Attorney Mark Bringardner secured a landmark $2.2 million verdict for a plumber and father of three who suffered severe back injuries after being rear-ended in a car crash. This historic verdict is believed to be one of the largest automobile accident awards in Dorchester County, reflecting Mr. Bringardner’s dedication to obtaining justice for his clients.
The Incident and Injuries
In 2016, Terence Weese was driving south on Bacons Bridge Road in Summerville when his vehicle was rear-ended by a teenage driver while he was at a stoplight. The impact caused a disc herniation in Mr. Weese’s neck with spinal cord compression. The neck injury caused significant pain, numbness, and tingling and resulted in significant pain and required a three-level spinal fusion surgery.
“The pain and distress caused by the impact were significant, but that was just the beginning,” said Mark Bringardner. Weese endured weeks and months of excruciating pain and a serious, invasive spinal fusion surgery. Unfortunately, he will be dealing with the consequences of this collision for the rest of his life.
The Legal Battle and Verdict
After a three-day trial and two hours of jury deliberation, the jury returned a $2.2 million verdict. The overwhelming evidence presented showed that Mr. Weese would require lifetime medical treatment, including a second neck surgery. The jury saw how the permanent injury drastically affected Mr. Weese’s life, including his ability to work as a plumber, participate in activities with his son, and sleep through the night without pain.
Challenges Faced
The defense admitted fault for the crash but argued that Mr. Weese’s pain and limitations were due to pre-existing degenerative conditions, not the collision. The defense also disputed the teenage driver was distracted and possibly looking at her cell phone at the time of the crash. Despite these defenses, the evidence and arguments presented by Mark Bringardner and his team prevailed.
Commitment to Justice – Insurance Bad Faith
After the trial, Mark Bringardner emphasized that the insurance company initially did not take Weese’s injuries seriously, giving him the runaround. Even after the verdict, the teenage driver’s insurance company fought against paying the verdict. Through persistent legal efforts that Mark Bringardner, the insurance company eventually paid the full amount of the jury’s verdict.
Why Choose Bringardner Injury Law Firm?
At Bringardner Injury Law Firm, we focus on handling complex personal injury cases, including those involving severe spine injuries resulting in surgery. Our team, led by Mark Bringardner, provides compassionate and relentless legal representation to ensure that our clients receive the justice and compensation they deserve. We understand the profound impact serious injuries can have on victims and their families, and we are here to support you throughout the legal process.
Contact Us Today
If you or a loved one has suffered severe injuries in an auto accident, contact Bringardner Injury Law Firm today at 843-380-5299 or contact us online for a free consultation. Our experienced attorneys are ready to fight for your rights and help you secure the compensation you need to recover and move forward with your life.
SETTLEMENT REPORT — PERSONAL INJURY
Injuries alleged: Disc herniation to four vertebrae, spinal cord compression
Case name: Terence Weese v. Samantha Johnson
Court: Dorchester County Circuit Court
Case No.: 2017-CP-1801447
Judge: Diane Goodstein
Date of verdict: Nov. 28
Special damages: $353,000 in past medical bills; $170,000 in future medical bills
Insurance Carrier: Geico
Attorney for plaintiff: Mark Bringardner of the Joye Law Firm in Charleston
Attorney for defendant: Nickisha Woodward of Turner Padget in Charleston