South Carolina Lawyers Weekly
An individual who lost part of their leg to an amputation in the wake of a rear-end collision in South Carolina will receive a $5.125 million settlement.
Attorney Chris Romeo of Thurmond Kirchner and Timbes said that a commercial vehicle was traveling 50 m.p.h. when it caused the 2021 accident by striking another driver from behind.
“It was a box truck that hit a car behind him and pushed that car into my client,” said Romeo.
The resulting broken ankle necessitated open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) surgery. However, his client ultimately lost blood supply to the foot and underwent a below-the-knee amputation. He was subsequently fitted with a prosthetic.
Romeo said that electronic data recorder information was helpful in the case.
“It showed that the box truck driver – even though everybody was stopped – never even put on his brakes,” he said.
Romeo said matter was resolved pre-suit and the truck driver was never deposed so the reason for his actions remained unclear. However, he said the other side offered little or no defense in the case, which settled in mediation.
“This was about damages,” he said. “It really just came down to how you get there.”
As per the terms of the settlement, the parties remain confidential.
SETTLEMENT REPORT – VEHICLE ACCIDENT
Amount: $5.125 million
Injuries alleged: Below-the-knee amputation of right leg
Case name: Confidential
Venue: Charleston County
Case No.: None
Special damages: $367,840 in medical expenses
Most helpful experts: Ken Richardson (accident reconstruction); Liz Oakley (day-in-the-life video)
Insurance carrier: Confidential
Attorney for plaintiff: Chris Romeo of Thurmond Kirchner and Timbes, (Charleston)
Attorney for defendant: Confidential
