Our client, a 25-year-old man, was driving his 2011 Volkswagen Jetta in the right lane of a four-lane divided roadway at approximately 35 mph when a truck traveling in the adjacent lane suddenly veered into his lane. The truck struck the driver’s side of his vehicle, forcing him into the curb. Despite wearing his seatbelt, the force of the impact caused him to be thrown forward and backward, striking his chest and abdomen against the steering wheel.

Following the collision, he began experiencing worsening headaches, chest pain, and lower back pain, prompting him to seek immediate care at Provident Medical Center in Everett. He was found to have significant muscle spasms and was diagnosed with lumbar strain. He was prescribed medication for pain, anxiety, and muscle relaxation.

He followed up with his primary care physician at Group Health, where ongoing muscle spasms were again observed, and he was diagnosed with a thoracic sprain and referred for physical therapy. However, his condition deteriorated. While visiting his mother, his pain and spasms became unbearable, leading him to seek emergency care again at Swedish Hospital in Edmonds. It was noted that his prior medications were ineffective, and his treatment plan was adjusted.

Subsequent medical visits documented persistent and severe pain located between his shoulder blades, with visible muscle spasms. Attempts at physical therapy not only failed to improve his condition but worsened his pain. Follow-up evaluations described his pain as “unrelenting.”

An MRI of his thoracic spine revealed degenerative changes, and further assessments diagnosed severe episodic pain in the context of chronic pain. After months of treatment with little to no relief, he was referred to a pain management clinic, where he was diagnosed with chronic thoracic and neck pain exacerbated by the accident. Unfortunately, the clinic was unable to offer additional solutions to alleviate his symptoms.

His condition remains ongoing, with continued pain and limited improvement. Compounding his situation, he lost his health insurance coverage at age 26 when he aged out of his mother’s policy. He is currently seeking coverage through the Affordable Care Act to continue treatment and find long-term relief.

Despite the challenges posed by pre-existing conditions, MartinLaw successfully secured a significant five-figure settlement for the client within a few months of the accident.

If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident, contact MartinLaw to learn how attorney Chuck Martin can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Call 206-684-9468 for a free evaluation of your case.