Opinion ID: 1798404
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: The Injuries of Terry Wegerer.

Text: The jury awarded Terry Wegerer damages in the amount of $5,000 for pain, suffering, and disability. Terry Wegerer was born on May 17, 1943. He was the driver of the car when the collision occurred and testified that the impact tore his grasp from the wheel and threw him back against the seat. He was on leave from the navy at the time of the accident. Upon return to his base, he claimed that he experienced backaches and that bending became difficult. He received treatment from navy doctors and was given lighter duties. He was separated from the service on March 28, 1964. At the time of the trial, he stated that he was still experiencing backaches and could not do the work he was  formerly able to do. He testified that he had had no trouble with his back before the accident, but that he now gets backaches when he walks five or six blocks or after driving an hour. Dr. Salinsky examined Terry Wegerer on April 13, 1964, and testified that he had sustained a musculo-ligamentous tear involving the lumbo-sacral joint. He further stated that his injured structure tissue had become filled with scar tissue which reduces the elasticity of the ligament; when pressure is applied to the area, he stated that Mr. Wegerer will have pain. Dr. Salinsky further stated that if Mr. Wegerer is required to push any force, it will produce pain and stiffness. Dr. Salinsky opined that the presence of such scar tissue is a permanent condition. Dr. Coles examined Terry Wegerer on one occasion and testified that it seemed probable that the patient had sustained a lumbo-sacral sprain in the automobile accident, but he was unable to find any evidence of permanent residuals. He further stated that the patient's subjective complaints did not constitute a basis for any permanent disability.