Below are just a few of the types of cases that we have successfully pursued and settled. While we handle other types of cases and litigation, these are representative of the hard work and perseverance put into each case until its completion. You may click on any of the topics to read about the case(s) under that topic as well as see the settlement amounts that were ascertained. We would be happy to discuss your specific case with you and look forward to hearing from you soon.
- Automobile Accidents
- Trucking Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Medical Negligence
- Nursing Home Negligence
- Wrongful Death
Automobile Accidents
Head On Collision - $1,130,000.00 Total Combined Settlement
This family incurred multiple serious and significant injuries when their car was struck head-on by a car which was speeding in the opposite direction and lost control. Plaintiffs believed (correctly) that the Defendant's vehicle was forced into their path by a utility truck which was entering the highway from an access road. After extensive litigation over four and a half years, including pursuing portions of the claim through the Court of Appeals and a Writ by the Defendant Company to the Supreme Court, the last case was settled for a combined total settlement against both Defendants in the amount of $1,130,000.00.
Left Turn - $875,000.00
Wilmington, North Carolina
In May of 2006 Plaintiff was traveling as a passenger with her boyfriend to a school function when he made a left-hand turn into oncoming traffic causing their vehicle to suffer a t-bone collision on Plaintiff's side of the car. Plaintiff suffered multiple internal injuries and fractures as well as brain trauma that caused emotional distress, sleep disorder and memory impairment. We were retained in October 2008, filed our lawsuit December 2008 and after litigation, were able to settle the claim at mediation in December 2009.
Driving While Intoxicated - $175,000.00
The Plaintiff, whose leg was severely broken requiring surgery, was injured while a passenger in an automobile driven by a driver under the influence, who lost control of his vehicle, striking another vehicle head-on. The Defendant's insurance company only settled this case when the Plaintiff and his attorney were able to prove conclusively that the Plaintiff, who was attending a business meeting, had not been with the Defendant Driver prior to getting into the car on the way to their hotel. In addition, the vehicle had traveled only a short distance before the Defendant Driver lost control, not giving the Plaintiff enough time to realize that the Defendant had impaired faculties, which compromised his driving abilities.
Red Light - Automobile Wrongful Death
In September 2007 Plaintiff, a single mother who had recently relocated to Charlotte was broadsided in her van when the Defendant ran a red light. We were hired in November of 2007. The defendant's insurance company ultimately denied liability and a lawsuit was filed April 2008. After litigation and discovery, this case was settled for policy limits August of 2008.
Automobile vs. Livestock
In October 15, 2005 Plaintiff was driving in Macon County, North Carolina when he rounded a curve in the road and struck the Defendant's horse. Defendant had failed to properly secure his horses and they were loose on the roadway. We were retained in September 2007. The insurance company denied liability. After filing our lawsuit October, 2007 we were able to settle the case in January 2008.
Trucking Accidents
$2,263,224.84 Total Combined Settlement (Three Cases Listed Below)
In a misting rain, a tractor trailer was proceeding in the opposite direction from a tour bus when its trailer hydroplaned into the path of the tour bus causing a horrible accident and severely injuring several of the senior citizens aboard. Mr. Karney represented eleven of the passengers from the bus. The facts of this accident were reported by all of the national news networks that evening. The following are just three of the individuals who were injured passengers on the bus:
- Plaintiff One, after being airlifted to a local hospital, had part of her foot amputated which was crushed in this accident. Unfortunately, over the ensuing months the Plaintiff had future surgeries due to infections and other complications which resulted in a below the knee amputation. As with most amputations, Plaintiff One experienced phantom pain and sensation in that extremity. Extensive efforts were made and successful to have her properly fitted with a prosthesis. The case was subsequently settled in mediation for $1,213.000.00.
- Plaintiff Two severely injured her left leg, which required extensive surgery and hospitalization. Thereafter she spent several months in the living room of her home in a hospital bed with someone constantly tending to her needs. Complicating the situation was her husband, who also received minor injuries in the accident, who was at the time suffering from Alzheimer's Disease. At the present time, Plaintiff Two is doing quite well, traveling extensively with many friends and enjoying her children and grandchildren. This case was settled for $700,224.84.
- Plaintiff Three severely injured many major bones in her body including her ribs and pelvis and incurred injuries to her bladder and other parts of her body. After much therapy and rehabilitation to get back on her feet, Plaintiff Three is enjoying retirement in a senior living community. This case was settled prior to trial for $350,000.00.
$2,100,000 Total Settlement
The Plaintiff, aged 27 and at the time a resident of Tennessee, while traveling with his wife and another couple to Charlotte for a NASCAR event, was injured when their vehicle was reared by a truck. He suffered a traumatic brain injury and massive internal injuries which soon thereafter resulted in his death. The deceased Plaintiff, a member of the U.S. Coast Guard, left a young wife and daughter. This case was settled after protracted mediation.
$1,130,000.00 Total Combined Settlement
This family incurred multiple serious and significant injuries when their car was struck head-on by a car which was speeding in the opposite direction and lost control. Plaintiffs believed (correctly) that the Defendant's vehicle was forced into their path by a utility truck which was entering the highway from an access road. After extensive litigation over four and a half years, including pursuing portions of the claim through the Court of Appeals and a Writ by the Defendant Company to the Supreme Court, the last case was settled for a combined total settlement against both Defendants in the amount of $1,130,000.00.
Motorcyclist vs. Semi Tractor Trailer Settles for $1 Million
Catawba County, North Carolina
On February 23, 2006, at approximately 9:15 p.m. Plaintiff was the operator of a 1987 Suzuki heading in a northerly direction on US 321 in Lincolnton, Lincoln County, North Carolina. Defendant was operating a Volvo tractor-trailer in a southerly direction on US 321 when he turned to the left into the path of the Plaintiff's motorcycle. The Defendant was operating the tractor trailer in the course and scope of his employment. Plaintiff suffered severe and debilitating injuries including traumatic brain injury and nearly lost his life. Defendant and his employer denied liability and a lawsuit was filed in June 2006 in Catawba County Superior Court to protect the Plaintiff's rights. After intensive rehabilitation for the Plaintiff and adversarial litigation, this case was settled prior to trial for the Defendants' policy limits in April of 2007.
Trucking Accident/Underinsured Motorist Claim $477,459.99 Settlement
The Plaintiff was injured when his truck was rear ended by another vehicle, whose driver was killed in the accident. As a result of the collision, Plaintiff ruptured discs in his back and was given a 5% permanent partial impairment rating, which resulted in his company discharging him from further employment. After nearly five years of work, Plaintiff's case was settled for a total amount of $477,459.99.
Auto vs. Semi Tractor Trailer Settled for $350,000.00
Rocky Mount, North Carolina
On December 3, 2004 Plaintiff was operating his automobile on southbound I-95 in Rocky Mount North Carolina. Defendant, operating a Freightliner tractor-trailer was also traveling southbound on I-95 when he rear-ended the Plaintiff's vehicle causing it flip several times and collide with a guardrail. Plaintiff suffered significant injuries and required physical rehabilitation. Our lawsuit was filed in May 2006 and the claim was settled prior to trial in May 2007.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclist vs. Semi Tractor Trailer Settles for $1 Million
Catawba County, North Carolina
On February 23, 2006, at approximately 9:15 p.m. Plaintiff was the operator of a 1987 Suzuki heading in a northerly direction on US 321 in Lincolnton, Lincoln County, North Carolina. Defendant was operating a Volvo tractor-trailer in a southerly direction on US 321 when he turned to the left into the path of the Plaintiff's motorcycle. The Defendant was operating the tractor trailer in the course and scope of his employment. Plaintiff suffered severe and debilitating injuries including traumatic brain injury and nearly lost his life. Defendant and his employer denied liability and a lawsuit was filed in June 2006 in Catawba County Superior Court to protect the Plaintiff's rights. After intensive rehabilitation for the Plaintiff and adversarial litigation, this case was settled prior to trial for the Defendants' policy limits in April of 2007.
Motorcyclist vs. car settled for $875,000.00
Mecklenburg County, North Carolina
On September 26, 2008, Plaintiff was heading to work In Charlotte, North Carolina on his Harley Davidson when the Defendant made a left turn striking him. He suffered severe injuries including multiple rib fractures, arm fractures, pelvic fracture and a partially severed aorta. Plaintiff had several surgeries including pins placed in his hip and pelvis. Ultimately he had to undergo hip replacement. This case was settled without litigation in July 2009.
Motorcyclist vs. car settled for initial payment of $675,000.00
Forsyth County, North Carolina
On August 14, 2007 Plaintiff was riding her scooter in Kernersville, Forsyth County, North Carolina when she was struck by Defendant driver as he made a left turn. We were retained in October of 2008 and a lawsuit was filed in Forsyth County Superior Court in January 2009. Plaintiff suffered traumatic brain injury, femur fracture, tibia fracture and rib fractures. This case was settled at mediation for the Defendants policy limits in October 2009.
Motorcyclist vs. car settled for policy limits
Mecklenburg County, North Carolina
On July 19, 2008, Plaintiff and her husband were riding their Harley in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina when the Defendant driver ran a red light and fled the scene of the accident. Defendant driver was later apprehended. Plaintiff suffered headaches, abrasions, a torn meniscus and dental work to replace her teeth that were broken in the accident. This case settled without litigation in May 2009.
Motorcyclist vs. car - settled for policy limits
Reckless Driving, Left of Center, Forest City, Rutherford County
Policy limit settlement without litigation
In March of 2008 the Plaintiff was riding his motorcycle on RP 118 when the Defendant's vehicle crossed the center line and sideswiped his bike causing serious injury which required an airlift to the hospital. He suffered a severely mangled left foot and had to undergo a below the knee amputation on that leg. We have undertaken a petition to the Social Security Administration to waive Medicare's lien for its payments on behalf of the Plaintiff in order to maximize his recovery. This case settled for policy limits without litigation in August 2008.
Motorcyclist vs. car - settled for policy limits
In May of 2005, the Plaintiff was riding his motorcycle on East Caswell Street in Wadesboro, Anson County when the Defendant, pulling a small trailer, lost control of her vehicle causing her to spin into the path of the Plaintiff's bike. Plaintiff took evasive action to avoid a collision and suffered a knee injury requiring surgery and rehabilitation. Plaintiff, in the hope of avoiding litigation, tried to resolve his claim himself; however, he was met with resistance and a lack of willingness to cooperate from the insurance company. After being hired by Plaintiff in January of 2008, we were able to institute negotiation with the Defendant's insurance company and, after sending a lawsuit, able to settle Plaintiff's claim in May of 2008.
Motorcyclist vs. car settled for policy limits
Buncombe County, North Carolina
On September 9, 2009, Plaintiff was driving her moped in Asheville, North Carolina when the Defendant made a left turn directly into Plaintiff's path. Plaintiff suffered right femur fracture and right radial fracture and underwent internal fixation for both injuries. This case settled without litigation in February, 2010.
Traumatic Brain Injury
Airline - $1,400,000 Total Settlement
In a case which received worldwide attention, Plaintiff was injured when the pilots of a national airline flew the plane they were piloting off the runway at LaGuardia Airport in New York City into the adjoining river. The pilots excuse was each thought the other was at the controls of the airplane. There was a question as to whether the pilots were under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of this horrific crash. After unsuccessfully attempting to settle this case himself, Plaintiff turned the matter over to his good friend and attorney, Robert Karney. Nearly three years after the accident and after extensive negotiations, Robert was able to settle the case for $1,400,000.00. In addition his wife received $100,00.00 for Loss of Consortium.
Motorcycle - $1,000,000
Catawba County, North Carolina
On February 23, 2006, at approximately 9:15 p.m. Plaintiff was the operator of a 1987 Suzuki heading in a northerly direction on US 321 in Lincolnton, Lincoln County, North Carolina. Defendant was operating a Volvo tractor-trailer in a southerly direction on US 321 when he turned to the left into the path of the Plaintiff's motorcycle. The Defendant was operating the tractor trailer in the course and scope of his employment. Plaintiff suffered severe and debilitating injuries including traumatic brain injury and nearly lost his life. Defendant and his employer denied liability and a lawsuit was filed in June 2006 in Catawba County Superior Court to protect the Plaintiff's rights. After intensive rehabilitation for the Plaintiff and adversarial litigation, this case was settled prior to trial for the Defendants' policy limits in April of 2007.
Automobile - $875,000.00
Wilmington, North Carolina
In May of 2006 Plaintiff was traveling as a passenger with her boyfriend to a school function when he made a left-hand turn into oncoming traffic causing their vehicle to suffer a t-bone collision on Plaintiff's side of the car. Plaintiff suffered multiple internal injuries and fractures as well as brain trauma that caused emotional distress, sleep disorder and memory impairment. We were retained in October 2008, filed our lawsuit December 2008 and after litigation, were able to settle the claim at mediation in December 2009.
Scooter - policy limits plus $550,000.00 from Defendants
Kernersville, North Carolina
On August 14, 2007 Plaintiff was riding her scooter in Kernersville, Forsyth County, North Carolina when she was struck by Defendant driver as he made a left turn. We were retained in October of 2008 and a lawsuit was filed in Forsyth County Superior Court in January 2009. Plaintiff suffered traumatic brain injury, femur fracture, tibia fracture and rib fractures. This case was settled at mediation for the Defendants policy limits in October 2009 plus an additional $550,000.00 from Defendants.
Medical Negligence
Negligent Administration of the DPT Vaccine
$3,500,000 Jury Verdict
The Minor Plaintiff, Bernard Forehand, Jr., was seriously injured when the Defendant Pediatrician's Nurse failed to communicate to the Defendant Pediatrician, David Tayloe that the Minor Plaintiff had an adverse reaction to the first vaccination shot. The administration of the second shot left the Minor Plaintiff with a significant brain injury. The Defendant Pediatrician, David Tayloe, who at that time was the President of the National Pediatric Association, strenuously fought this case all the way to a jury verdict. The jury handed down what was at that time the largest jury verdict in a medical malpractice case in the State of North Carolina, in the sum of 3.5 million dollars.
Unorthodox Treatment
$1,200,000 combined
In 2006 we represented Plaintiffs who had undergone unorthodox treatment with the same doctor whose treatment caused them to become gravely ill. Lawsuits were filed in Federal Court and after long, drawn out litigation the cases were finally settled in 2008.
Medical Malpractice/Wrongful Death
$575,037.42 Total Settlement
Plaintiff, who was a diabetic, was hospitalized for a minor procedure. During the course of her brief hospitalization, she was given too much insulin without the proper food intake and went into an insulin induced coma. Unfortunately, as a result, she was left brain damaged, which ultimately resulted in her untimely death. The settlement in this instance was structured for the benefit of the Plaintiff's son, who will require some degree of supervision for the rest of his life, which provides him monthly benefits.
Sponge Left During Surgery
In 2003 Plaintiff underwent a nasal procedure during which a sponge was left in his sinus cavity. Plaintiff continued to have severe infections until the sponge was finally located and removed. Plaintiff hired us in May 2004 and a lawsuit was filed in March 2005. After contentious litigation, the case was settled prior to trial.
Sponge Left During Surgery
In August 2006 Plaintiff underwent surgery in which a sponge was left during surgery causing Plaintiff to become sick with pseudomonas until the sponge was removed. After surgical removal Plaintiff had to undergo aggressive antibiotic therapy for her pseudomonas infection. The doctors had a hard time locating the sponge because the hospital had provided sponges that were not able to be seen on x-ray which is negligence. Plaintiff hired us in September 2008 and we were able to settle this case prior to filing a lawsuit in July of 2009.
Nursing Home Negligence
$100,000 Total Settlement
The Plaintiff was injured when he attempted to exit his bed and slipped as a result of a leak in the roof, which was causing water to pool on the floor. The Plaintiff, who was in extremely poor health prior to the accident and suffering from dementia, contracted pneumonia which ultimately caused his death.
$230,000.00 Total Settlement
In March of 2007 Plaintiff was the resident of a nursing home due to diabetes that had resulted in the loss of one of his legs. The employees of the nursing home were on their way to give him a bath. Because of his missing leg, he had to be placed in a lift and wheeled into the bathing area. The defendant nursing home employees did not provided enough staff to properly strap him into the lift nor did they see that one of the straps was about to break. The strap broke and he fell 10 feet to the ground causing a subdural hematoma that resulted in his death several days later. The nursing home denied liability and in October 2007 we filed a lawsuit. After intense litigation and discovery settlement was reached November 2008 prior to mediation.
Wrongful Death
Medical Malpractice
$575,037.42 Total Settlement
Plaintiff, who was a diabetic, was hospitalized for a minor procedure. During the course of her brief hospitalization, she was given too much insulin without the proper food intake and went into an insulin induced coma. Unfortunately, as a result, she was left brain damaged, which ultimately resulted in her untimely death. The settlement in this instance was structured for the benefit of the Plaintiff's son, who will require some degree of supervision for the rest of his life, which provides him monthly benefits.
Automobile Wrongful Death
In September 2007 Plaintiff, a single mother who had recently relocated to Charlotte was broadsided in her van when the Defendant ran a red light. We were hired in November of 2007. The defendant's insurance company ultimately denied liability and a lawsuit was filed April 2008. After litigation and discovery, this case was settled for policy limits August of 2008.
Automobile vs. Livestock
In October 15, 2005 Plaintiff was driving in Macon County, North Carolina when he rounded a curve in the road and struck the Defendant's horse. Defendant had failed to properly secure his horses and they were loose on the roadway. We were retained in September 2007. The insurance company denied liability. After filing our lawsuit October, 2007 we were able to settle the case in January 2008.
Nursing Home Negligence/Wrongful Death
In March of 2007 Plaintiff was the resident of a nursing home due to diabetes that had resulted in the loss of one of his legs. The employees of the nursing home were on their way to give him a bath. Because of his missing leg, he had to be placed in a lift and wheeled into the bathing area. The defendant nursing home employees did not provided enough staff to properly strap him into the lift nor did they see that one of the straps was about to break. The strap broke and he fell 10 feet to the ground causing a subdural hematoma that resulted in his death several days later. The nursing home denied liability and in October 2007 we filed a lawsuit. After intense litigation and discovery settlement was reached November 2008 prior to mediation.
