Client: Minor (16 years old at time of injury)
Status: Successfully Resolved
Case Overview
A 16-year-old client was also injured in the same collision. Following the crash, the minor experienced persistent headaches, prompting further medical evaluation.
An MRI revealed a disc herniation, raising concerns of spinal injury and a possible concussion. Treatment included:
- Emergency Room evaluation
- Conservative follow-up care
Although treatment was limited, the medical findings and the client’s age made the claim particularly significant.
Insurance Company’s Initial Position
- Medical bills: ~$24,000
- Initial settlement offer: ~$29,000
The insurer attempted to downplay the case due to the absence of invasive treatment.
Case Resolution
We aggressively pursued policy limits, highlighting:
- MRI-confirmed spinal injury
- Headache symptoms consistent with concussion
- Increased future risk due to the client’s age
After continued negotiation, the insurer tendered full policy limits.
Final Outcome:
- ✅ Policy limits tendered
- ✅ Total settlement: $100,000
Why This Outcome Matters
Cases involving minors require careful consideration of future medical implications. Even conservative treatment can represent significant injury when diagnostic imaging confirms structural damage.
This result ensured the claim was fully valued and not minimized.
Key Takeaways
- Conservative treatment does not equal low case value
- Diagnostic imaging can dramatically impact settlement outcomes
- Minor injury cases demand heightened legal scrutiny
- Initial insurance offers rarely reflect true exposure
Strategic personal injury representation makes the difference between accepting a low offer and securing full policy limits. Call us for a free consultation 404-2264236.