Illustrative Cases

Fall-2002 Swimming Pool Contamination, $20,000 Settlement

Client was an intelligent teenage boy who received a horrible rash and swelling throughout his body as a result of swimming in a public pool that did not maintain required levels of chlorine and violated water quality standards. His medical bills totaled under $500 and he missed roughly two months of school. Pseudomonas folliculitis, a bacteria, was detected in the pool by local health officials.

Summer-2002 Airline Beverage Cart Accident, $18,000 Settlement

While a passenger on a domestic airlines flight and occupying the aisle seat, client was struck in the elbow by the food/beverage cart that the flight attendant negligently pushed through the aircraft. Client suffered olecranon bursistis to his right elbow. His medical bills were less than $2,300.

Fall-2001 Bike Accident, $60,000 Settlement

Client was an active middle-aged man with a previous artificial hip replacement as a result of years of running. While bicycling along Lake Washington one day, he was struck by a negligent motorist who had attempted a left-hand turn in front of him. After being dislodged from his bike and striking the roadway, his artificial hip dislocated and required emergency medical care. Due to his injuries, he required crutches for three weeks, and subsequently became more careful about his movements to guard against another dislocation. Medical bills for his treatment totaled $2,146.00.

Summer-2001 Car Accident, $193,752.62 Arbitration Award

Client was a talented and charismatic young woman who suffered neck injuries in a car crash that eventually required surgery. Due to the injuries in her neck, she lost sensation in the index and middle fingers of her dominant hand. This permanent condition was devastating because it prevented her from sewing, playing the piano and doing needlework, all activities she loved and engaged in often. Medical bills for her treatment and surgery totaled $20,905.27.

Summer - 2001 Motor Vehicle Accident, $27,929.96 Arbitration Award

Client's vehicle was rear-ended in downtown Seattle by a film company van. As a result, client suffered headaches and neck, back and shoulder sprains. His most significant injury, however, was aggravation of a previously asymptomatic arthritic condition in his mid-back. Medical treatment expenses totaled $7,494.83.

Fall - 2000 Pedestrian/Wheelchair Accident in Nursing Home, $110,000 Settlement

A charming and strong 86 year-old woman was injured after being struck by a wheelchair driven by another resident in an assisted living facility. She suffered a fractured pelvis and significant pain and discomfort that required hospitalization and rehabilitation services. Most disturbing, however, was the significant mental decline she experienced after the incident and onset of increased delirium, confusion and inability to perform daily living activities. Greater care was also needed for her following her injuries, and her medical bills totaled $14,337.16.

Summer-2000 Car Accident, $140,000 Settlement

My client was a delightful and spunky 76 year-old woman who had the misfortune of having a careless driver pull out in front of her on the roadway.  Although the defendant driver was cited for a ticket, the insurance company defending him initially claimed that my client was also at fault.  She suffered neck and back injuries for which she received medical treatment totaling $7,530.61.  Her major injury and claim, however, was her significantly diminished sense of smell and taste after the accident.  This is a devastating injury for anyone, but particularly for my client who enjoyed cooking and entertaining. 

Summer-2000 Pedestrian/Car Accident, $85,000 Settlement

My client was a high school senior who was struck by a car while she was walking across the street to her school bus.  She sustained serious injuries that included broken pelvic bones and a head injury, and was taken to Harborview Medical Center for treatment.  The defendant and his insurance company claimed that my client was not in a crosswalk when the collision occurred, and that she was running in the roadway.  Who was at fault in this accident was therefore heavily contested.  Fortunately, the client has made a remarkable recovery from her injuries and is doing well in college.

Spring-2000 Car Accident, $12,500 Settlement

Client was a passenger in a vehicle that was rear-ended on an interstate freeway in stop and go traffic.  The vehicle sustained $890.00 in damage.  Client was an athletic young woman who treated for her injuries for approximately five months and incurred $3476.05 in medical bills.  She did not suffer any permanent injuries.

Summer-2000 Car Accident, $160,000 Settlement

Client was injured in a rear-end collision with little visible damage to her vehicle and body repair work totaling $703.00.  We retained an expert who found additional damage to the frame of the vehicle to demonstrate a more significant impact.  Client failed to get better and was finally diagnosed with a herniated disc in her neck that required surgery.  Her medical bills totaled $31,383.33.   

Winter-1998, Bicycle Accident, $7,500 Settlement

A large truck failed to share the roadway with my client who was riding his bicycle in downtown Seattle.  Who was at fault was disputed.   My client sustained significant bruising, road rash and an injured finger.  His medical bills totaled around $1,000 and there were no permanent injuries. 

Winter-1998, Car Accident, $52,000 Underinsured Motorist Arbitration Award

An active 41-year old female was stopped on the roadway and was rear-ended in a chain reaction collision in which she was the third car in line.  She incurred $7,166.30 in medical expenses, including physical therapy, and suffered a herniated disc in her neck, which was disputed by the insurance company.  Her condition did not require surgery, but affected her ability to fully enjoy her recreational activities.   

Winter-1998 Dog Bite of Minor, $4,677.98 Settlement   

A five-year old boy was riding his bicycle at his grandmother’s house and was bit on the thigh by the neighbor’s German Shepard.  He required some stitches, and incurred $497.07 in medical expenses.  

Fall-1998, Car Accident, $12,518 Arbitration Award

A single mother and professional was rear-ended on I-405.  She suffered from neck and back strain/sprain injuries and received chiropractic and massage therapy; her treatment bills totaled $3,518, and her car sustained $1,640 in damage. 

Fall-1996 Food Contamination Case, $10,750.00 Settlement

My client suffered from scromboid poisoning, a type of food poisoning, after eating a tuna sandwich purchased at a local restaurant.  His medical bills totaled $1,553.59, and he fully recovered from the event.  It was discovered that the tuna had sat on a dock too long and went bad.

Notice:
These cases summaries are provided for informational and illustrative purposes only, and do not represent the value of your claim or the amount of money you would recover. Selander O'Brien PLLC is unable to guarantee any specific result or outcome in your case or amount of money that you will recover.  Each case is different and the value of your claim will depend upon the specific facts and circumstances surrounding your case.