Though people often associate attorneys with trials, many cases settle outside the courtroom, and not all lawyers handle litigation.
Many personal injury attorneys can resolve simple, straightforward claims, but when insurance companies play games—causing unnecessary delays or refusing to make reasonable offers—knowing a skilled trial lawyer becomes essential, even for other attorneys.
When a local attorney contacted the Law Office of Matthew A. Lathrop with a stalled claim, our Omaha car accident lawyer immediately began preparing for trial. Here's what you should know about this case, including how this co-counsel arrangement paid off for the client.
The Client
Our client was a 58-year-old cable lineman who installed custom cable hardware in typically commercial settings. This often involved working with his arms raised above his head, in awkward positions on his hands and knees, and in crawl spaces. Physical fitness and the ability to tolerate discomfort were integral to our client's profession. Sadly, both were impacted by serious crash injuries.
The Accident
Just before 9 a.m., our client was driving north through a busy intersection in Omaha with a green light. At the same time, another driver was heading east—directly into the rising sun. Due to the glare, the driver failed to see that his light had turned red and entered the intersection, causing a collision.
The Injuries and Damages
Our client sustained extensive injuries. X-rays revealed compression fractures in the thoracic and lumbar spine—crushed vertebrae in the mid and lower back. He also had a knee injury, persistent left hip pain that exacerbated a previous injury, and significant strain and mobility limitations in his neck.
Doctors prescribed physical therapy for all his injuries, as well as ongoing epidural injections for pain related to his spinal fractures. Ultimately, they diagnosed our client with permanent pain and limited mobility in his neck, mid, and lower back.
He incurred $58,000 in medical expenses and $9,600 in lost wages from the crash.
The Litigation and Resolution
Though the driver of the other vehicle admitted fault, saying he could not see that the light had turned red due to the sun's glare, the insurer refused to resolve the claim. Instead, the company argued that the client should have realized that the rising sun would impact the other driver's sight.
The other lawyer contacted Matt after the insurance company refused to budge from a settlement offer that barely covered the client's injuries and damages.
An accomplished Omaha trial lawyer, Matt immediately began preparing the case for court. As a result of his hard work and professional reputation as an adept litigator, he resolved the case before trial for a confidential amount roughly three times the offer the insurer made to the client's original counsel.
"Having an experienced trial lawyer handle a case makes a difference—for the outcome, the client, and the insurance companies that have to factor into their decisions whether a lawyer will really take the case to trial," Matt said.
Discover How Our Skilled Omaha Trial Lawyer Could Help Your Car Accident Case
When car accident claims become complex and insurers seem reluctant to pay victims what they deserve for their injuries and damages, hiring a trial attorney sends a strong message. It signals to the insurance company that you're prepared to fight for your rights in court, which often leads to more favorable settlement offers.
At the Law Office of Matthew A. Lathrop, our skilled Omaha trial attorney knows how to navigate the legal system and is never hesitant to take a case to trial to fight for the compensation clients deserve. His exceptional work has earned him satisfied clients nationwide and recognition among his peers. Matt is among the top 1% of attorneys elected to the American College of Trial Lawyers and has also been inducted into the American Board of Trial Advocates.
Complete the contact form or call 402-281-9668 for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your Nebraska or Iowa car accident case and how we can assist you.
