Parties Agree to Pre-Suit Settlement of Auto-Accident Metro Verdicts Monthly

The Board of Trustees for the Maryland Institute for

Case Caption: Roy Watts v. Melvin Wilkins

Settlement: $150,000

Judge: N/A
Settlement Date: 12/2004

Attorneys:
Plaintiff: Steven VanGrack, Rockville

Defendant: None

Facts: A man who attributed a heart attack to soft tissue injuries he sustained in a motor vehicle accident agreed to a pre-suit settlement of $150,000.

Plaintiff Roy Watts was operating a Ford F250 pickup truck west on Monocacy Boulevard in Frederick. Defendant Melvin Wilkins was operating a Chevrolet pickup truck east on Monocacy Boulevard. Defendant attempted to make a left turn onto I-70 in front of plaintiff’s oncoming vehicle, resulting in a collision. Plaintiff struck the passenger side of defendant’s pickup truck.

Plaintiff alleged that defendant failed to yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic. He claimed that the impact resulted in significant neck and back injuries and may have contributed to a heart attack he suffered during his recovery.

Defendant admitted liability for the collision and settled this claim prior to the filing of a lawsuit.

Plaintiff Profile: Plaintiff was a 55 year old single male who was self-employed concrete mason.

Alleged Injury: Herniated cervical discs at C5-C6 and C6-C7 requiring fusion surgery. Plaintiff suffered a heart attack during his recovering, which he attributed to this accident. He claimed approximately $15,000 in lost wages and $70,000 in past medical expenses.

Insurance Carrier: The Hartford Southeast

Expert(s):
Plaintiff: None

Defendant: None

Case Number: NONE

Editor’s Notes: This case was settled prior to the filing of a lawsuit.

BACK