Verdicts and Settlements
Settlement Philosophy
Successful attorneys have handled million dollar cases, and advertise those large cases as examples of their success and ability. Donald D. Heck is no different, and has obtained verdicts and settlements of numerous high dollar cases. But the most important thing for clients is not how their attorney handles million dollar cases, but how their attorney handles their case. Statistically, the value of most cases is less than $100,000.00. Donald D. Heck devotes the same energy, attention to detail and proven negotiation tactics to maximize the value of every case for every client, whether the case is worth $10,000.00, or $100,000.00, or $1,000,000.00.
Additionally, the settlement of cases involves not only obtaining the highest possible recovery, but also dealing with health care plans, insurance companies, Medicare and Medicaid that claim a lien on, or reimbursement (i.e. subrogation) from, the settlement amount. Donald D. Heck has experience negotiating these claims for reimbursement and can often settle lien/reimbursement claims for greatly reduced amounts, resulting in the client keeping more of their settlement money.
Man's long term disability insurance pays over $400,000.00
The plaintiff was an employee of a national sports equipment manufacturer. The plaintiff was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. The plaintiff's bipolar disorder became worse over time, ultimately impairing his ability to do his job. The plaintiff had a long term disability insurance policy provided by his employer. The disability insurance company denied payment of long term disability payment claiming that the plaintiff could perform some kind of employment, even though he could not return to his regular job. An ERISA lawsuit was filed for the plaintiff in federal court. Multiple depositions and testimony was conducted for the plaintiff, disclosing that the basis of the insurance company's denial was a report prepared by a doctor that worked directly for the insurance company, and whose only duty was to review medical records and issue opinions for the insurance company regarding disability claims. During court-ordered mediation, the insurance company agreed to pay a lump sum of over $400,000.00 to the plaintiff.
Family of man who drove into the back of a delivery truck recovered $600,000.00 after verdict
Husband was driving his car on a highway, approaching an intersection. At the intersection, a delivery truck had turned to the left and stopped, waiting to cross the oncoming lanes of traffic. The rear portion of the truck remained partially blocking the husband's lane. The husband hit the rear of the delivery truck, instantly killing the husband. A wrongful death law suit was filed on behalf of the husband's family, claiming that the truck driver was negligent for making an incomplete left turn leaving the rear of the truck partially in the lane of the highway. The jury found the truck driver partially at fault resulting in the family recovering $600,000.00, in accordance with an agreement made during trial.
Man injured on gym equipment recovered $125,000.00
Plaintiff worked as a retail gym equipment salesman. When testing a leg press weight lifting machine, a locking mechanism disconnected resulting in the plaintiffs ankles becoming trapped in the machine for 30 minutes until a customer came into the store and was able to help the salesman. The injury resulted in a fractured ankle, and swelling of the feet. After filing a lawsuit in federal court, the plaintiff's claim was settled for $125,000.00 during court-ordered mediation.
$4.5 million verdict for man who was exposed to asbestos in building
(Link to article in Mo Lawyers Weekly)
$563,000.00 workers' compensation benefits for back and shoulder injuries
Man was working as a commercial electrician, when he fell backwards while pulling wire through conduit. Injury resulted in multiple back surgeries and shoulder surgery. After filing claim, employee recovered $188,000.00 benefits for missed work, $155,000.00 for medical treatment, and a $220,000.00 lump sum disability payment. Settlement was structured so all of employee's future medical bills will be paid by the employer and insurance, and employee will continue to receive his full social security disability benefits.
Young Girl Scout recovers $475,000.00 for injury to face
A Girl Scout member attended a weekend camp outing sponsored by the Girl Scouts of the USA. A woman scout lead was driving the girl and others home after the camping trip. The scout leader was speeding, became distracted, and collided with the rear of a car stopped ahead of her, pushing the scout leader's car into an oncoming vehicle. The girl suffered damage to her eye and cuts to her face. Settlement was reached with the Girl Scouts of the USA prior to filing a lawsuit.
Woman recovers $352,000.00 workers' compensation benefits
Woman slipped and fell on ice in her employer's parking lot, injuring her low back requiring surgery. After filing a workers' compensation claim, the employee recovered $92,000.00 for time missed from work, $44,000.00 for medical treatment, and a lump sum disability payment of $215,000.00. The employer will pay for all future treatment for employee's back injury for the rest of her life.
The law firm of Donald D. Heck, LLC provides able and professional legal counsel to people who face serious legal problems. Attorney Donald Heck has been practicing law for over 20 years and has a long track record of success winning positive results.
Contact Donald D. Heck, LLC today to speak with a knowledgeable Missouri lawyer.
Donald D. Heck, LLC
Toll free: 866-575-3313
Locally: 636-552-4298
