Terry Dossey’s Story
Traumatic Brain Injury
What Happened
The Mistake of Someone Else Almost Cost Terry His Life
“The accident should have never happened.”
On a day like any other, Terry Dossey went into work at the oil rig in the Permian Basin. That day somebody made a mistake that almost cost Terry his life. An explosion at the oil rig caused Terry to fracture his skull. He didn’t regain consciousness until days later when he awoke in the hospital and was informed he had suffered a traumatic brain injury. His mother, an administrator in nursing home, had dealt with brain injuries before and knew how expensive things could get. She immediately began to research the best way to get Terry supplemental funding and found that her best option would be Swope, Rodante P.A.
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“He [Terry] has enough money now to last him for the rest of his life to take care of him, and all of his needs.”
The Case Profile
A Successful Victory with a Unique Approach
The day of the accident someone left the valves closed on the mud pump. When it was started up, the pump caused an explosion that left Terry with severe traumatic brain injuries. His whole life had changed in the blink of an eye.
Even with Terry set to receive workers’ compensation, soon his medical expenses would be far greater than what his family could financially endure.
The team knew that if they were going to help Terry achieve the highest levels of recovery, he did not need to be waiting in institutionalized care or need his case to take years; he needed a successful settlement now.
the case challenges
Creativity Overcame Challenges
Right from the start, the attorneys at Swope, Rodante P.A. knew that the main challenge was going to be the company’s workers’ compensation immunity which states that an employer who provides compensation to an injured employee is entitled to immunity from civil actions by that employee or their representatives. The next hurdle was how to show that the accident should have never happened. With the help of a forensic engineer, the team was able to design a model to reenact the accident and stresses of what would have been encountered that night and obtain the engineer’s testimony. To achieve a successful outcome for Terry the team needed to work fast. Instead of sending all the case documents and have the files sit on desks, they created a website that was easily accessible, but most importantly supported Terry’s case.
The Resolution
Terry’s Life Today
The attorneys’ creativity and swift thinking allowed them to accomplish their goal in a matter of weeks. The settlement granted Terry a lump sum cash payment along with a significant monthly payment he will receive for life that is adjust with inflation. Additionally, Terry continues to receive workers’ compensation benefits. As a result of the settlement achieved, the attorneys at Swope, Rodante P.A. made sure that Terry and his family would not have to worry about Terry’s medical expenses or having to go through a financially difficult time again. Today, Terry’s recovery is unbelievable. Thanks to the financial support he receives, Terry is able to make the impossible seem very possible; he can speak clearly and is even walking on his own again.
