Case Files – Man to Receive $1.5 Million After Bicycle Accident
If you have ever been involved in an accident, you may have found that one of the first things medical staff wanted to know was if you had hit your head. This is hardly surprising, as head trauma of any kind can be devastating. Life-changing accidents happen regularly throughout the U.S., and South Carolina is no exception.
Brain injuries can leave their victims unable to perform basic tasks and may result in the victim requiring long-term care. Since an early morning accident in Chicago, this has been the grim reality for a Columbia College graduate. The 23-year-old man was riding his bicycle in June of 2009 when he crashed into a barricade. His life would never be the same again. The accident left him with a traumatic brain injury that has made him quadriplegic.
The barricade was in place to indicate a sewer catch basin had collapsed. However, its light was not working and the barricade itself had been placed in the hole. Ideally, it should have been placed in front of the hole, in plain sight. Although the city had been notified and had plans to remedy the situation, it was too little, too late. Realizing that the city could have been considered liable, the Finance Committee for the city agreed to a $1.5 million settlement with the victim. This avoided a potentially far larger settlement if the court found in the victim’s favor.
It may have happened in another state, but this man’s case serves as a heads-up to residents of South Carolina, a state where only riders under the age of 21 are required to wear a helmet. Head injuries can be extremely dangerous and must always be taken seriously. The effects of brain trauma are not always immediately apparent, so it is important to look out for signs of lasting damage. Furthermore, if the accident was due to someone else’s negligence, you may be able to seek compensation. If you or a loved one have been injured and would like a free consultation, then feel free to contact us to set up your appointment.
Additional Resources:
http://www.beezodogsplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/1.5-million-in-settlements-tied-to-alleged-city-negligence-Chicago.pdf
http://www.scdmvonline.com/dmvnew/forms/cycles.pdf