The Law Offices of Bruce S. Meth, with offices in Chula Vista and San Diego, California, secures a $2,000,000.00 policy limit settlement for a deserving client that required an at the knee leg amputation after a terrible incident.
On February 14, 2018, BRIAN, a 66 year old single leg amputee and paraplegic, was severely injured when his wheelchair tipped over causing him to be launched out of his wheelchair. BRIAN’S one leg twisted awkwardly as he fell face down onto a concrete driveway. The resulting displaced tibia/fibula (lower leg bones) fractures ultimately became necrotic forcing the surgeon to amputate below the knee.
The incident occurred due to a dangerous condition on the driveway of a private business. The concrete driveway was cracked and had a significantly lifted section of concrete. The front wheels of BRIAN’S wheelchair hit the raised section and the wheelchair stopped abruptly causing the rear wheels to pitch up and forward, thus propelling BRIAN out of his chair and down onto the concrete driveway.
Bruce Meth and Jared Leuck, two attorneys at the Law Offices of Bruce S. Meth, pursued a premises liability claim on BRIAN’S behalf against the property owner who negligently failed to adequately maintain his property in a reasonable safe manner. Recognizing the serious nature of BRIAN’S injuries and the major impact it would have on his life moving forward, the liability insurer agreed to pay the full policy limits of $2,000,000.00.
But the real story of hope, persistence, and the value of a positive attitude came years before this incident, and in the months/years after. BRIAN was born with a small hole in his spine which did not allow the spine to fully form. This condition is known as Spina Bifida. From an early age, BRIAN learned that nothing in life is given. He had to work harder than everyone else to achieve his goals and live his dreams. He perfected the use of dual canes very early in life to ensure some level of independence. By his teenage years, he was almost exclusively using a wheelchair. But that did not stop him either. His parents were professors and would travel extensively…and BRIAN was right there with them every step of the way.
BRIAN took full advantage of the international travel and fully immersed himself in many different cultures while studying different languages. He became fluent in English, Spanish, and Portugese. He was also proficient in Italian. He experienced all the amazing countries’ cultures first hand, taking in the architecture, history, and diverse landscapes. If he couldn’t get there in his wheelchair, BRIAN would convince his older brother, Mark, to carry him on his back. He would not let anything hold him back.
BRIAN eventually found his professional niche – becoming a certified court interpreter for both the Superior Court of California and the United States Federal Court in San Diego, California. His work ethic and determination was admired and respected by all who meet him, including attorneys, court clerks/staff and Judges.
Even in the face of tragedy like losing his second leg due to this terrible incident, BRIAN remained positive and sough out opportunities to serve others. From his hospital bed, BRIAN spearheaded fund raising efforts for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. He also helps raise awareness and funds for the Reiki Healing Hands effort.
It has been each of those challenges and situations that have helped BRIAN become the man that he is today – a tough and determined man set on living the life that he chooses, not one defined by his circumstances. There have been bumps and bruises along the way, but BRIAN has come out on top time and time again.
Using some of the money from his settlement, BRIAN has purchased a newly designed wheelchair that will allow him to continue to travel, write, and live life to its fullest.