Tom Neuhengen sustains a massive injury on the job when a 65,000-pound forklift runs over his foot at a trade show in Chicago. An IT rep for the National Guard and a U.S. military veteran living in Cudahy, Wisconsin, Tom’s life would be changed forever by the careless accident.
In the first of this three-part series, Tom is in the hospital for his first surgery following the accident. That’s when his mom contacted an attorney with Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard. The firm took on the case, fortunate to get involved so early and get a jump on the investigation against the defense team. Before the legal team even starts digging, they uncover information revealing that the man who operated the forklift — the one that ran over Tom’s foot — wasn’t certified.
Just before the trial is set to begin, the defense team offers Tom a $5 million settlement — and his lawyer explains why it’s not worth nearly what it seems.
In the next episode of Beating Goliath, the trial begins and the defense goes on the attack.
Characters in this Episode
⚖️ Tom Neuhengen, Plaintiff
- Military veteran. Sustained a life-altering injury while working at a trade show in Chicago.
- “I think I might’ve been screaming. My body was in shock.”
⚖️ Patrick Salvi Jr., Managing Partner at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard
- Lawyer representing Tom’s case against the company.
- “What we learn as young lawyers is never to underestimate what the defense is willing to do to protect their money.”
⚖️ Aaron D. Boeder, Partner at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard
- Lawyer representing Tom’s case.
- “His foot was smashed and squeezed to the point where, if we were to show the pictures, it’s horrific.”
⚖️ Patrick A. Salvi, Sr., Founder and Managing Equity Partner at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard
- Lawyer representing Tom’s case.
- “My main job was to present the damages — calling the doctors, the vocational people, the economist [and] lay witnesses who are going to support the damages.”
⚖️ Dr. Brian Law, Orthopedic Surgeon
- Surgeon who tended to Tom’s injuries.
- “Anybody who has sustained this kind of injury needs to remember that they’re never going to be 100% normal.”
Plot Points
- Meet the plaintiff: Introducing Tom Neuhengen, an IT rep for the National Guard and a U.S. military vet of Cudahy, Wisconsin.
- The injury: Tom is sent to tear down his organization’s booth at a trade show in Chicago, an event that will change his life forever when his foot is run over by a 65,000-pound forklift.
- The hospital: After seeing the severity of his injury, the paramedics take Tom to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where he enters the first of many surgeries.
- The case begins: Aaron Boeder of Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard takes the first call from Tom’s family, concerned about Tom’s best interest while he deals with his injuries in the hospital.
- David vs. Goliath: Why the defense usually has an advantage in personal injury cases — and what makes the difference in Tom’s case.
- “The only way they’re going to learn”: How Salvi lawyers approach a case as complex as Tom’s.
- The OSHA investigation: An investigation by OSHA reveals a vital detail about the man operating the forklift that ran over Tom’s foot.
- “Will I be able to run again?”: Tom recovers from his first surgery, while his doctor explains the limited options that’ll help him walk on his own and possibly run again.
- The offer: Just before the trial is set to begin, the defense team makes Tom a tempting financial offer — and he must consider carefully how much it’s actually worth.
