Veterinarian Awarded $1.25 Million After Being Crushed By Tree

Most people understand that the veterinarian who treats their beloved pets has a job that is not only rewarding but also physically straining. Even the sweetest of pets can react when scared or in pain and while the reaction may not be a violent one, it still takes great strength and patients to work with animals of all sizes.

Sadly, one veterinarian can now only perform specific parts of his job and all because a property owner failed to remove a dead tree.

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Veterinarian Crushed By Falling Tree

It was a typical day as the plaintiff drove his pickup truck. He had just pulled up and stopped at a red light when the unexpected happened - he was struck from above by a force strong enough to crush the roof of his truck and injure him.

It turned out the object which hit him and his truck was a dead tree, which, until the time that it fell, was on a private property along the road.

He was taken to the hospital and treated for his head and spinal injuries, but over the next six months, he developed worsening radicular pain, which is a nerve pain the impacts the lower extremities. He also experienced continued numbness in his right arm.

Ultimately, he was diagnosed with a spinal injury and had to undergo cervical fusion surgery. After the surgery, he had to hire a veterinarian to replace him for a time at his practice and although he returned to work, his injuries limit him. He is only able to perform about 80% of the duties he previously performed.

This not only causes him emotional distress at being unable to fully do a job that he loves, but also has cost him and his practice money.

Premises Liability Claim Filed Against Property Owner

The plaintiff filed a lawsuit against the owner of the property that the tree sat on, alleging that they were negligent for failing to determine the tree was dead and needed to be cut down before it fell.

During the trial, the property owner claimed that they were unaware of the state of the tree because the property had been rented out and the renters failed to inform them. However, the plaintiff’s legal team showed that the tree had been dead for at least three to five years, providing them with plenty of time to discover the hazard.

The jury sided with the plaintiff and awarded him $1.25 million to cover his lost earnings, emotional trauma, physical pain, and medical expenses.

Spinal Injuries Can Cost A Patient Hundreds Of Thousands

Although overall he might not consider himself lucky, this plaintiff is one of a few who has been able to get at least 80% of his functionality back. Many who sustain a spinal injury are not so fortunate.

Spinal injuries are one of the most devastating and expensive injuries for any patient to sustain. Typically, treatments include pain medications, surgery, physical therapy, and in the worst cases, round the clock care. If a patient requires additional medical care for the rest of their lives which is often the case, it can cost them hundreds of thousands and sometimes millions of dollars.

This is why it’s not surprising to learn that an accident victim who has sustained a spinal injury has chosen to file a lawsuit against the party responsible. These legal complaints come in a wide variety of lawsuits, including:

• Car accident lawsuits
• Medical malpractice lawsuits
• Premises liability claims
• Work injury lawsuits
• Defective product lawsuits

Whatever the cause, all plaintiffs with a spinal injury are seeking the same thing - compensation for all of their losses, both past and expected future.

At Banville Law, we know what a spinal injury can cost, not only to treat medically but also the toll that it can take on an individual. That’s why we do everything that we can to fight for the full compensation our client deserves.

Banville Law - You Can Depend On Us

When working with our legal team, a client can expect that we will review every aspect of their case, consult with industry and medical experts, calculate each loss and determine their expected future losses, collect evidence, contact and speak with witnesses, and keep them updated every step of the way.

In addition to this, we make sure that both the case and our client are prepared for court. Although most cases result in a settlement, we want you to feel ready if a courtroom battle is necessary.

Call our office today to learn more about how we can assist you.

For related accident stories, see: Nurse And Paramedic File A Lawsuit After Helicopter Crash Causes Spinal Injuries