Defense Denies Collision Led to Senior’s Spinal Fusion Surgery

Verdict: $10,296

Date: February 2011

County: Cook

PLTF Medical: Dr. Edward Goldberg (Orthopedist)

DEF Experts: Dr. Terence Lichtor (Neurosurgeon)

Summary: Plaintiff was rear-ended by Defendant while stopped. Plaintiff, who is 75, had undergone a prior L5S1 Laminectomy and fusion 13 years prior. Two days after the accident, Plaintiff complained of lumbar back pain and was radiating to his lower extremities. He underwent 2 ½ months of physical therapy, MRI and EMG/NCV. During this time, it was revealed that Plaintiff had diffuse disc degeneration, desiccation, and bulges with L3-5 Stenosis and right L4-S1 radiculopathy. Plaintiff had surgery consisting of lumbar laminectomy and fusion at L3-5 with a bone graft, titanium rods and screws. Defense argued that Plaintiff was not injured to the extent claimed and that he had been experiencing back pain since the 1995 surgery. There was no visible damage to Defendant’s truck.

Category: Car Accidents, Low Back Injuries