Our client, a 33-year-old forklift operator from Kansas City, Missouri, suffered shoulder and neck injuries after a crash on 350 Highway in Raytown, Missouri. Our team fought to ensure she received 100% of the insurance available, which was the $250,000 policy limit from State Farm, the insurance company of the at-fault driver.
Highway Crash in Raytown, MO
On April 6, 2024, our client was driving eastbound on 350 Highway in Raytown, Missouri. As she approached the intersection at Hunter Avenue, another driver, who was attempting to turn onto the highway, failed to yield and pulled out directly in front of her. Unable to avoid the collision, our client’s vehicle struck the rear of the other driver’s car. The Raytown Police Department’s crash report clearly determined that the other driver was at fault due to failing to yield, confirming our client’s lack of liability in the incident.
Rotator Cuff and Spine Surgeries
The crash caused significant injuries to our client, including a near full-thickness supraspinatus tear in her left shoulder and multiple herniated discs in her cervical spine. These injuries resulted in chronic pain and a substantial reduction in her range of motion and overall mobility. Her medical journey involved extensive diagnostic testing and consultations, culminating in recommendations for two major surgeries:
- A left shoulder arthroscopy with rotator cuff repair.
- A two-level cervical disc replacement arthroplasty at the C4-C5 and C5-C6 levels.
The estimated costs of these surgeries and the associated post-operative care were over $250,000. In addition to these procedures, our client underwent months of physical therapy and chiropractic care to manage her symptoms and restore some level of functionality.
Proving the Impact on Our Client’s Life
Before the accident, our client was a hardworking and independent professional who took pride in her physically demanding job as a forklift driver. The injuries she sustained severely disrupted her ability to work, as the pain and limited mobility made operating heavy machinery nearly impossible. She also struggled with daily tasks, such as lifting and driving, which further impacted her independence. The emotional toll of facing such a dramatic lifestyle change, coupled with the uncertainty of her recovery, weighed heavily on her.
How We Helped
From the outset, our client expressed concerns about the mounting medical bills, the cost of future surgeries, and her long-term quality of life. She worried about navigating the legal process while focusing on her recovery. Our legal team took action so she could focus on healing. We obtained evidence to establish the other driver’s liability and documentation of our client’s medical needs and expenses.
We communicated directly with State Farm, the insurance provider for the at-fault driver, to advocate for our client’s full compensation. After presenting a detailed demand package that outlined her economic and non-economic damages, we successfully secured the policy limits of $250,000. This settlement will help cover her medical expenses, future care, and the pain and suffering she endured.
