Two-vehicle collision: Failure to keep a proper lookout, maintain clear distance: Herniated disk: Settlement

Law Reporter, Jun 2001

Hawkins v. United States, U.S. Dist. Ct., D.D.C., No. 99-- 1840, Aug. 8, 2000.

Hawkins, 28, was stopped at a red fight. A vehicle owned by the federal government and driven by a serviceman rearended Hawkins's vehicle. Hawkins suffered a herniated disk at L5-S1, requiring a laminectomy and future fusion. Hawkins's medical expenses totaled $35,600. She had been a bank supervisor and claimed $87,000 in lost income. She is permanently disabled.

Hawkins sued the United States, alleging the driver failed to (1) keep a proper lookout and (2) maintain an assured clear distance.

The parties settled for $325,000.

Plaintiff's expert was Lawrence Shin, orthopedics, Severna Park, Md.

Defendant's expert was Steven S. Hughes, orthopedics, Montgomery Village, Md.

Plaintiffs Counsel

*Wayne RP Cohen, Washington, D.C.

Craig D. Miller, Washington, D.C.