settlement of 950,000 Dollars for Severe Whiplash Injury

A man who suffered severe neck and back injuries after being rear-ended by a County of Los Angeles van has been awarded 950,000 dollars days before his case was due to be heard at the Los Angeles Superior Court.

Felipe Medina (53) of Los Angeles County, California, was driving his Saturn Vue west-bound on the 105 freeway in Lynwood, California, in December 2007, when he slowed to a stop due to a traffic jam ahead of him.

The van behind, driven by County of Los Angeles employee Wille Duckworth, drove into the back of Felipe´s car, causing Felipe to sustain severe neck, back and shoulder injuries. Police investigating the post-accident scene established that Duckworth had been travelling at excessive speed and was unable to stop in time to avoid the collision.

Felipe underwent several operations to his back and left shoulder to relieve the pain caused by his injuries. He was also given epidural injections, painkilling tablets and wore a back brace in an attempt to restore his health to its pre-accident condition, but his doctors fear that his pain will prevent him from ever continuing his job as a maintenance supervisor.

Under Californian law, employers are held responsible for their negligent acts and, after seeking legal advice, Felipe sued the County of Los Angeles for personal injury compensation and loss of earnings – both present and future. However, days before the opening arguments were due to be heard, a settlement was reached between Felipe´s legal representatives and those of the County of Los Angeles for 950,000 dollars.