In the spring of 2024, Minerva Schaller was rear-ended by another vehicle while she was driving in Kansas City, Missouri.

The crash was so severe it totaled Schaller’s car, and she was taken to the nearest trauma hospital for treatment, according to her attorney Laurie Del Percio of the Horn Law Firm.

“Due to the severe nature of her injuries, particularly the concern for a brain bleed, Ms. Schaller was admitted to the hospital,” Del Percio said. “After examination and testing, including diagnostic studies, Ms. Schaller was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury without loss of consciousness.”

Schaller was discharged and instructed to follow up with her health care provider, which she did the next day, reporting that since the collision she had experienced severe pain in her neck. Nearly one month after the accident, Schaller also sought chiropractic care and reported headaches, dizziness/loss of balance, muscle spasms, sleep disturbance, range of motion problems, fatigue, mobility issues, generalized weakness, cognitive issues and lightheadedness, according to Del Percio.

She was in rehabilitation for nearly two months before being released with a home exercise program.

“Due to continued post-concussion symptoms since the collision, on May 8, 2024, Ms. Schaller underwent a neurology consultation. Ms. Schaller reported worsening of cognition and increase of headaches since the collision. These symptoms were impacting her activities of daily living,” Del Percio said. “An MRI of brain was ordered to further evaluate.”

The MRI results came back within normal limits and she was released from care. Del Percio said nothing else could be done for Schaller medically although the pain was impacting her daily life.

“Prior to the collision, Ms. Schaller, age seventy, was in good physical health,” Del Percio said. “We were able to reach a successful settlement by comparing and contrasting her life before versus after the subject collision.”

Despite the fact that the insurance company focused on Schaller’s age, Del Percio was able to obtain the $140,000 settlement with special damages of $73,891.23 past medical (billed) and $58,665.26 past medical (written off).

“She was actively involved in her church. She was able to do her household activities, including gardening, before, and these were activities that were more difficult to do after the collision,” Del Percio said.

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Amount of verdict, judgment or settlement: $140,000

Type of action: Motor vehicle collision

Venue: Jackson County Circuit Court

Date: 2/10/2025

Injuries: Head, brain, neck, back, spine

Special Damages: $73,891.23 past medical (billed); $58,665.26 past medical (written off)

Caption: Minerva Schaller v. Suburban Lawn & Garden, Freddy Navarro

Plaintiffs’ Attorneys: Laurie Del Percio of the Horn Law Firm