George T. Mehan Jr., an 82-year-old attorney, was driving east on Olive. As Haynie pulled into her parking space, Mehan rear-ended her vehicle allegedly because construction cones and equipment on the street distracted him.
Haynie claimed neck and back injuries requiring treatment by a pain management specialist for nearly five years. She claimed she would need future medical care consisting of a two-level lumbar fusion, artificial disk replacement or lifetime pain management.
Mehan argued Haynie’s lumbar condition was degenerative. He contended her long history of back strains while working at the post office had caused the condition.
During mediation, the parties reached the $675,000 settlement.
Martin M. Clay Sr., of St. Louis, who represented the defendant’s carrier Safeco Insurance Co., confirmed the settlement details.
— Anne C. Vitale
Facts of the Case
Type of Action: Personal injury/vehicular
Court: St. Louis Circuit Court
Case Number/Date: 052-00993/Aug. 30, 2007
Judge: John Riley
Verdict or Settlement: n $675,000 settlement
Plaintiff’s Experts: Dr. Solomon Batnitzky, Kansas City (neuroradiologist); Dr. Michael Boland, St. Louis (neurosurgeon); Dr. Robert Swarm, St. Louis (pain management); Dr. Brett Taylor, St. Louis (orthopedic surgeon)
Defendants’ Experts: Dr. Bernard Randolph, St. Louis (physiatrist); Dr. Kisan Yalavarthi, St. Louis (neuroradiologist)
Special Damages: $90,000 past medical expenses; $150,000 future medical expenses
Last Pretrial Demand: $750,000
Last Pretrial Offer: $200,000
Insurance Carriers: Hartford Insurance Co. and Cincinnati Insurance Co.
Caption: Sherlynn L. Haynie v. George T. Mehan Jr.
Plaintiff’s Attorneys: Stephen M. Glassman, The Glassman Law Firm, St. Louis
Defendant’s Attorneys: Martin M. Clay Sr., Law Offices of Marc A. Lapp, St. Louis (for Safeco Insurance Co.)
MIssouri Lawyers Media, 319 N. Fourth Street, Fifth Floor, St. Louis MO 63102, (800)635-5297
© 2008 Missouri Lawyers Media., All Rights Reserved.
April 7, 2008
