In October 2006 David Hartog was hit while riding on his motorcycle by Laura Eads as she was turning left on Manchester Road. Hartog suffered injuries to his hands, fingers, and shoulder, which is why he filed suit over the matter last year.

A St. Louis County jury ruled in favor of Hartog, awarding him $125,000, even though his attorney James Collins was asking for $750,000 to $1 million. The reason why Hartog was not awarded a larger settlement? As the defendant's attorney Sarah Taylor describes it, the four year gap between the initial medical treatment and Hartog's shoulder surgery caused "a question of whether that was related and why he had waited so long to get more treatment," (Plaintiff wins verdict in motorcycle accident [Missouri Lawyers Media], David Baugher, Insurance Net, http://insurancenewsnet.com/article.aspx?id=315352).

Another issue that came up in trial; the depositions from every provider stating that "they had actually written off or adjusted their bill and the amount that was owed was really significantly less than the original amount charged. I think that was significant in what the jury ended up returning," said Taylor.

In the state of Missouri if someone is injured in an accident there is a 5 year statute of limitation; meaning that they have 5 years to file suit in the matter. If you were recently in an accident please don't hesitate to call our toll free number for free advice at 248-355-4701.