Rabbitt, Pitzer & Snodgrass, P.C. Successful in Arbitration

Plaintiff was rear ended in Saline County, IL, while making a delivery for her employer. The driver of the vehicle who rear ended plaintiff paid his limits of insurance to plaintiff. Plaintiff made an underinsured claim against Great Northern Insurance Company for severe neck and shoulder injuries, requiring two neck fusion surgeries and a shoulder surgery. Plaintiff had no pre-existing accidents or traumatic injuries. After being put on restriction for her injuries, plaintiff was terminated from her job. Plaintiff claimed $188,000 in medical specials and $125,000 in past and future lost wages for total specials of $313,000. Defendant denied that the injuries were related to the automobile accident and contended they were related to a pre-existing degenerative condition.

Plaintiff made a demand of $750,000. Defendant made an opening offer of $150,000. Plaintiff responded to this offer that she would not reduce her $750,000 demand, thereby stopping all settlement negotiations.