Metzger & Kleiner represents a woman whose quiet Saturday evening turned into a nightmare.

She wasn’t speeding. She wasn’t distracted. She was simply trying to leave a local casino parking lot when another driver—moving fast and ignoring a stop sign—crashed into her passenger side.

The crash didn’t just damage her car. It caused lasting injuries to her brain, spine, wrists, and hips. It disrupted her ability to work, care for her children, and live without pain.

This was no minor accident—and the damage still lingers.

What Happened

It was around 6:30 p.m. on a busy Saturday. The casino parking lot was packed. Our client arrived, parked, and got out of her car, heading toward the entrance. But the scene was chaotic. After a moment, she changed her mind. It was too crowded. She turned back, got in her car, and decided to leave.

As she drove through the lot, she followed the correct lane and stopped at the end before making a right into the main travel lane. That’s when it happened.

Another driver came speeding through a different parking lane and blew through a stop sign. He crashed directly into the passenger side of her car.

Multiple witnesses confirmed what she already knew—this wasn’t her fault.

• One bystander said the defendant “came flying out” and “definitely didn’t stop.”

• Even the defendant’s own passenger admitted our client had the right of way.

Despite this, the defendant refused to take responsibility. In his words: “I believe she should’ve looked both ways… and if she would’ve seen a car coming, she shouldn’t have turned.” When asked whether he had to stop at the sign, he flatly said: “No.”

The Injuries

She was taken to the hospital by ambulance. Doctors quickly diagnosed her with:

• A concussion (mild traumatic brain injury)

• A leg contusion (bruising and tissue damage)

• Cervical spine trauma (neck injury)

CT scans ruled out internal bleeding or fractures, but the pain persisted.

Chronic Pain and Nerve Damage

After the emergency care, she began seeing her family doctor. She reported constant pain in her:

• Head

• Neck

• Upper and lower back

• Hips

• Right leg

Over time, additional testing—including MRIs and x-rays—revealed inflammatory damage and degenerative changes in her spine.

She was referred to a pain management specialist. That doctor ordered EMG studies, which revealed:

• Cervical radiculopathy: nerve pain caused by damage in the neck

• Lumbar radiculopathy: nerve pain from the lower back

• Bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome: a condition causing numbness, tingling, and weakness in both hands

Treatment included physical therapy, spinal injections, and eventually, surgery.

Wrist Surgery and Lingering Limitations

She had surgery on her right wrist to address carpal tunnel syndrome. She was scheduled for a second surgery on the left wrist, but it had to be canceled due to insurance issues and unpaid medical bills.

To this day, she still:

• Experiences pain in both wrists

• Suffers from decreased grip strength

• Wears braces to complete basic tasks like cooking, cleaning, and laundry

Impact on Her Life

This was a woman who worked hard and supported her family. She was the only wage earner and caretaker for her children. After the crash, everything became harder:

• She couldn’t lift, carry, or clean without pain.

• Transportation and childcare made getting treatment a constant struggle.

• She began gaining weight due to inactivity and pain-related limits—over 20 pounds in total.

Even her home life was impacted. As her injuries dragged on, so did the frustration, financial stress, and emotional strain. Her treating doctor gave her a guarded prognosis—meaning recovery is uncertain, and her symptoms may persist indefinitely.

Financial Costs

The crash led to multiple rounds of treatment and surgical care. But due to insurance gaps and limited income, she couldn’t afford all the recommended therapies.

Out-of-pocket costs so far:

• Treating Physician: $970.00

• Physical Therapy: $590.00

• Hand Surgeon: $1,128.00

• Total Medical Expenses: $2,688.00

This doesn’t include the upcoming cost of the left wrist surgery or the future treatments she still needs.

The Legal Battle 

Metzger & Kleiner stood by our client through months of medical setbacks, insurance delays, and financial strain. She faced a tough road—juggling pain, parenting, and uncertainty about her future. But she didn’t face it alone.

We worked to gather medical evidence, witness statements, and expert reports to build a strong case. Despite the challenges, we secured a settlement of $22,500, which provided critical support to help her pay off medical bills, access treatment, and ease the financial pressure on her family.

While no settlement can undo what happened, this resolution allowed her to move forward with greater stability and dignity—and without the stress of prolonged litigation.

Why We Fight

At Metzger & Kleiner, we know how quickly a routine moment—like leaving a parking lot—can become life-altering. Our client did everything right. She was careful. She stopped where she should have. The other driver didn’t.

Because of his negligence, a working mother now struggles with pain, financial instability, and diminished quality of life.

We fight for people like her—everyday people blindsided by someone else’s mistake.

If You’ve Been Hurt, We Can Help

If you or someone you love has been injured in a crash—no matter how “minor” it may seem—don’t wait. The effects may last far longer than the moment of impact.

At Metzger & Kleiner, we’ve helped clients recover the compensation they need to heal and rebuild. And we’ll do the same for you.

Call us today for a free consultation.