Personal Injury Verdicts and Settlements

$4 million for a motorcyclist struck by a motor vehicle causing paraplegia.

While at a stop light, our client, a 22 year old college student, was hit from behind. She was taken to the hospital. Despite complaining of headaches and nausea, she was discharged with a diagnosis of a neck sprain. Once a vibrant, outgoing young lady, our client broke up with her boyfriend, lost many friends, and dropped out of study groups. She suffered from light sensitivity, forgetfulness, depression, and insomnia. Her condition did not improve after years of medical and psychological treatment. The defense hired doctors who all stated our client was a normal young woman. Ultimately at trial, the carrier offered $600,000 to settle the case. After our firm tried this case, the jury rendered a verdict of $3.5 million.

Our client, a young single mother whose first language is not english, was driving her car in the Bronx on her way to her son’s school with the right of way when suddenly a school bus disregarded a stop sign and t-boned her. The police and ambulance arrived, and transported our young client to the hospital. Despite losing consciousness at the scene, the hospital gave her a clean bill of health and released her. Our client subsequently began suffering terrible symptoms of a mild traumatic brain injury including vomiting, dizziness, forgetfulness, and confusion. Our firm worked closely with the New York State Brain Injury Association to help the client get proper treatment for her concussion.

While our client’s symptoms improved, she was still not fully recovered a year after her terrible accident, and continues to be partially disabled today. The insurance carrier, GEICO, was at a ‘no pay’ position, and attempted to discredit our client’s injuries since they were not ‘visible’. Our firm retained world-renouned experts in the field of traumatic brain injury who all substantiated our client’s devastating injuries. Our firm also aggressively obtained an order from the judge deeming the defendant fully responsible for the accident. Immediately prior to trial, we were able to secure a settlement for our client of 2.25 Million Dollars, which will provide compensation for her pain and suffering, and for the future medical treatment she will need for the rest of her life.

Our client, a healthy baby boy, residing with his mother in an apartment in Brooklyn, suffered lead poisoning when he was 2 years old from eating paint chips in his home. The paint chips came from the walls of the apartment that were damaged by water leaks that occurred prior to the baby being born. Neither the leaks nor the walls of the apartment were ever repaired by the landlord, despite numerous complaints. Upon being diagnosed with lead paint poisoning, the Department of Health conducted an inspection of the apartment where they found dangerously high levels of lead in the paint. Our law firm dispatched a team of investigators. We uncovered numerous prior complaints of excessive levels of lead in the paint in other apartments within the building. Our law firm was able to secure for the baby boy and his mother in excess of $2 million.

$1,650,000 for 37 year old motorist struck by a turning truck, causing fractures to the left hip, resulting in hip replacement surgery being performed.

$1.5 million for a woman who was passenger involved in two-car collision and sustained a fractured leg and zygomatic arch.

$1.5 Million for a young man in an auto accident who was hit in the rear and required a lumbar fusion. There was minimal damage to the car he was driving.

$1.5 million for a worker injured in an elevator accident sustaining knee injury requiring arthroscopic surgery and psychological injuries.

Plaintiff, in her 40s, was driving her car in Brooklyn when she was T-boned by an unmarked police car. The driver of the police car claimed he was responding to a bank robbery in progress. The New York City Police Department claimed they were not responsible for the accident since there was an emergency call. As a result of the accident, the plaintiff sustained a fractured nose, and neck and back injuries. After numerous depositions and arguments in court, we were able to secure documentation that the bank robbery, which supposedly was “in progress” actually occurred the day prior to this accident. The police department continued to blame the happening of the accident on the plaintiff herself. After opening statements were made, we were able to secure a settlement for the plaintiff in the amount of $1.3 million.

$1.2 million for a child passenger in two-car collision sustaining fractured skull.

Our client, a passenger in a car, was seriously injured when the car in which she was seated was hit in the rear by another car. That accident set off a chain reaction that involved several other cars which collided with the first two cars involved in the accident. As a result of the accident, our client suffered internal knee derangement which required surgical repair; lumbar disc bulges with pinched nerves; and severe headaches resulting from the aggravation and exacerbation of a genetic condition that our client had prior to the accident. The defense attorneys took a “no pay” position, claiming the headaches pre-existed the accident and were not worsened by this accident; and further, that the rest of our client’s injuries were not “serious” enough to be compensated. We obtained $1 million for this client, who was very appreciative.

$1,000,000 Motorcycle accident – Defendant made left in front of plaintiff on motorcycle, resulting in fractured femur requiring surgery.

While on vacation in Puerto Rico, our client slipped and fell after exiting a hotel elevator. The floor had been wet from mopping, and there were no warning signs. Our client suffered a fractured hip requiring operative intervention back in New York. Our attorneys successfully fought for the right to litigate the case here in New York, where its value was substantially higher than it would have been in Puerto Rico. $875,000.

Woman struck by a tractor trailer, and the insurance company contested liability, but after depositions, we were able to settle the case for $775,000. Injures were to the shoulder, neck, and back. Client had cervical fusion surgery.

While stopped in traffic on a busy street, a tow truck headed in the opposite direction inexplicably crossed the double yellow line and hit our client. He was rushed to the hospital where he suffered fractures of his ribs and collar bone (clavicle). He remained in the hospital for about 10 days until the pain from neck and back disc herniations were controlled. After leaving the hospital our client needed an operation on his knee to repair a torn meniscus. Our client missed about a year of work. The insurance company offered $75,000 to settle the case. After hiring multiple expert doctors and economic experts, we obtained a settlement more than ten (10) times that amount immediately prior to presenting our opening statement.

A significant victory in a recent case where we secured a $650,000 settlement for a woman who endured the pain and suffering of bilateral ankle fractures, one of which required surgery. Despite the defense’s argument that the condition causing her fall was “open and obvious,” our relentless pursuit of justice prevailed, and our client received the compensation she rightfully deserved.

$500,000 settlement for 68-year-old woman who was rear ended and suffered neck, back and shoulder injuries, resulting in the need for shoulder arthroscopic surgery and lumbar and cervical percutaneous discectomy procedures.

$500,000 motor vehicle accident settlement – exacerbation of prior neck, back and knee injuries resulting in percutaneous discectomy.

$500,000 settlement for 68 year old woman who was rear rear-ended in Queens County by a tractor trailer and suffered neck, back and shoulder injuries, resulting in the need for shoulder arthroscopic surgery and lumbar and cervical percutaneous discectomy procedures.

$400,000.00 settlement: Rear end accident where the court refused to grant summary judgment to the Plaintiff, Plaintiff had a history of prior back pain and this accident exacerbated it requiring a discectomy. Initial offer was 100k, we successfully litigated liability and went to a mediation and were able to secure 400k settlement.

Rear end accident where the court refused to grant summary judgment to the Plaintiff, Plaintiff had a history of prior back pain and this accident exacerbated it requiring a discectomy. Initial offer was 100k, we successfully litigated liability and went to a mediation and were able to secure 400k settlement.

$300,000 full policy tendered for 46-year-old pedestrian struck by a left turning vehicle, resulting in injuries requiring shoulder surgery, and neck and back injuries requiring a lumbar percutaneous discectomy. The insurer failed to respond to numerous attempts to settle until after we obtained summary judgment on liability which was granted less than 7 months after the accident date.

$300,000 settlement for a pedestrian who was struck in a crosswalk, suffering multiple fractures.

Our client, an avid motorcyclist, was traveling on two wheels in Queens, when he was thrown from his Harley Davidson due to a large metal construction plate in the roadway. There were no warning signs, and our client was unable to change lanes in traffic. There was no transition paving between the roadway and the plate. Our client suffered a fractured scapula. The City of New York took a ‘no pay’ position blaming the entire accident on our client, until our firm forced them to settle during the trial of this matter for $300,000.00.

$275,000: Slip and fall accident in a parking lot over an improperly paved speed bump. The origin of the defect was unclear even after extensive discovery, and this Plaintiff had numerous prior surgeries to her knees, but despite that, we were able to negotiate a 275k settlement.

Slip and fall accident in a parking lot over an improperly paved speed bump. The origin of the defect was unclear even after extensive discovery, and this Plaintiff had numerous prior surgeries to her knees, but despite that, we were able to negotiate a 225k settlement.

Our client sustained a shoulder injury requiring surgery, when a Belgian block which was improperly dislodged from the sidewalk was he was walking back to a parking lot. The defendant denied responsibility, and their original offer was $15,000.00. We defeated a Summary Judgment motion, and prepared for trial, and the case resolved just before trial for $225,000.00

A lane change accident where liability was unclear. Plaintiff had numerous prior injuries that were exacerbated by the accident. Initial offer from insurance was $40,000.00, we litigated and were able to get 225k.

225,000.00 settlement, a lane change accident where liability was unclear. Plaintiff had numerous prior injuries that were exacerbated by the accident. Initial offer from insurance was $40,000.00, we litigated and were able to get 225k.

Our client, a male in his 30’s was hit from behind on New Year’s Day while he was at a stop light. There was minimal damage to his car. An ambulance did not come to the scene. He first went to a doctor the day after the accident complaining of headaches.  Thereafter his family noticed our client began using incorrect words, and often forgot many things recently told to him.  After following up with neurologists, our client was diagnosed with a severe concussion. The insurance company offered ‘nuisance value’ and relied upon their own doctors who stated our client was perfectly normal.  At arbitration, the personal injury lawyers from the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP were able to secure a $220,000 award.

$215,000 for a car accident victim who suffered fractured shoulder bone.

$215,000 settlement for driver who injured wrist in a rear end accident.

Plaintiff was hit by a car while he was riding his bicycle carrying a large satchel of clothes to the Laundromat. The accident occurred at an intersection in Queens. The plaintiff admitted he disobeyed a red light before entering the intersection. As a result of the accident, the plaintiff fractured his leg. The insurance carrier took a “no pay” position based upon several witness statements and the plaintiff’s own admission. After preparing for trial and selecting a jury, we were able to secure a $175,000 settlement for the plaintiff.

$145,000 settlement for a driver whose wheels fell off after leaving a repair shop causing her to sustain back and shoulder injuries.

Our client was rear-ended by a semi-truck causing injuries to his knee that required surgical repair. We won summary judgment on liability and the matter settled just before trial for $125,000.00.

$100,000 policy limit settlement for a pedestrian who was struck in the crosswalk and suffered soft tissue spinal injuries.

A motor vehicle accident where Defendant ran a red light. Plaintiff needed a discectomy to repair the damage to her spine. The initial offer from the insurance company was $10,000.00, after litigation the insurance company paid the entire $100,000.00 policy.

100,000 settlement in a motor vehicle accident where Defendant ran a red light. Plaintiff needed a disectomy to repair the damage to her spine. The initial offer from the insurance company was $10,000.00, after litigation the insurance company paid the entire $100,000.00 policy.

Plaintiff was crossing the street in the crosswalk when she was struck on the arm by a passing van. The driver of the van denied impact and even being in the area, but despite that obstacle, we were able to secure an 80,000.00 settlement.

$80,000 settlement: Plaintiff was crossing the street in the crosswalk when she was struck on the arm by a passing van. The driver of the van denied impact and even being in the area, but despite that obstacle, we were able to secure an 80,000 settlement.

Our client, a very pleasant elderly woman living in Brooklyn, went to the hospital emergency department after complaining of severe headaches due to a fall a few days prior. The hospital examined her, and, based upon her complaints, ordered a CT scan of her head. The doctors told our client that the CT scan was normal, and instructed her to return home to rest. Unfortunately, our client passed away that same week due to a brain bleed which the hospital doctors failed to see on the CT scans. We consulted with several renowned experts in the field of radiology, none of whom could fathom how the doctors in the hospital could have misread the CT scans which showed the brain bleed so glaringly. We obtained a confidential amount of compensation for the victim’s family, well into the 6 figures. Perhaps more importantly, we were able to give the family closure and a sense of justice in spite of this terrible event.

Our client, a young woman in her 20s, was t-boned by a van that ran a stop sign.  She did not go to the hospital immediately. During the days that ensued she became forgetful and had excruciating headaches along with pain in her neck and back.  The insurance carrier evaluated her case as a simple sprain. They offered her nuisance value to settle. Our law firm retained concussion experts to prove our client suffered from a traumatic brain injury and we prepared for trial for the next two years. Before a jury was selected we forced the insurance carrier to settle our client’s case for more than 100 times what they originally offered.

Policy limits for a pedestrian hit by a car crossing the street, sustaining a traumatic brain injury. Plaintiff, a retired veteran, was hit by a car making a left turn as he was crossing the street. As a result, the plaintiff suffered a traumatic brain injury, as well as cervical injuries. After protracted litigation, and getting the case on the trial calendar, we were able to get the insurance carrier to move from no offer to a settlement of the entire insurance policy limit for the plaintiff.

Plaintiff, an 81-year-old gentleman, walking with a cane, was crossing the street when he was hit by a car making a left turn. Despite the plaintiff’s age and the fact that he was walking with a cane, the defendant’s insurance carrier insisted he “darted” into the street, and blamed the entire accident on him. As a result of the accident, the plaintiff was knocked to the ground. He was taken to the hospital where blood on his brain was found. He was released four days later. The defendants sent the plaintiff to a neurologist who was of the opinion that the plaintiff was completely recovered from the accident. The insurance company refused to settle the case. Our law firm successfully obtained a decision from the Court that the accident was completely the fault of the defendant after a thorough investigation into the facts of the accident and conducting thorough depositions. We then consulted with traumatic brain injury physicians to show how seriously the plaintiff was injured. After selecting a jury and showing defense counsel our trial exhibits, our law firm was able to secure a large, confidential settlement amount in the mid-hundred-thousand-dollar range.

Plaintiff, a doctor at a major local hospital, was hit in the rear while stopped at a light. Our client was released from the Emergency Room with a diagnosis of a neck sprain. The defendant’s insurance company dismissed our client’s complaints of headaches, dizziness, nausea, insomnia and forgetfulness as “insignificant”, and took a “no pay” position. Our client’s symptoms continued to deteriorate. Our client was able to function in her day to day capacities, but unlike prior to the accident, struggled to do so. Our firm recognized that our client was suffering from traumatic brain injury (TBI). Over the course of the next year, we gathered evidence from witnesses from our client’s personal and professional life, and was able to show how serious our client’s TBI was. After presenting our case, the defendant’s insurance carrier and their attorneys did a “180” and paid their entire policy!

Plaintiff, a student intern at Stony Brook University, was jogging and listening to music with her headphones on campus. She was hit by a car making a left turn into a parking lot. As a result, the plaintiff suffered from a leg fracture. In only a matter of three months, we were able to secure a settlement of the entire insurance policy limit for the plaintiff.