Pedestrian accident settles for $900,000

This case involved a 62-year-old female home attendant who was crossing the street on her way to work on November 3, 2011. As she was crossing Amsterdam Avenue at the prompt of the pedestrian walk signal, the defendant made a left turn from the cross street onto Amsterdam and struck her. Our client was taken to St. Luke’s Hospital and admitted for several days.

On November 8, 2011 she had lumbar vertebrectomy surgery for her injuries. After 3 weeks of rehab in the hospital, she continued her recovery with several months of physical therapy. She never returned to work and currently uses a cane.

After depositions were held and demands made upon the insurance carrier to tender their $1,250,000 in coverage, the case was transferred to 10-year firm veterans, Mark Bernstein and Jennifer Gerdes to prepare for trial.

More negotiations were held until parties agreed to settle the pedestrian accident lawsuit for $ 900 K. Importantly, our attorneys were able to reduce a $200,000.00 lien owed by our client down to zero. Mr. Bernstein and Mrs. Gerdes were especially satisfied with this settlement because their efforts allowed our client to keep an additional $200,000.00 which otherwise would have been paid back to a private health insurance company.