An arbitration panel awarded $450,000 to a man who was injured in a traffic crash in New Hanover County. The client sustained a mild traumatic brain injury when his car collided with a vehicle that pulled out in front of him. Liability was contested, and the defense raised contributory negligence as well. The client sought damages for his pain and suffering, but not his medical costs. Prior to arbitration, the underinsured motorist carrier, which had $400,000 in exposure, offered $25,000 to settle the case. The carrier ended up paying $400,000 as a result of the award, which totaled $500,000 with interest. An earlier $100,000 payment from the primary liability policy covered the remainder of the award.
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