Serious Car Accident That Caused Recurring Pain Case Review with Tim Lewis
In this week’s case review, Shane Smith spoke with Timothy Lewis of Shane Smith Law about a serious rear-end collision involving a 61-year-old client whose pain returned after extensive treatment, ultimately requiring surgery and resulting in a full policy recovery.
How the Accident Happened
The client, referred to as A.C., was driving when he was rear-ended in a violent collision that totaled his vehicle. The impact was severe, and his injuries were immediately apparent. Emergency responders transported him by ambulance to the hospital.
From the outset, this was not a case of delayed or minor symptoms. A.C. reported significant pain right away.
Serious Neck and Back Injuries
Medical imaging revealed multiple herniated discs in A.C.’s neck and lower back. These disc injuries were impinging on spinal nerves, causing persistent and severe pain. The crash also aggravated a pre-existing shoulder condition, compounding his limitations and discomfort.
Despite aggressive conservative treatment, A.C. continued to struggle.
Extensive Treatment and Temporary Relief
A.C. initially tried chiropractic care, which did not provide meaningful relief. He then underwent multiple rounds of epidural steroid injections. While these injections helped temporarily, the relief did not last.
Doctors proceeded with a nerve ablation procedure designed to deaden the affected nerves. This treatment reduced pain for a period of time, roughly about a year. However, as medical literature often warns, that relief was not permanent.
Pain Returns and Insurance Pushback
After about a year, A.C.’s pain returned with full force. When this happened, the insurance company changed its position. They argued that he was overtreating or exaggerating his injuries and resisted further compensation.
Medical records and treating physicians told a different story. The return of pain was consistent with the type and severity of spinal injuries A.C. suffered in the crash.
Surgery Becomes Necessary
Doctors ultimately recommended surgical intervention. A.C. was understandably hesitant. Spine surgery is serious, and fear of surgery is common and valid.
After careful discussion and support from the legal and medical teams, A.C. agreed to proceed with a neck fusion surgery. The surgery was successful and significantly improved his condition.
Following the neck surgery, attention turned back to his shoulder injury, which continued to cause problems more than a year after the accident and may also require surgical treatment.
Full Policy Limits Recovered
After a long and hard-fought process, the insurance companies tendered their policy limits. This included the liability policy, uninsured motorist coverage, and negotiations involving an excess policy.
Recovering the full available insurance coverage ensured that A.C. had access to the resources needed for his past and future medical care.
A Key Lesson From This Case
This case highlights a critical issue in serious injury claims. Pain can return months or even a year after treatment seems successful. When that happens, future care and additional treatment are often medically necessary and legally compensable.
Stopping treatment too early or assuming the case is over can leave injured people without the support they need when symptoms return.
Final Thoughts
A.C.’s case is a powerful reminder that serious spinal injuries require long-term thinking, both medically and legally. Careful documentation, persistence, and willingness to address future treatment made the difference between an underpaid claim and a full recovery.
If you want to learn more about what to do after a serious car accident, you can request a free copy of The Victim’s Survival Guide to Car Accidents.
If you are in pain, call Shane at 980-999-9999 to speak with the team at Shane Smith Law.
