9/13/2010
In February 2006, a St. Louis City jury returned a verdict in favor of a 49 year old plaintiff who alleged injuries to his back as a result of being rear-ended by a tractor-trailer on the Poplar Street Bridge. The plaintiff was northbound on I-55/70 when a phantom vehicle suddenly changed into his lane of traffic. The plaintiff stopped “suddenly” to avoid the phantom vehicle and was rear-ended by a tractor-trailer. The plaintiff claimed soft tissue injuries to his neck and back as well as herniated discs at five different levels in his neck and back. He also sustained a rotator cuff tear and incurred approximately $21,000.00 in medical expenses. The plaintiff also claimed past and future wage loss $200,000.00 to $300,000.00. There was also a disputed claim of future medical in the amount of $150,000.00. The plaintiff demanded $850,000.00 prior to trial. Defendant trucking company offered $375,000.00. The St. Louis City jury awarded the plaintiff $243,000.00 for his injuries and $14,500.00 to the plaintiff’s wife for loss of consortium. There was a “high-low”agreement in place which resulted in plaintiffs receiving a total of $375,000.00.