Verdicts & Settlements

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Prior results do not guarentee a similar outcome.

$3.9 Million Dollar Settlement for Client Injured in Sidewalk Trip and Fall Accident

This appeal involved the denial of Summary Judgment by Defendant as to a lack of prior notice. The brief facts were that the Plaintiff was walking along a sidewalk when he tripped in front of the Defendant’s premises, sustaining severe personal injuries. On Appeal, the Appellate Division, First Department, held that despite never seeing the crack or hole at the time of the accident, the Plaintiff attributed his fall to that condition. Therefore, the Defendant did not sustain its burden of demonstrating that the alleged sidewalk defect was not the cause of the Plaintiff’s fall. After extensive and aggressive negotiations by Scott Baron and Associates, P.C., the case was settled on the eve of trial for $3.9 million dollars.

$3.9 Million Dollar Settlement for Client Injured in Sidewalk Trip and Fall Accident

This appeal involved the denial of Summary Judgment by Defendant as to a lack of prior notice. The brief facts were that the Plaintiff was walking along a sidewalk when he tripped in front of the Defendant’s premises, sustaining severe personal injuries. On Appeal, the Appellate Division, First Department, held that despite never seeing the crack or hole at the time of the accident, the Plaintiff attributed his fall to that condition. Therefore, the Defendant did not sustain its burden of demonstrating that the alleged sidewalk defect was not the cause of the Plaintiff’s fall. After extensive and aggressive negotiations by Scott Baron and Associates, P.C., the case was settled on the eve of trial for $3.9 million dollars.

$3.5 Million Dollar Settlement for Client Injured on a Roof

A settlement was reached at trial, after aggressively litigating claim in which both liability and damages were highly disputed. Our client, an elevator mechanic, was sent by his employer to a parking garage to fix an elevator which was out of service when his foot went through the roof. The lawsuit claimed that the operator of the garage knew that the roof was unstable and failed to make any repairs. Scott Baron & Associates, P.C. hired economist experts, prepared thoroughly and reached a settlement just prior to opening statements.

$3,000,000.00 SETTLEMENT FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKER INJURED ON THE JOB

SCOTT BARON & ASSOCIATES, P.C. reached a THREE MILLION dollar settlement for a construction worker who suffered foot and ankle injuries when he slipped and fell on a wet floor at a construction site. At the time of the accident, the plaintiff was pulling a pallet jack containing an air conditioning unit. When he fell, the pallet jack continued moving, only stopping after striking the plaintiffs foot and ankle. Plaintiff suffered extensive soft tissue injuries to his foot and ankle but no fractures. Plaintiff later developed lower back difficulty due to his altered walking pattern arising from the foot and ankle injuries. SCOTT BARON & ASSOCIATES, P.C. was able to connect the back condition to the original foot and ankle injury which greatly enhanced the settlement value of the case.

$2.5 MILLION DOLLAR VERDICT FOR CLIENT INJURED IN AN ELEVATOR

This client was injured when an elevator at the World Trade Center suddenly propelled several flights before coming to a sudden halt, throwing passengers to the floor. The client suffered several fractures and tears of the vertebral body. On the eve of trial, Scott Baron & Associates, P.C. negotiated a settlement of 2.5 million dollars.

$2.25 MILLION DOLLAR SETTLEMENT FOR WORKER STRUCK BY DEBRIS

Our client was working on a scaffold at the Queensborough Bridge when a large piece of falling debris struck him on the head causing him to fall and become seriously injured. The lawsuit, amongst other things, claimed that our client was not provided with a safe place to work at the job site. After constant negotiations, court hearings and mediations by Scott Baron & Associates, a settlement was reached where plaintiff was compensated for his current and future injures, loss wages as well as pain and suffering.

$1.5 MILLION DOLLAR SETTLEMENT FOR INJURED WORKER

After aggressively litigating this matter, Scott Baron & Associates, P.C. negotiated a settlement of 1.5 million dollars for our client who was injured clearing trees from a property. The lawsuit claimed that the client was not provided with a safe place to work by the general contractor and subcontractors of the specific job site. As a result of this accident, our client sustained multiple fractures requiring surgical repair. Our firm litigated this matter vigorously filing an immediate lawsuit and securing summary judgment on the issue of liability. After constant pressure on the insurance company, the insurance carrier tendered all applicable policies totaling a settlement of $1.5 million.

$1.5 MILLION DOLLAR VERDICT FOR CLIENT INJURED IN BATHROOM

Our client sustained serious injuries as a result of a slip and fall in the bathroom where he worked. The condition which caused the slip and fall was created by defendants who repeatedly used said bathroom without permission. A full trial was held in Queens County on the issue of negligence. A verdict in favor of the plaintiff was rendered in the amount of $1.5 million dollars and defendants were found to be 100% liable for the happening of the accident.

$1.315 MILLION DOLLAR VERDICT FOR CLIENT INJURED FROM FALLING LADDER

A verdict was rendered in favor of our client who was injured while placing a steel beam onto a structure. The client fell from the top of a 20-25 feet ladder when the ladder slipped from underneath him. No safety devices were in place to prevent client from becoming seriously injured. As a result of the accident the client suffered numerous injuries which prevent him from continuing to work in his profession of choice. After a long jury trial, the jury returned a verdict stating that defendants were liable under several theories of law, including, failing to maintain a safe work environment for the client. The jury also determined that the client was not in any way responsible for his injuries.

$1.3 MILLION DOLLAR VERDICT FOR SLIP & FALL ACCIDENT

Client worked at a local Home Depot where she slipped and fell on a children’s mat. The floor was recently washed by defendant yet lacked any form of warning regarding the slippery condition. As a result of the fall, client sustained an ankle injury requiring surgery and ligament tears. A full trial was held in the Supreme Court of Queens County. A verdict in favor of our client was rendered in the amount of $1.3 million dollars.

$1.26 MILLION DOLLAR SETTLEMENT FOR PEDESTRIAN INJURED IN REAR-END ACCIDENT

A settlement was reached on behalf of our client who was involved in an accident which was caused by the defendant driver’s negligence. The client was a driver in a motor vehicle which stopped at a red light on the service road of the Long Island Expressway. The client was suddenly rear ended by the defendant in the early morning hours. As result of the negligence of the defendant, our client had emergency surgery on his left shoulder and seriously injured his lumbar spine. After aggressive negotiations by Scott Baron & Associates, P.C., a settlement was reached where the insurance company offered their entire insurance policy totaling $1,260,000.00.

$1.1 MILLION DOLLAR SETTLEMENT AGAINST DRIVER THAT SUDDENLY PULLED OUT OF CURB

Our client was driving down Sutphin Boulevard when defendant’s truck suddenly pulled out from the curb and violently impacted client’s vehicle. Client suffered several injuries including a rotator cuff tear requiring surgical intervention. After numerous court hearings, ongoing negotiations and mediation sessions, defendant refused to adequately compensate our client and proceeded to trial. During jury selection, defendant offered $1.1 million to compensate our client for his current and future injuries, as well as pain and suffering.

$1 MILLION DOLLAR SETTLEMENT FOR CLIENT INJURED IN STAIRCASE FALL.

This appeal involved the denial of Summary Judgment by Defendant as to lack of prior notice. The brief facts were that the Plaintiff, a mail carrier, was severely injured when he fell down an exterior staircase. On Appeal, the Appellate Division, Second Department, held that the Defendant failed to make a prima facie showing that they lacked constructive notice of the dangerous condition described by the Plaintiff because it failed to demonstrate when the area where the Plaintiff fell was last inspected in relation to the accident. After extensive and aggressive negotiations by Scott Baron and Associates, P.C., the case was settled on the eve of trial for $1 million dollars.

$1 MILLION DOLLAR SETTLEMENT FOR INJURED CLIENT IN MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT

Due to continuous discussions and litigation, full policy limits in the amount of $1 million were tendered by defendants for the injured passenger in this motor vehicle accident. Our client was a driver in a motor vehicle which was coming down the ramp on Spring Parkway. At the same time, defendant’s vehicle swerved three lanes on the service road and landed in front of the client, causing the accident. Scott Baron & Associates, P.C. litigated this matter vigorously and, after constant pressure on the insurance company, the insurance carrier tendered all applicable policies totaling a settlement of $1 million dollars.

$1 MILLION DOLLAR SETTLEMENT AGAINST DRIVER THAT IGNORED STOP SIGN

After several days of trial, a settlement of a little over $1 million dollars was obtained for our client, a driver, who was struck by another vehicle which raced past a stop sign. The case settled prior to closing statements.

$950,000 SETTLEMENT FOR WOMAN INJURED WHILE EXITING CITY BUS

A Pre-Trial settlement was reached for our client who was injured while exiting a BX 10 bus in Manhattan. While stepping down from the bus, our client tripped over a defective curb, falling to the ground and sustaining a fractured hip. After extensive negotiations, and with the aid of the Court, the settlement was reached just prior to jury selection. Our case was based on the failure of the City bus to provide our client with a safe place to get off and the City’s failure to properly maintain the curb.

$825,000.00 MEDIATION SETTLEMENT AGAINST DRIVER THAT HIT PARKED CAR

A mediation settlement was reached in the amount of $825,000.00 for our client who was rear-ended by defendant while his vehicle was parked. Client‘s injuries required immediate surgery on his right knee to address various ligament tears. After a long mediation session, Scott Baron & Associates, P.C. negotiated the settlement shortly before trial.

$800,000 SETTLEMENT FOR CLIENT INJURED IN CONSTRUCTION SITE ACCIDENT

Our client was seriously injured on a construction site. The Plaintiff was digging a trench/hole when the walls of the trench/hole collapsed, burying him. As a result of the Defendants’ failure to adequately protect against the risk of gravity-related injuries, our client suffered head, neck, chest, back, face and leg injuries. After aggressive negotiations with the insurance carrier, Scott Baron and Associates, P.C. was able to secure a settlement totaling $800,000.00 dollars.

$750,000 SETTLEMENT ON THE EVE OF TRIAL

Elderly Client was rushed to the local hospital when she was struck by defendant’s truck while walking across Jamaica Avenue. As a result of the accident, client sustained multiple fractures in her rib, neck and left hip which resulted in hip replacement surgery. Client eventually succumbed to her injuries, prior to depositions, which resulted in a wrongful death action. After constant court hearings, appeals and mediations by Scott Baron & Associates, a settlement was reach shortly before trial for $750,000.00.

$650,000 SETTLEMENT FOR CLIENT INJURED BY A DEFECTIVE MOTORCYCLE

Scott Baron & Associates, P.C. negotiated a settlement with the various defendants involved in this strict products liability case. While operating a motorcycle, Client’s accelerator throttle pedal became jammed which caused client to collide with a parked tractor trailer. As a result of the accident, the client sustained serious injuries. Through continuous negotiations and near trial, our firm was able to negotiate a $650,000.00 settlement with the defendants.

$650,000.00 SETTLEMENT FOR REAR-END ACCIDENT

Our client was seriously injured by defendants due to a multiple car rear-end accident. Client underwent several steroid injections and had major back surgery as a result of defendants’ actions. After aggressive negotiations by Scott Baron & Associates, including mediation sessions, a settlement in the amount of $650,000.00 was reached by the insurance company.

$600,000 SETTLEMENT FOR BUS PASSENGER INJURED IN MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT

A settlement was reach shortly after Scott Baron & Associates, P.C. placed this case on the trial calendar for litigation. Our client was a passenger on a bus which hit a parked vehicle and immediately left the scene. As a result of the accident, the client suffered a sprain of the lateral ligament of the right ankle requiring surgery, several disk bulges and had to endure several steroid injections. Through constant negotiations and a clear understanding that this firm is willing and prepared to proceed to trial, the insurance adjusters offered a $600,000.00 settlement of this matter.

$600,000 SETTLEMENT FOR AN INJURED WORKER WHO FELL OFF A LADDER

A Settlement was reached prior to filing a lawsuit. As a result of the accident the client sustained multiple fractures with surgery. Our office investigated the accident, contacted witnesses, and negotiated the settlement. A fair settlement was reached fulfilling the client’s goals of reaching a speedy but fair settlement.

$550,000 SETTLEMENT FOR DRIVER WHO WAS REARENDED AND PUSHED INTO VEHICLE BLOCKING TRAFFIC

A commercial van had pulled out of a parking lot and blocked traffic while it attempted to back in to a garage holding up traffic. Our client stopped in time but was rear-ended by an Ambulette and then pushed into the van blocking traffic. Our client sustained multiple injuries to her neck and shoulder and underwent surgeries to correct them. A settlement was reached at trial while the Jury was deliberating.

$500,000 SETTLEMENT FOR PEDESTRIAN WHO FRACTURED LEG

Client was rushed to the local hospital when he stepped into a hole, injuring his left knee, while walking in the parking lot of a Taco Bell. As a result of the fall, client sustained multiple tears in his left knee and fractured his right leg. After aggressive negotiations by Scott Baron & Associates, P.C. and days before trial, a settlement was reached for $500,000.00.

$500,000 VERDICT FOR CLIENT INJURED BY SLIPPING ON AN UNKNOWN SUBSTANCE

A verdict was rendered in favor of our client who was injured when he slipped and fell on the stairs of an apartment building due to an unknown white substance on the stairs. As a result of this accident, the client sustained injuries to his brain. Defense counsel disputed the existence of any white substance and claimed the stairs were regularly mopped and swept. After a long trial, the jury returned a verdict of $500,000 stating that defendants were 100% liable for the accident.

$500,000 SETTLEMENT FOR PEDESTRIAN HIT BY THE FLYING DEBRIS OF A MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT

Defendant ran stop sign and hit another vehicle driving along local intersection. Our client was an innocent pedestrian standing on the sidewalk near the location of the accident. The impact of the collision caused various glass and debris to strike, and seriously injure, our client which resulted in emergency surgery. The case settled during the discovery proceedings.

$450,000 SETTLEMENT FOR PEDESTRIAN STRUCK BY DEFENDANT MOTOR VEHICLE

Our client was a pedestrian crossing Springfield Avenue at it’s intersection with Union Turnpike in Bayside, Queens, when defendant struck her. Our client was in the crosswalk and crossing with the light and was more that half way across when defendant negligently struck her on her right hip and leg, knocking her to the ground. As a result, she sustained a trimalleolar fracture of her right ankle requiring surgical repair involving the insertion of screws and a plate. Through vigorous investigation and litigation, Scott Baron & Associates, P.C., established defendant’s negligence in failing to yield right-of-way to client, leading to settlement before the case was on the trial calendar.

$400,000 SETTLEMENT FOR CLIENT INJURED IN A TRIP AND FALL ON STAIRS

Our client tripped and fell over stairs as she was leaving a play, causing her to sustain fractures of the left femur, clavicle and pelvis. The theater was dark and by means of aggressive litigation and investigation, which included retention of an expert engineer, Scott Baron and Associates, P.C., was able to establish that the stairs were improperly designed, improperly lit, and there were no warnings or ushers to alert patrons to the stairs. This led to settlement just after the case was placed on the trial calendar.

$350,000 SETTLEMENT FOR CLIENT INJURED IN A SLIP AND FALL AT WORK SITE

Our client, a 29 year old carpenter’s apprentice, slipped and fell on a drill bit at the construction site where she was working. There was no indication of where the drill bit had come from. More importantly, there was no indication as to how long the drill bit had been there, a point aggressively brought up by the defendant at the mediation, even suggesting that the claimant might have dropped it herself. Our client sought medical treatment the following day. An MRI revealed a tear of the patellofemoral ligament and an osteochondral defect. First treated with physical therapy and then by arthroscopic surgery, only the osteochondral defect needed repair. We were able to settle this case at a private mediation for $350,000 less than 16 months after the accident and less than 10 months after suit was commenced, thereby allowing our client to recover for her losses and move on from this accident as quickly as possible.

$300,000 SETTLEMENT FOR SLIP AND FALL IN A DEPARTMENT STORE

While exiting a department store our client slipped and fell on water on the floor by a display of live plants. Our client had undergone total left knee replacement 4 years before the accident and through medical records and physician reports Scott Baron and Associates, P.C., established that our client require a complete revision of the knee replacement because of the accident. We also obtain security footage that showed store employees mopping the area just prior to client fall and failing to put out wet floor warnings. The $300,000 settlement was reached prior to jury selection.

$300,000 SETTLEMENT FOR A CLIENT WHO WAS IN A MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT

In a case involving a 50 year old motorcyclist in collision with an auto at an intersection Scott Baron Associates was able to obtain the full policy limits of $300,000 in the early stages of discovery. Plaintiff sustained a hip fracture with surgery and insertion of hardware. Defendants disputed right of way at the intersection but ultimately settled for the entire policy limits rather than risk trial.

$300,000 SETTLEMENT FOR FALL AT LONG ISLAND RESTAURANT

On behalf of an 86 year old plaintiff who fell while exiting a Long Island Restaurant. Plaintiff was waiting with her family outside the restaurant while their car was being brought over when she fell while descending two steps an the restaurant entrance. Plaintiff claimed that there should have been a handrail provided while the defendant claimed that no hand rail was required and that the steps were in safe condition. In spite of this seemingly strong defense, Scott Baron & Associates was able to bring this case to a successful conclusion.

$297,500 SETTLEMENT FOR CLIENT WHO WAS IN A REAR-END ACCIDENT

Plaintiff, a 55 year old plumber was driving to a job on 8/13/13 when he was rear-ended by defendant’s vehicle while slowing for traffic ahead. He sustained left paracentral disc herniation at T1-T2 along with disc bulges at L4-5 and L3-4. Client did not have surgery. After discovery and deposition the third party settled for the policy limits of $100,000. After settlement a protracted under insured motorist claim was brought against his carrier and after an IME and examination under oath and almost 2 years of negotiation and firm offers of $100,000 Scott Baron’s office obtained an offer of $197,500 of the available $200,000 on the eve of arbitration to settle the claim.

$250,000 SETTLEMENT FOR PEDESTRIAN STRUCK BY DEFENDANT MOTOR VEHICLE

Our client, a pedestrian crossing Woodhaven Blvd. in Queens, was struck and injured by defendants vehicle just as plaintiff was approaching an Uber taxi he had called to drive him home. Plaintiff suffered fractures to both legs. While contesting liability, defendant offered its full $250,000.00 insurance coverage. Scott Baron & Associates was able to bring this case to a close for the full amount of the insurance coverage only 6 months after the accident without the necessity of long, drawn out and costly court proceedings.

$250,000 SETTLEMENT FOR CLIENT INJURED BY A SLIP AND FALL ON OVERLY WAXED FLOOR

Our client, a hospital worker, slipped and fell on a floor that had been overly waxed and polished. The maintenance of the floor was the responsibility of defendant, an outside contractor. Thorough investigation and tenacious litigation by Scott Baron & Associates, P.C., revealed evidence that, at times prior to our clients fall, defendant had overly waxed and improperly maintained the floor, that there had been several other slip and falls on the floor prior to our client’s, and there had been numerous complaints made regarding defendant’s improper waxing. Our client sustained tears of her right shoulder requiring surgical repair, a fracture to her right elbow, tears in her right ankle, and a fracture of the left big toe. Pre-trial settlement was reached after aggressive negotiations.

$225,000 SETTLEMENT FOR CLIENT INJURED BY A TRIP AND FALL ON A BROKEN SIDEWALK

Our client sustained a tear of the right rotator cuff requiring surgical repair, and a left knee injury, after tripping over a broken and raised sidewalk. Through vigorous investigation and litigation, Scott Baron & Associates, P.C., was able to establish that the alleged condition existed for over a year and a half before the client’s accident, that the defendants conducted inspections of the area and should have been aware of the defective condition of the sidewalk but failed to have it repaired. This pre-trial settlement was reached after the defendants’ liability was established.

$225,000 SETTLEMENT FOR CLIENT INJURED BY TRIP AND FALL OUTSIDE CVS

Plaintiff, a 76 year old pedestrian, tripped and fell in a cracked, depressed area in a mall parking lot adjacent to a concrete wheel stop outside her local CVS store. As a result of the accident, plaintiff suffered a fractured elbow. Defendant strongly contested liability claiming that the depression was too minor to be actionable. In addition, defendant claimed that the accident was plaintiff’s fault as the claimed defect was open and obvious to anyone walking there in this daytime accident. In spite of these defenses, our office was able to convince defendant of their responsibility in this matter and was able to bring this case to a successful conclusion just 8 months after the accident.

$200,000 SETTLEMENT FOR CLIENT INJURED IN A MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT

Our client sustained serious injuries in motor vehicle accident where Defendant, who was speeding in the rain, lost control of their vehicle and struck our client head on. As a result of the accident, our client sustained a non-displaced fracture of her left foot and a tendon tear in her left hip with a possible hairline fracture. Thorough investigation and tenacious negotiation by Scott Baron and Associates, P.C., lead to the pre-suit settlement.

$150,000.00 SETTLEMENT FOR CLIENT INJURED IN A REAR-END MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT

Client was a front seat passenger in a vehicle that while stopped at a red light was struck in the rear by defendant. Client was wearing a seat belt and the impact jolted him forward, causing his left knee to strike the car’s dashboard. As a result he sustained injuries to his back and left knee and he underwent left knee surgery. Aggressive litigation and negotiations by Scott Baron & Associates, P.C. resulted in the $150,000.00 pre-trial settlement.

$150,000.00 SETTLEMENT FOR CLIENT INJURED IN FALL

64 year old woman fell when exiting the kitchen to the backyard of a private residence owned by her son’s inlaws. The step down was too high and her ankle twisted and she twisted as she fell. She sustained a displaced bimalleolar ankle fracture which required open reduction and internal fixation. Despite the questionable liability the office of Scott Baron and Associates, PC was able to negotiate a settlement of $150,000 before depositions. She was surprised and pleased with the outcome.

$140,000 SETTLEMENT FOR 84 YEAR OLD MAN INJURED IN FALL

A settlement was reached after intense negotiations on the eve of trial for client who tripped and fell when a wheelchair pushed by defendant’s employee was steered into him as he was exiting the premises. He sustained a knee injury superimposed over severe knee degeneration and previous surgery, which had called for total knee replacement before the accident. He had total knee replacement after the accident with excellent results. Defendants denied liability and proximate cause of the injury and claimed that all knee conditions were pre-existing and that knee replacement was inevitable.

$125,000 SETTLEMENT FOR CLIENT INJURED BY A TRIP AND FALL ON SIDEWALK

Our client tripped over a broken and raised sidewalk flagstone. It was located in front of a private, residential area, so the City of New York was the liable party. Through aggressive investigation and litigation, Scott Baron and Associates, P.C., were able to establish that the City had notice of the condition. Our client suffered serious injuries, including fracture of the left hand, carpel tunnel syndrome of the right hand, and a tear of the left meniscus. Settlement was reached prior to jury selection with assistance of the trial judge.

$100,000 SETTLEMENT FOR CLIENT INJURED IN A SLIP AND FALL ON SNOW

Client was injured when she slipped and fell on snow in a parking lot as she was leaving her place of employment. The client sustained serious injuries including a fracture of her left wrist with nerve injury. Although it was snowing at the time of the accident, Scott Baron and Associates, P.C., defeated defendants’ motion for summary judgment by showing that defendants had preformed snow removal during the snowfall in a negligent manner and said negligence was the cause of our clients fall and injuries. The successful opposition of defendants’ summary judgment motion led to the pre-trial settlement.

$100,000 DOLLAR SETTLEMENT FOR PEDESTRIAN STRUCK BY A CAR

Client was walking along a public sidewalk when the defendant negligently exited a parking lot and struck client on the right side. The defendant’s negligence caused client to sustain a severe fracture of his right ankle requiring surgical repair with insertion of pins. Extensive investigation and aggressive litigation by Scott Baron and Associates, P.C., resulted in the defendants offering their entire insurance policy limits to settle the case early in litigation.

$100,000 DOLLAR SETTLEMENT FOR CLIENT INJURED IN A MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT

Client was operating a vehicle and performing paving work when defendant sped into the closed off work area and struck client’s vehicle. The accident caused client to sustain tears to his right shoulder requiring surgical repair, and neck injuries. Extensive investigation and aggressive litigation by Scott Baron and Associates, P.C., established defendant’s liability for the accident, despite defendant’s claim attempting to place liability on our client, As a result, defendant’s entire insurance policy limits were offered to settle the case early in litigation.

$100,000 SETTLEMENT FOR PEDESTRIAN STRUCK BY DEFENDANT MOTOR VEHICLE

Plaintiff was housekeeper injured while crossing the street. Witness placed majority of blame on plaintiff and police report blamed both parties. Arthroscopic surgery to shoulder. Plaintiff returned to work full time and ceased treatment. Settlement reached after extensive negotiations and intense dispute over liability.