April 1, 2026 (San Diego, CA) – Hawkins Parnell obtained a victory in a high-risk underinsured motorist arbitration for an insurance client. San Diego partner Todd Haas served as lead counsel.

The claimant was involved in a major freeway accident in which she was sideswiped, causing her vehicle to spin into the center divider. She alleged a myriad of severe injuries, including spinal injuries and head trauma. Over the next five years, the claimant engaged in extensive treatment and claimed that the accident caused traumatic brain injury (TBI), carpal tunnel syndrome, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), neck, back, and shoulder injuries. She eventually underwent a two-step lumbar fusion surgery.

Hawkins Parnell argued that, although the accident was significant, it was not a substantial factor in her needing significant medical treatment, and that the claimant’s pre-existing conditions necessitated the medical treatment. Haas also demonstrated that the TBI claim was not related to or caused by the accident since the claimant had a complex medical history and many of her complaints following the accident were pre-existing.

At the conclusion of the arbitration, opposing counsel demanded $1.7 million to settle and threatened bad faith litigation if the demand was not met. The arbitrator awarded just under $175,000, and because the award fell below the defense's Section 998 offer of $200,000, Hawkins Parnell's client is entitled to and will be seeking post-offer defense costs.

About Hawkins Parnell & Young

Hawkins Parnell & Young is a national defense litigation firm that has represented many of the largest and most well-known companies in high-risk litigation and business disputes. The 250-strong litigation team works with clients to develop winning defense strategies and, if necessary, try cases to verdict in all 50 states.