Client Victory: $550,000 Recovery After Neck Fusion and Shoulder Surgery
At Shane Smith Law, we fight to make sure injured clients receive the medical care they need and the full compensation they deserve, even when insurance companies try to cut cases short.
In this client victory, Attorney Tim Lewis secured a $550,000 recovery for a client who suffered serious injuries in a violent T-bone collision.
How the Accident Happened
Our client, referred to here as R.R., was driving when another vehicle struck him directly on the driver’s side door. The impact was severe and hit him squarely in the area of his left shoulder and neck, causing immediate and significant injuries.
Side-impact crashes are some of the most dangerous collisions on the road, especially when the driver absorbs the force of the crash with little protection.
Serious Neck Injuries Requiring Fusion Surgery
As a result of the crash, R.R. suffered:
- Herniated discs throughout his cervical spine
- Severe neck pain
- Limited range of motion
- Ongoing neurological symptoms
Doctors ultimately determined that conservative care was not enough. R.R. required neck fusion surgery, a major procedure that involved:
- Surgically stabilizing the cervical spine
- Fusing vertebrae together
- Implanting hardware, including rods and pins, to restore function and reduce pain
This was not a minor injury. Neck fusion surgery permanently changes how the spine functions and carries long-term implications.
Additional Shoulder Surgery Increased Case Value
After recovering from neck surgery, R.R. continued to experience worsening pain in his left shoulder, the same side that absorbed the crash impact.
Attorney Tim Lewis ensured that R.R. returned to treatment rather than rushing to settle the case. Further evaluation revealed the need for shoulder surgery, which was directly related to the collision.
That second surgery:
- Improved R.R.’s quality of life
- Completed his medical recovery
- Significantly increased the value of the case
Insurance Company Pushback and Final Result
The insurance company initially tried to cap the case at $300,000, despite the severity of the injuries.
Once the additional shoulder surgery was documented and completed, Shane Smith Law pushed back hard.
Within 90 days, the insurer added another $250,000, bringing the total recovery to $550,000.
Most importantly, R.R.:
- Completed all necessary treatment
- Recovered physically
- Felt heard and supported throughout the process
- Was extremely pleased with the outcome
Key Takeaway for Injury Victims
This case highlights a critical lesson:
Do not stop treatment early just because the insurance company wants to settle.
Completing treatment for all injured body parts:
- Protects your health
- Strengthens your case
- Often leads to substantially higher settlements
At Shane Smith Law, we never pressure clients to settle before they are medically ready.
We Fight for Results Like This Every Day
Serious injuries deserve serious representation. Insurance companies count on injured people giving up early. We do not.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident and the insurance company is pushing for a fast settlement, talk to a lawyer first.
Shane Smith Law
📞 980-999-9999
In pain? Call Shane.
