When someone is injured in a car accident, insurance companies often try to minimize the seriousness of the injuries—especially when surgery is involved. At Sansone & Lauber Trial Lawyers, we recently resolved a confidential six-figure settlement for a client who suffered a serious knee injury after another driver ran a stop sign.
This case highlights critical legal and medical issues that frequently arise in Missouri car accident claims, particularly when insurance companies attempt to blame injuries on preexisting conditions.
The Crash: Clear Liability
Our client was driving lawfully through an intersection when another driver failed to stop at a posted stop sign and caused a collision. The official crash report confirmed the at-fault driver’s violation, and there was no evidence of comparative fault on our client.
In Missouri personal injury law, cases with clear liability should lead to fair compensation—but that doesn’t stop insurance companies from disputing damages.
The Injury: Knee Damage Requiring Surgery
Shortly after the crash, our client began experiencing:
- Significant knee pain
- Swelling and difficulty walking
- Objective signs of joint inflammation
Medical evaluation confirmed a serious knee condition that ultimately required arthroscopic surgery (synovectomy)—a procedure used to remove inflamed tissue inside the joint.
Importantly, our client had no prior history of knee problems, which became a key issue in the case.
The Insurance Company’s Defense: “Preexisting Condition”
This is a common tactic in personal injury litigation.
The defense attempted to argue that the knee condition was not caused by the crash, but instead by:
- Degenerative arthritis
- Gout or inflammatory disease
However, the medical evidence told a very different story.
Why That Argument Failed
The treating orthopedic surgeon testified unequivocally that:
- The injury was caused by the crash
- The inflammation was consistent with traumatic synovitis, not degeneration
- The surgery was medically necessary
Objective findings during surgery showed acute inflammation without signs of chronic degeneration, directly contradicting the defense theory.
This distinction—traumatic injury vs. preexisting condition—is often the battleground in serious injury cases.
Medical Necessity: A Critical Legal Issue
Insurance companies frequently claim that surgery is “unnecessary” to reduce the value of a claim.
In this case, the evidence established:
- Conservative treatment failed
- Symptoms persisted
- Surgery improved the client’s condition
The treating surgeon testified the procedure was absolutely necessary, and post-operative improvement confirmed that conclusion.
Under Missouri law, when treatment is reasonable, necessary, and caused by the crash, it is fully recoverable.
Damages: What Was at Stake
The case involved substantial damages, including:
Medical Expenses
- Orthopedic care
- Imaging (MRI)
- Surgery
- Physical therapy
Lost Wages
- Time off work due to injury and recovery
- Reduced work capacity during rehabilitation
Pain and Suffering
- Ongoing knee pain
- Physical limitations
- Impact on daily life
All of these damages were directly tied to the crash and supported by medical records and expert testimony.
The Result: Confidential Six-Figure Settlement
After presenting overwhelming evidence of:
- Clear liability
- Strong medical causation
- Necessity of surgery
- Significant damages
The case resolved for a confidential amount well into the six figures.
What This Means for Injury Victims
This case demonstrates several important principles for anyone injured in a Missouri car accident:
1. Insurance Companies Will Challenge Serious Injuries
Even when liability is clear, insurers often dispute:
- Whether the injury was caused by the crash
- Whether treatment was necessary
2. Preexisting Condition Arguments Are Common
But they can be defeated with:
- Strong medical records
- Expert testimony
- Clear before-and-after evidence
3. Surgery Significantly Increases Case Value—When Proven
Cases involving surgery require:
- Detailed medical documentation
- Legal strategy connecting injury to crash
- Trial readiness
Why Hiring the Right Missouri Personal Injury Lawyer Matters
Cases like this are not won by accident. They require:
- Deep understanding of medical causation issues
- Ability to counter insurance defense tactics
- Willingness to take cases to trial if necessary
At Sansone & Lauber Trial Lawyers, we focus on maximizing recovery for clients who have suffered serious injuries due to negligence.
Injured in a Car Accident in Missouri?
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident—especially if surgery is involved—you should speak with an experienced attorney immediately.
Contact Sansone & Lauber Trial Lawyers today for a free consultation. 314 863 0504 or Ben@MissouriLawyers.com
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