John Doe is an 88-year-old man who was commuting to his niece’s wedding with his sister-in-law in the passenger’s seat on the 105 freeway when a massive tractor-trailer failed to apply their brakes and caused a chain of collisions that left John and others severely injured. The driver of the tractor was operating under the scope of their employment and towed a Caterpillar excavator - a behemoth of construction equipment that substantially increased the weight and force of the rear-end collision. The family of John contacted Panish Shea and Boyle where Spencer Lucas was appointed to represent John to ensure he received proper reparations for the injuries sustained.

Getting Results Through Demand Letters

There were at least 3 claimants involved in this case making for a perplexing situation appointing liability within this $5 million policy limit. After taking several depositions from all the parties and witnesses, downloading the crash data from the vehicles, and expert analysis, the Defendant was found as the cause of the incident. After Spencer’s 1st and 2nd policy limit demand letters were denied, Spencer worked with DK Global to create a settlement video that outlined the severity of the injuries to his client that successfully warranted the $5 million policy. 

The presentation begins with a transparent 3D model depicting the numerous fractures to John’s spine including a T7 vertebral body fracture, an epidural hematoma, and a T12 – L1 fracture and dislocation that rendered John’s lower-body paralyzed. After arbitration amongst the 3 claimants and the presentation of John’s damages, John was awarded nearly $4 million, an amount to safely secure them and their family for the remainder of their life.

Spencer Lucas is a trial lawyer at Southern California-based firm Panish Shea & Boyle who is recognized by The Recorder magazine “On The Fast Track” and is continually recognized as a “Super Lawyer” and “Best Lawyer in America.” Spencer has obtained numerous multi-million dollar verdicts in settlements in his career and prides himself on advocating for survivors of catastrophic trauma.