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Three Norfolk Personal Injury Cases: When Car Accidents Change Lives
Driving in Norfolk, VA is not for the faint of heart. The four major interstate highways, five major bridge-tunnels, and six million licensed motorists in the city can make for a harrowing daily commute.
Of the many crashes that occur in the mermaid city, let’s look at three car accident clients who chose to call Rutter Mills, resulting in three life-changing cases.
When a Commercial Vehicle Accident Derails a Military Career
Our active-duty servicemember client was driving in downtown Norfolk with friends when a bus crossed two lanes of traffic to make a left turn, and struck their vehicle.
The impact pushed their vehicle into oncoming traffic. Although first responders arrived at the scene, no statement was taken from our client, and he did not receive medical treatment. Later that day, concerned about his worsening symptoms and complaints of numbness in his legs, his family took him to the hospital.
Emergency physicians diagnosed his spinal compression and noted that a previously ruptured ACL injury had been aggravated by the crash. Two surgeons advised against surgery due to the risks.
Facing serious injuries and uncertainty about his future in the military, the concerned servicemember contacted Rutter Mills.
Personal Injury Attorney Erik Porcaro pursued a claim against the bus company and its insurance carriers. Erik demonstrated that the consequences of the crash extended far beyond medical bills, permanently reducing our clients’ earning capacity.
For an active duty servicemember, this is measured in:
- Medical separation from the military and loss of rank
- Loss of annual military income
- Loss of future promotions, raises, and bonuses
- Loss of active-duty military healthcare benefits
Future surgical costs were projected at $52,000. Rutter Mills secured a $725,000 settlement, providing the financial support our client needs for ongoing treatment and long-term stability.
When a Workplace Accident Becomes Personal Injury
A shipyard worker contacted Rutter Mills after a forklift struck his vehicle while he was working at a shipyard near the Port of Norfolk. He was in severe pain, but his employer insisted he return to work and resume his duties.
He tried to manage his injuries, the insurance company, and his employer on his own. When the insurance carrier attempted to terminate his medical care prematurely, he realized he needed experienced legal representation. Because his case involved both a work accident and a commercial vehicle accident, it required coordination between two different attorneys in two different practice areas.
Personal Injury Attorney Erik Porcaro and Workers’ Compensation Attorney Jesse Pound worked together to pursue both a personal injury claim and a workers’ compensation claim on his behalf.
Less than four months after retaining counsel, our attorneys secured an $850,000 settlement, with all prior medical expenses covered. Today, our client has the financial support he needs to continue treatment and focus on his recovery.
When a Norfolk Car Accident T-Bones a Naval Career
A 22-year-old servicemember and student was seriously injured in a T-bone collision just blocks from Rutter Mills’ downtown Norfolk office. Another driver struck the side of his vehicle on Granby Street, sending him to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital with a fractured right wrist.
When he reached out to the Navy Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps for help, he was told they could not assist with his case.
That’s when he called Rutter Mills.
Prior to the accident, our client was building a career in the Navy and ready to graduate from college. But even after surgery and occupational therapy three times a week, he faced a prolonged recovery. His upcoming graduation and scheduled promotions were placed on hold.
Personal Injury Attorney Erik Porcaro argued that our client was entitled to compensation not only for his medical expenses, but also for his lost income, delayed advancement, and pain and suffering.
The court agreed. Our client was awarded $380,000.
Hurt in a Norfolk Car Accident?
Traffic moves quicky around Norfolk’s hotspots (Little Creek, ODU, downtown/Ghent, Ocean View), and car accidents are a daily reality. If you or a loved one have been seriously injured in a car crash in Norfolk, VA, our personal injury attorneys are here to help.
Contact us online for a free consultation, or call us at (757) 777-7777.
