Ferry Worker Wins $2.372 Million Verdict Against the State of Washington; Worker Suffers from Severe Fibromyalgia.

Business Editors

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 3, 2000

Seattle attorneys Steven Krafchick (Krafchick Law Firm) and Robert Kraft (Levinson Friedman Vhugen Duggan & Bland) announced victory today on behalf of a ferry boat worker, disabled with Fibromyalgia after being hurt while working on a ferry boat four years ago. It is believed to be the largest jury verdict ever on behalf of a victim inflicted with post-traumatic Fibromyalgia, a debilitating pain syndrome that emerges from trauma or injury.

Tracy Greenwood, then 37, was carrying a heavy bag filled with sand up a ladder from the bilge of the ferryboat M/V QUINAULT with one hand. The load shifted. One foot slipped on a slick rung. His supervisor reached down and grabbed Greenwood by the overalls, jerking his neck, back and right shoulder.

Greenwood knew he had been hurt, but he had no idea how badly. He continued working for 21 months, as his pain grew worse. His schedule was difficult. He would work for seven days straight, 12-hour shifts, and then he would be off for seven days. During his off-time, he would "lay low" and try to feel well enough to endure the next seven-day shift.

In February of 1998, Greenwood was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, a debilitating pain syndrome for which there is currently no cure. Its onset is often associated with physical trauma, such as an auto or job site accident. Greenwood has been unable to do any kind of work, and is unlikely to do any type of work in the future. His earnings loss was proven to be $1.1 million, which the state did not dispute. His future medical expenses were proven to be in excess of $100,000.

Attorney Steve Krafchick, one of the country's leading experts in Fibromyalgia, feels the jury verdict was a just one. "This accident ruined Tracy Greenwood's life. He cannot work. He is in constant and severe pain, and will be for the rest of his life," Krafchick said. "I have had many clients with Fibromyalgia, and I feel for them. It's a debilitating syndrome. No amount of money can restore Tracy's good health, his independence and his dignity."

Fibromyalgia advocates view the verdict as historic. National Fibromyalgia Awareness Campaign founder Lynne Matallana, Orange County, expressed delight at the verdict. "This is an important victory in our efforts to help build credibility and awareness for this devastating illness."

Krafchick notes that "those who suffer with Fibromyalgia often are doubly victimized by disability insurance carriers or naysayers who want to believe that this excruciating pain is all in their heads."

Attorney Rob Kraft added, "In this case, the jury did the right thing. Their verdict reasonably and fairly compensates Tracy for the terrible injuries he suffered."

King County Superior Court Judge Sharon S. Armstrong presided over the three-week trial. Attempts to settle the case before trial failed. Before the trial began, the state offered Greenwood $92,500 to settle. His attorneys countered with a $725,000 settlement demand during the trial, and the State rejected that offer. The state has 30 days to file an appeal.