$4M settlement for catastrophic injuries from motorcycle crash

A man who suffered catastrophic injuries when he was hit by a car while riding his motorcycle in Lancaster County has negotiated a $4 million pre-suit confidential settlement, the victim’s attorney reports.

Mark Jetton of Jetton & Meredith in Charlotte reports that his client, a 29-year-old man, was riding his motorcycle at about 50 mph in May 2017 when the car’s driver failed to yield the right-of-way and accelerated through a stop sign. The client was ejected from his motorcycle and thrown to the pavement and had to be airlifted to a trauma center.

Among his many injuries requiring surgery, the client suffered a broken leg, broken and dislocated hip, broken collarbone, broken ribs, fractured vertebrae, internal injuries, and an elbow injury. He was hospitalized in intensive care and since being discharged has required continuous therapy, medication, and care.

Because of his injuries, the client was not able to return to his job, which was physically demanding, or to his previously physically active lifestyle.

Among the expert witnesses, Penny Cates, a life care planner in Archdale, North Carolina evaluated the amount of medical treatment and care the plaintiff would require for the rest of his life as a result of his injuries and its projected cost. Economist J.C. Poindexter conducted a lost wage evaluation to determine a fair reimbursement for a man who would lose an estimated 35 years of income.

Richard Hinson of Florence mediated the settlement, which the parties agreed to on May 31. Many details about the case, including the identities of the parties and of the defense’s counsel were withheld pursuant to a confidentiality agreement.

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SETTLEMENT REPORT — MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH

Amount: $4,000,000

Injuries alleged: Broken leg, broken and dislocated hip, broken collarbone, broken ribs, and fractured vertebrae

Case name: Case settled before a suit was filed

Venue: Lancaster County

Mediator: Richard Hinson of Florence 

Date of settlement: May 31, 2019

Most helpful experts: J.C. Poindexter of Cape Coral, Florida (economist) and Penny Cates of Archdale, North Carolina (life care planner)

Insurance carrier: Withheld

Attorney for plaintiff: Mark Jetton of Jetton & Meredith in Charlotte 

Attorneys for defendant: Withheld