When insurance companies undervalue life-altering injuries, they force injured people to fight for what should have been fairly offered from the start. At Arash Law, we believe accountability matters, especially when an insurer refuses to acknowledge the real impact of a serious injury. Justice is not about quick payouts. It is about ensuring injured people receive compensation that reflects their long-term suffering and needs.
This case was not about settling for less. It was about standing firm and seeing the case through to its conclusion.
Facts Of The Case
Our client’s life changed in an instant when she was struck in a serious collision that left her with a traumatic brain injury. The crash caused lasting physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges that affected every aspect of her daily life. Medical treatment became ongoing, her quality of life was permanently altered, and the financial strain quickly grew overwhelming.
Despite the severity of her injuries, the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier, AAA, refused to accept responsibility at a meaningful level. Even after reviewing medical records, expert opinions, and the long-term consequences of a traumatic brain injury, AAA continued to undervalue the client’s claim.
Seeking justice and fair compensation, she turned to Arash Law to hold the insurer accountable and pursue the full value of her case through litigation.
Our Strategy
At Arash Law, attorney James Caress led the charge in a case that required persistence, trial readiness, and a willingness to challenge an insurance company’s tactics. From the outset, our team focused on proving the full scope of our client’s injuries and the lasting impact on her future.
Our approach included:
- Presenting compelling medical evidence detailing the severity and permanence of the traumatic brain injury.
- Demonstrating the long-term need for medical care and support.
- Challenging AAA’s refusal to tender its policy limits despite clear evidence of substantial damages.
- Preparing the case for trial when settlement efforts failed.
AAA initially offered just $18,500, later increasing the offer to $300,000 on the eve of trial. Both offers were rejected because they did not reflect the true value of the harm caused. With trial imminent, our legal team remained focused on presenting a clear, evidence-driven case to the jury.
The Outcome
A $3,500,000 Jury Verdict
After a full trial, the jury returned a unanimous verdict awarding a total of $3,500,000 in damages, including:
- $220,000 for past pain and suffering
- $1,280,000 for future pain and suffering
- $2,000,000 for future medical care
The verdict came more than six years after the crash and stood in stark contrast to AAA’s final pretrial offer. What the insurer once valued at $18,500 was ultimately recognized by the jury as a life-altering injury deserving of substantial compensation.
Key takeaways from the verdict:
- The jury awarded $3.5 million in total damages.
- The verdict was unanimous.
- The outcome demonstrated the risks insurers face when they refuse to evaluate serious injury claims fairly.
This case underscored the importance of trial readiness and the power of presenting clear medical and factual evidence to a jury.
